1. Understanding Absolutism Extra-Credit Opportunity: last week
You may choose 1 of the following 3 options. Note that option #3 has two choices.
Option 1-Expositiory essay
Option 2-Creative Instructions
Option 3-Expressive Performance (requires advance sign up by 5/21)
All work must be completed by 5/27 observing the parameters outlined.

2. Option 1-Essay: due Thurs. 5/27
In a brief essay, analyze how these two absolutist monarchs used art to enhance state power. me your answer by Thursday 5/27.
Rumor has it that Louis XIV was very taken with Anthony van Dyck’s portrait of Charles I.
Although the French king had no intention of allowing history to repeat itself (like, you know, getting beheaded) he nevertheless recommended as a model this portrait to his own painter, Hyacinthe Rigaud.
What do these portraits, together, suggest about how these monarchs viewed themselves and their role?
How might one argue that, based on the visual evidence, Louis sought, with his own portrait, to enhance the image (and therefore power) of the absolute monarch?
Consider:
Renaissance views of the ideal man and the successful prince.
What is the setting of each portrait?
How are the monarchs standing, dressed? What about expressions? How does Louis seek to improve on Charles’ example.
What, if any, personality is revealed?
2 Portraits: 2 Absolute Monarchs – You be the judge! (Instructions in Notes View)

3. Option 2-Instructions (due: 5/27)
Both Louis XIV and Frederick the Great wrote instructions for training their sons to rule. With your knowledge of the requirements for a successful absolutist state and your knowledge of the events of the period, imagine that you are one of the following monarchs. Draw up a list of “dos and don’ts” for your successor. Be sure to capture the beliefs of your monarch and the specific challenges of his time and place. You are:
Phillip II
James I
Frederick the Great
Peter the Great
PS: Use your imagination, albeit in a historically authentic manner!

4. Option 3-Performance In-Class Activity: Wed./Thurs., May 27/8*
Staging Absolutism
Option 3-Performance In-Class Activity: Wed./Thurs., May 27/8*
Some historians have studied the manner in which Louis IV exercised his power: Like other absolute monarchs, he sought to curb the power and influence of his nobles; Versailles played an important role. Louis’ court was the epicenter of all seeming power, influence, “cool and chic.” But residents, visitors and Louis himself were subject to an elaborate code of behavior and daily ritual. Indeed, Versailles was like a stage set and all present served as the actors following an elaborate script.
Louis, the ultimate patron of the arts, provided entertainment of all sorts, and nothing was more successful than comedies and satires mocking human foibles and pretensions.
Choose either choice 1 or 2 and be prepared to entertain your classmates à la Versailles!
*For planning purposes, you must sign up by Friday, May 21

5. Staging Absolutism à la Versailles
Both options require an expressive performance
All Students: With your partner, recreate the scene from Moliere’s Would be Gentleman. (Slide 6) You will be graded on (a) Your individual, written paragraph answer to Question #3 and (b) your skill in making us all understand what Moliere was mocking.
French Students Only: You and your partner are to divide in two equal parts La Fontaine’s fable: Le corbeau et le renard. (For materials needed, follow links on Slide 7) You will be graded on (a) memorization and performance of the fable in French. (b) an explanation in English of what it is saying and what human foible is being mocked. Why would that foible be particularly funny at Versailles?

7. Le corbeau et le renard de la Fontaine
Amusez-vous!