Seeing in Tartuffe
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When a character in the play Tartuffe talks about seeing, they arent talking about actually seeing, but understanding or believing. The problem in the story concerned with not seeing, which is what starts this sequence of events.
Orgon refuses to see the fact that Tartuffe is a hypocrite and wont believe it until he sees it with his own eyes near the end of the play. To see how dedicated to Orgon is to Tartuffe, just look at page 319. When Dorine is telling him about the sickness his wife had, Orgons only concern is Tartuffe, who was doing very well.
The first mention of seeing is on page 315, everyone except Madame Pernelle realizes that Tartuffe is a hypocrite. Even though Mariane, Elmire, Cleante, and Damis tell her that he is a fraud, Pernelle defends Tartuffe and criticises them.
You see him as a saint. Im far less awed; In fact I see right through him. Hes a fraud.
Are you so dazed by this mans hocus-pocus That all the world, save him is out of focus?
Being blind youd have all others blind as well… And he who sees through humbug and pretence Is
charged, by you, of want of reverence
Scene 3 beginning
on page 336 Tartuffes facade is nearly