EDF Flashcards
The fact that Molière also had a wife of a similar age to Agnès suggests…
That whilst we may be in denial about the absurdity of the desires of Arnolphe, we may too be guilty of a similar way of thinking
In scene 5 what does the exchange between Arnolphe and Agnès highlight?
The delay in her answering him shows that she has learnt only what he has hoped she would not learn.
What does the use of le… suggest?
By leaving the article alone we are forced to imagine what Horace could have taken and we are left equally in the dark as Arnolphe about the encounter. The effect of this is that we cannot simply define the secuality of Agnès in one word- it is simply impossible. Arnolphe is left a gasp and her reluctance to tell him only leaves him more infuriated.
What renders the play tragic?
The downfall of Arnolphe- not even the power he gains over many years can reverse the natural state of things
Arnolphe is selfish in his use of his two names- but why?
He wants to be able to control and see all. This does not work out well although for a slight moment it does- the representation of overriding power spoils his plan and reveals plans that have been made without Arnolphe being aware
What does the story mean to Oronte and Enrique?
Trying to protect Agnès from the clutches of evil
What does Arnolphe pride himself on?
The intellectual powers he possesses
Example of initial comedy?
comedy when Georgette and Alain fight to open the door for Horace- showing the initial power that he possesses
What is ironic about the meeting with Horace and Arnolphe when they talk about Ag?
At first Arn reacts well to the new that H is in love but soon after he claims it is a difficult pill to swallow when he realises it is Ag.
What is ironic about the name Arnolphe?
He is patron saint of cuckholded husbands
At the end of the meeting and act 1 what does Arn lament?
The encounter as whole saying he hates how H came rushing in yet it is clear that at first Arn engaged with him and in this sense he added to his own downfall. - this ties in with the idea that Arn causes presages his own downfall with his name ‘Arnolphe’- Arnolphe asks if Horace has had any luck in love
has it not already gone wrong for Arnolphe in act 1?
Yes he says ‘Je tremble du malheur qui m’en peut arriver’ - he is pessimistic yet tries to change things?
What does Horace say about money?
He labels it as the key to success- be it love or war. Perhaps he is drawing a parallel between the two.
How does Arnolphe explain his jealousy- but at the same time show his intelligence
compares it to when someone eats your soup- only when he compares it to this (something pathetic) does Georgette does she understand
When is the first time that that Arnolphe is not present in a scene? - what is the effect?
act 2.3 he returns later enraged and calls Ag to keep her close
How does Ag demonstrate her ignorance?
Upon returning from the encounter with Horace she explains how an old woman had to show her that by ignoring him she was naive and making him upset
