Tartuffe by Moliere, Questionnaire Example

1- In one paragraph, summarize thoroughly the major points made in about Tartuffe in the critical essay by David Partikian you read.

Moliere’s story on Orgon’s life as portrayed in Tartuffle depicted so much closeness to the actual situations happening in France during the 1600’s when the kings were recognized to be strongly connected to God and being gods on earth themselves. Instigating the idea of “hypocrisy” behind the grandeur of being a royalty, Moliere’s presentation of the French life was destined to impose certain insults on certain people in the society. Pertaining to the connection of the state and religion, this story hoped to expose the supposed imbalances that occur between the two primary systems of control in the society that at some point is being abused by those who are give the power to take position. Because of the offences that it presented to the religious groups and some members of the royal families, the story has been banned.

Nevertheless, Moliere’s presentation of the truth has been hailed relatively functional by several researchers who saw his work’s worth in the path of defining the real history that bounded France for many years. The hypocritical presentation of the events in the story made it simply realistic and reliable especially in defining the history behind this strong and wealthy country.

2- Using the three articles, “Life in France,” “Comic Structure and Content” and “Moliere’s Theatre,” identify and discuss the various cultural and artistic influences present in Moliere’s Theatre. Write two paragraphs that pull together and state what these major influences are.

Jean-Baptiste Poquelin or more likely known as Moliere is a famous French theatre playwright who made a great name in the industry during the 1600’s. There had been several times when his name has been dragged into controversies due to his works and the implicative messages they present to the public. His satirical presentations of the French life in the 1600’s garnered adoration from most of this audiences in the public, however has also incurred accusations of being too offensive especially to certain groups in the society observed as members of the higher hierarchy of social control.

Truth defies entertainment; this is an aspect of artistic presentation of entertainment that Moliere specifically followed and was well recognized for during his time. For many years of the productions of the early French theatres, Moliere’s bold approach in representing the truth through his work in a way of entertaining and informing the public was rather a new approach considered during the time. This particular influence has been carried on through the years and has been recognized as a distinctive culture of the French theatre ever since.