Understanding Tartuffe and The Enlightenment
Group And Discussion Questions
Dramatic Elements: Analyzing Plot, Character, Setting
1) In the simplest terms, what is the major plot conflict that must be solved before the end of the play? (hint: All comedies end in marriage. Tartuffe is a comedy.)
2) How are the battle-lines drawn in this conflict:
Which specific characters on which side of the conflict?
What motivates the characters in the conflict, both in terms of material, ideological and personal interest?
Who and/or what is responsible for the conflict or problem?
Who and/or what is responsible for resolving the conflict; what is the nature of the solution?
3) Where and when does the work (the play) take place; how is setting relevant to the plot and/or certain characters?
Analyzing Representative Larger Themes: Analyzing Symbol to Reveal Meaning and Historical Significance
4) In what ways is the major plot conflict representative or larger historical themes relevant to the play's socio-historical context: what events and conflicts in the play symbolize the broader historical events and conflicts we've discussed in class?
5) What specific elements of the plot represent or symbolize relevant social perspectives, movements, ideologies etc. that we've discussed in class?
6) How do specific characters represent or symbolize relevant social roles (class, gender, status etc.) social perspectives, movements, ideologies etc.?
7) What is the rhetorical position of the play in relation to these characters; how does the play advance the position that certain characters are a part of the problem and others a part of the solution? Point to specific passages/quotes.
8) What is the rhetorical position of the play to the overall, thematic conflict; that is, what does the play argue is the nature or root cause(s) of the conflict, and what are the right, just changes that must take place in order to solve that conflict? Which characters speak/voice/represent these right, good, just answers, and how are these characters' social position relevant to Enlightenment Values?