When Orgon arrives from the country, he immediately inquires about his household. But he ignores Dorine's report of his wife's indisposition and, instead, inquires about the health of Tartuffe. Each time he shows concern for Tartuffe, Dorine tells him more bad news about his wife. Totally unresponsive to his wife's problems, Orgon continually feels sorrow for Tartuffe, who has fared well in his host's absence.
After Dorine leaves, Cléante tries to get Orgon to be more reasonable. Orgon, however, will hear no criticism against Tartuffe and characterizes him as an excellent man. Orgon describes some of the pious things which have endeared Tartuffe to him and, when Cléante tries to point out that some of these acts are obviously false piety, Orgon accuses Cléante of being too much a part of the current rage against true piety. Cléante points out that good deeds characterize a religious man, not loud protestations of devotion.
Orgon listens to Cléante, but ignores every word and is about to leave when Cléante detains him to ask about the forthcoming wedding between Mariane and Valère. He points out that Orgon has already given his word of honor that the marriage will take place. Orgon, rather than answering Cléante directly, maintains that he will be guided by the will of heaven in this and all other undertakings. Cléante senses that something is going wrong and plans to warn Valère.
