Question

The Would-Be Gentleman
by Olfson, Lewy

JOURDAIN: Does the aristocracy study music?

MUSIC MASTER: But of course, monsieur.

DANCING MASTER: Almost as avidly as they study dancing.

JOURDAIN: Then I will study music and dancing as well! But I don’t know where I’ll find the time. I’ve already a fencing master, and a speech teacher, and now I’ve taken on a teacher of philosophy.

1 of 4
Question
Use the passage to answer the question.

What theme of the play is developed by the details in this passage?

(1 point)
Responses

Learning does not always take place in a classroom.
Learning does not always take place in a classroom.

A quality education is worth all the money it may require.
A quality education is worth all the money it may require.

Vanity can lead to others taking advantage of you.
Vanity can lead to others taking advantage of you.

Music and dancing are more important than philosophy.

Answer 1

The theme of the play developed by the details in this passage is:

**Vanity can lead to others taking advantage of you.**

This is evident as Jourdain, in his pursuit to appear aristocratic and knowledgeable, is overwhelmed by the many subjects he wishes to study to fit into that image. His desire to learn music and dancing, on top of his existing studies, reflects his vanity and desire for social elevation, showcasing how it can lead to being taken advantage of by instructors in those fields.