For this essay, you will apply Erving Goffman's Presentation of the Self to the sitcom The Office.
You will need to watch Season 1, Episode 1 "The Pilot" of the Office prior to writing this essay. You can
purchase it on Amazon, itunes, YouTube or watch it on Netflix (if you have a Netflix subscription).
Part One: Applying the Concepts to The Office
As you watch the video, jot notes to address the following questions. Try to identify as many specific
examples as you can.
Apply the concepts from the readings on Goffman to The Office (Season 1: Episode 1 Pilot). Provide a
definition of each concept that is italicized below and use detailed examples from the show to demonstrate
you understand the course material. Consider and address the following questions in your response:
How does Michael Scott engage in impression management with his employees and the audience? How
does Michael use frontstage behavior?
What seems to be the working consensus in the Office between employees?
How are Public Restrooms and backstage behavior similar to the “private” recordings in The Office (i.e.
when they are talking to us, the audience)?
How does Michael perform defensive practices and face-work?
What practices do other people engage in to preserve Michael’s desired impression of himself (i.e.
protective
practices)? What sign vehicles do they use? What do you think his employees really think of him? Base
your response on your observations of the signs “given” by employee and the signs “given off” by employees.
Part Two: Applying the Concepts to Your Life
Answer the following questions based on your observations of your life and the people around you.
Demonstrate that you understand what Goffman’s concepts mean by explaining each of the reading
concepts within your answers. Strive for the same level of specificity in your descriptions as we practiced in class while watching the Office.
Describe two distinct “parts” that you enact regularly. When do you enact them and who makes up your
audiences? How do aspects of your “front” (such as setting, manner, and appearance) change with your
performances within these routines?
Sample Solution