Homework for 2/27

Read Racine's Phaedra and Swift's "Modest Proposal."

Do the following Starter Paper:

Phaedra Starter Question

Racine’s Phaedra explores passion (emotion or irrationality) and logic (reason) in a very different way from Moliere’s Tartuffe. Its tragic approach leaves us with burning questions and troubling statements. Consider one of these ideas in a one page response:

Passion’s boundaries. What does the play say about the limits of passion?

Rationality. How effective is rationality in decision making?

Father and Son relationship. How do the achievements of a father weigh on a son?

Step Families. What does the play imply about step family structure?

Royalty and governmental power. How is power controlled in a monarchy?

Make sure you select only one theme. Double space and type your paper.

First Short Paper Assignment--Tartuffe

Starter Question for Tartuffe

“I wonder if it is not better to try to correct and moderate men’s passions than to try to suppress them altogether.”

—Jean-Baptiste Moliere

Consider the play Tartuffe in light of this quotation. In what ways does the play, display a need for moderation of emotions and even logic? Which characters seem to need moderation and which seem “balanced” in terms of their passions?

Write a single page, double spaced, typed response. Provide some examples from the play—get specific and demonstrate a character’s need for moderation.