Seeing in Tartuffe

When a character in the play Tartuffe talks about seeing, they aren't 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 won't 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, Orgon's 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. I'm far less awed; In fact I see right through him. He's a fraud.

Page 321 is a conversation between Cleante and Orgon in which Cleante accuses Orgon of defending Tartuffe and saying that anyone who disagrees is in want of reverence. Which I believe means that he thinks that the accusers think that they are better than Tartuffe.

Are you so dazed by this man's hocus-pocus That all the world, save him is out of focus?...

Being blind you'd 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 Tartuffe's facade is nearly ruined when he doesn't realize Damis is hiding in the closet while he is confessing his love for Elmire. But lucky for Tartuffe, Orgon doesn't believe Damis and instead of just yelling at him, Orgon revokes Damis' birthright and gives it to Tartuffe. Orgon doesn't find out about Tartuffe's intentions until he hides himself listen in on the conversation between Tartuffe and Elmire. Later, when Madame Pernelle returns, Orgon tries to tell her about Tartuffe but she won't believe it.

You're Talking nonsense. Can't you realize I saw it; saw it; saw it with my eyes? Saw it do you understand me?

Must I shout it into your ears before you'll understand

...