Tartuffe by Moliere

Lesson 1 (Act I Scene 1 &2)

Aim: What  cultural background is revealed in the opening scenes? What is the subject of the dialogue among Madame Pernell, Damis, Elmire and Dorine?

Do Now: Words to Know-

• despotic, sanctimonious, minion, asinine, prate, reprove, homiletics

• Who is Moliere? Read the article about the playwright and make a list of things you know about him including his brief bio and major literary works.

Procedure:

1. What impression do we have of each character who appeared in scene 1 &2?

2. How would you describe their differences in opinions about various things?

3. How do the characters differ in their opinions about Tartuffe? Quote the original speeches from the scenes to support your statement.

4. What do readers know at the end of scene 1 & 2 about the play's characters, conflicts, theme, mood, etc?

HW. Write a lit log based on the two scenes. Your lit log should include the following-

Paragraph 1

• Descriptions of main characters, events, setting

Paragraph 2

• Your personal comments on the characters or events.

Lesson 2 (Act I, Scenes 3, 4, & 5 )

Aim: How does Moliere create dramatic comic effect in these three scenes?

Do Now: In your journal, describe reasons and state of mind of those who worship other people.

Procedure:

1. How is Tartuffe described in these scenes through other characters' comments?

2. What do two opposing opinions about Tartuffe imply what is happening in the society?

3. What's the essence of

   • Renaissance?

   • History of Renaissance?

4. What is the essence of Enlightenment Movement?

5. Read the two articles and take note. Jot down notes on "What signifies Renaissance Movement" and "What signifies Enlightenment"?

6. What ideology is represented in the play Tartuffe?

HW: Compare the ideology represented by Renaissance and Enlightenment and describe in what ways they differ.

Lesson 3 Act II

Aim: How did Orgon force his daughter Mariane to break her vow to Valere and marry Tartuffe instead? How did Mariane react to the sudden news and how did she break the news to her fiance, Valere?

Do Now: Do online research on the cultural background of 18th century family values. What were children expected to behave toward their parents?

Procedure:

1. Read the scene out loud in class.

2. Describe the king of character Dorine is. How different is she from her mistress Mariane?

3. Describe Mariane. Does her character represent the social conventions of her time? Explain.

4. How do Mariane and Valere both  hide their true feelings for each other , instead their denounce each other?

5. When Valere  claimed that "... I have hopes of finding someone kinder,/And I know one who'll think it no disgrace/To compensate my loss and take your place...", does he express something universal of that time when a man gets rejected? How would we treat his remarks today?

Homework:

• Explain the messages that are implied in Dorine's speech on page 259. What social customs are revealed in her remark?

• Write a separate paragraph to describe each character based on Act I & II- Dorin, Marian, Orgon and Valere.

Lesson 4 Act III

Aim: How does Tartuffe reveal himself as such a hypocrite, the absolute opposite image created by Orgon?

Do Now: Describe a person whom you consider a hypocrite. What did he do or say that made you categorize him/her as a hypocrite.

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