When Madame Pernelle leaves, Cléante refuses to see her to the door because he has heard enough of her foolish prattle. He cannot understand how Tartuffe has so totally deceived her, but then Dorine points out that her master, Orgon, is even more deceived: One would actually have to see for himself in order to believe what great folly Orgon has fallen into. She explains the many ways in which Tartuffe has already duped Orgon and the many tedious sermons that they all have to listen to constantly.
Elmire returns and tells Cléante that, because her husband is coming, she feels the need of a rest before seeing him. Damis requests Cléante to question Orgon about Mariane's wedding because if Mariane is not allowed to marry Valère, Damis would not be received as a suitor for Valère's sister.
