These two short scenes serve mainly to establish the influence which Tartuffe has over Orgon and to push the plot forward by introducing the matter of the wedding.
In Dorine's analysis of the influence which Tartuffe has over Orgon, we see again that she is the shrewd, practical realist who sees directly into the fundamental principles of things. Her explanation of Tartuffe's effect allows the reader to side with Dorine and, when Orgon appears on the stage, we are then prepared for Dorine's interpretation of her master. In other words, Molière is making certain that we have the right perspective.
In characterizing the influence which Tartuffe has over Orgon, Dorine says that Orgon loves Tartuffe better than "mother, child, or wife." This statement will appear several more times in the play, and in its purest sense characterizes the religious man who will give up all earthly ties in order to follow a saintly life. At this point, the idea is not fully developed; it will be later on. At present, it is enough to note that the idea surely applies to Orgon, because in the next scenes, he shows no concern for the wishes of his own daughter.
In a sense the only plot element in the play is the question of whether or not Mariane will be allowed to marry Valère. It is typical in Molière that the actual plot of the drama is considerably less important than his intent to satirize certain types of individuals. Consequently, the plot, for what it is, is not established until the third scene when Damis asks Cléante to inquire about the forthcoming wedding between his sister and Valère.
