The Miser

The chief of police arrives to investigate the crime scene. Harpagon tells him to arrest everyone as suspects, but the chief of police suggests they start by interrogating people closer to home. Master Jacques enters, calling out instructions to Valere about how to cook the pig for dinner. After a number of jokes and misunderstandings about the pig, the chief of police tells Master Jacques why he is there. He has been hired to investigate the robbery that has taken place, and if Master Jacques cooperates, his master will give him a reward. Master Jacques realizes he now has the perfect opportunity to get revenge on the flatterer, Valere. He says, “Sir, it causes me untold agony to say this, and I know how much more it will hurt you, but it was your steward who did this” (53). Harpagon is stunned, having believed Valere to be upright and loyal.

When Valere enters, Harpagon demands that he get on his knees and confess to his crimes. Valere is shocked, but then asks permission to tell his side of the story. He tells Harpagon that the treasure he loves has “not fallen into bad hands” (55), and that he is “of rank and status to take care of it providentially” (55).