VALÈRE: I’ve just had some news, Madame, that I did not know and that must surely be good.
MARIANE: What is that?
VALÈRE: That you are to marry Tartuffe.
MARIANE: Well, my father certainly has this plan in mind.
VALÈRE: Your father, Madame . . .
Valère and Mariane's Lovers' Quarrel — Tartuffe
Valère and Mariane engage in a stubborn and prideful argument after hearing that Mariane's father intends for her to marry the hypocrite Tartuffe. Their maid, Dorine, must intervene to stop their mutual posturing and force them to reconcile so they can plot to stop the wedding. The scene highlights the comedic absurdity of young love and the necessity of practical action over emotional drama.
Format: Scene · Genre: Comedy · Source: Tartuffe · Author: Molière · Characters: Valère, Mariane, Dorine
About This Scene
This engaging comedic scene, "Valère and Mariane's Lovers' Quarrel," is drawn from Molière's classic play, Tartuffe. It brilliantly captures the stubborn pride and misunderstanding between young lovers, Valère and Mariane, as they grapple with the sudden news of Mariane's impending arranged marriage to Tartuffe. Their maid, Dorine, acts as a crucial intercessor, ultimately pushing the self-absorbed pair towards reconciliation and practical action.
Character Analysis
Valère and Mariane are characterized by their youthful impetuousness, romantic idealism, and a certain degree of theatricality common in classical comedy. Valère is the quintessential romantic lead, deeply in love but prone to pride and dramatic feigned indifference when hurt. Mariane, the ingenue, mirrors his stubbornness, using passive-aggressive agreement as a weapon while secretly desperate to avoid the arranged marriage. Dorine, the quick-witted maid, embodies the grounded, pragmatic character actor, serving as the voice of reason and the catalyst for progress with her direct and humorous interventions.
Why This Works for Auditions
This scene is an excellent audition piece due to its dynamic interplay between three distinct characters and its clear comedic arc. It allows actors to showcase a range of emotions—from frustrated anger and wounded pride to budding reconciliation—within a relatively short timeframe. The witty banter and escalating misunderstandings provide ample opportunity for strong comedic timing and vocal dexterity, making it particularly effective for capturing attention.
Best Suited For
This scene is ideally suited for actors in their teens or twenties looking for material that highlights both romantic and comedic abilities. It is perfect for those aiming for roles such as romantic leads, ingenues, or character actors specializing in charming and comedic types. Its classical origins and sharp dialogue make it a strong choice for drama school auditions, agent showcases, or general practice to refine classical performance skills.
Performance Tips
When tackling this scene, focus on the subtext of each character's lines; Valère and Mariane's words often contradict their true feelings, driven by pride and hurt. For Valère and Mariane, lean into the "lovers' quarrel" aspect by emphasizing their dramatic posturing and the absurdity of their stubbornness in the face of genuine affection. For Dorine, ensure your performance is grounded and direct, cutting through their emotional drama with practical and humorous interjections, allowing her to drive the scene forward.