Act 5 Summary

Orgon explains to Cléante the contents of the casket that he entrusted to Tartuffe. Argas, a friend of Orgon's, entrusted him with certain documents when he fled the country. It is vital that these documents remain secret, and Tartuffe convinced Orgon that his conscience would be clearer if Tartuffe took possession of them. Cléante understands that Tartuffe has much power over Orgon now, both monetarily and with the possession of this guarded secret. Cléante asks Orgon how he could provoke Tartuffe, knowing how much is at stake and suggests that Orgon should not have angered Tartuffe with so much that could be used against him.

Orgon fails to see the wisdom of Cléante's advice and continues to show his anger. Orgon immediately decides that he will no longer trust pious or godly men. Cléante points out that Orgon...