English 8
Ms. Sottile
LMGHS
J. Zaza, Principal
Tartuffe Presentation
Your group is responsible for creating a presentation about a section of the play Tartuffe. In this presentation you
will address and discuss the literary and comedic aspects of the play and perform a scene from the play that
illustrates comedic technique.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Provide a brief synopsis of what occurs in the scene you present and an explanation of where the action is
according to Freytag’s pyramid.
Provide an analysis of characterization, conflict, theme, setting as appropriate and an analysis of as many
conventions of comedy as are present in the scene. (verbal or dramatic irony, exaggeration, reversal,
slapstick, hyperbole, incongruence, repetition, etc.) Refer to at least two scholarly opinions.
Research and present information about 17th century cultural practices related to food, entertainment, law,
religion, gender roles, fashion, marriage traditions, Moliere, the theatre, the monarchy to enrich the
understanding of the scene you present.
Answer the aim you have been assigned. Be specific.
Present a dramatization of a portion of the scene to demonstrate at least two of the conventions of comedy
you have discussed. The dramatization should utilize costume, props, etc. and should be blocked in a
manner that works to highlight the comedic aspects of the text. You may feel free to come in F band or
after school and rehearse. Rehearsal is important to examine the language, work with the timing and
staging of the comedic aspects.
Provide a brief creative writing, speaking or sharing activity for the class that reinforces concepts you
address in the presentation.
Provide a works cited page, MLA style.
15-20 minutes maximum.
**You may use a power point presentation.
Act II
AIM: How do the various conflicts in Act II propel the action into farce? (Sc. 1 & 2)
AIM: What effect does the contrast between the characterizations of Dorine & Mariane have on the play? (Sc. 3
&4)
Act III
AIM: How does Tartuffe’s appearance affect the action of the play and make clear Moliere’s theme? (Sc. 1-3)
AIM: How has Tartuffe’s appearance fulfilled audience expectations? (Sc 4-7)
Act IV
AIM: How is Elmire able to unmask Tartuffe’s hypocrisy? (Sc 1-4)
AIM: How is Moliere’s portrait of a 17th century villain still relevant for the 21st century? (Sc. 5-8)
Act V
AIM: How is Orgon forced to see the truth about himself and Tartuffe? (Sc 1-3)
AIM: How does Moliere’s resolution of the conflicts by the “moral authority” not tolerating injustice in the
kingdom, calm the objections of those who criticized his first two versions of Tartuffe? (Sc 4-8)
**deux es machine** believe it?