At this point in the play Tartuffe is trying to make people think he's something that he is not. He goes and says that he shall pray on the behalf of others that are not as well off and that he will go to the prison and give the poor his last few coins. Tartuffe is talking with Dorine; it almost seems like he is trying to win everyone over so he can control them easier. Dorine does not see this behavior normal for him and doubts what he says. " Dear god, what affectation! What a fake!" (Wilbur, 82). She can see right through him and does not think twice about what he says. The theme of the hypocrite is intertwined throughout the play. Moliere will use this also to bring fourth comical scenes as to tie into one. .
Tartuffe also is going behind Orgon's back in trying to gain his wife's love. Tartuffe tells Elmire that his love for her won't hide any longer. Tartuffe confesses his feelings to her. "I too am glad; it floods my heart with bliss to find myself alone with you like this, for just this chance I've prayed with all my power, but prayed in vain, until this happy hour" (Wilbur, 87). Of all of the foolish things Tartuffe has done so far, this is the turning point where Elmire and everyone else finds out about his tricks. With out hesitating and not considering at all that Orgon brought him into the family and is giving to him his daughter, Mariane, and also his assets after the marriage is pretty sinful for the "religious" man that he is. " Indeed, there's nothing I had rather do than bare my inmost heart and soul to you. First, let me say that what remarks I've made about the constant visits you are paid were prompted not by any mean emotion, but rather by a pure and deep devotion" (Wilbur,87). The wife finally understands his plot and tells him that she is not interested but give him an ultimatum. She will not inform her husband about this situation unless he leaves and does not marry her daughter.