The Would-Be Gentleman

Question

by Olfson, Lewy

MADAME JOURDAIN: Monsieur Jourdain, my husband, you’re a fool! Dressing up as though you’re on your way to a fancy ball! Hiring language teachers, and dancing teachers, and fencing teachers, and music teachers!
The next thing I know, you’ll be paying somebody to teach you to breathe! And all because you think you can turn yourself into an aristocrat. Why don’t you face the fact that you’re a merchant, always have been a merchant, and always will be? You, a gentleman? Ha!

JOURDAIN: My dear wife, I don’t see what the fuss is about, just because I respect quality. There is nothing to compare with genteel society. There’s no true dignity except among the nobility. I would give my right arm to have been born a count or marquis. But since I wasn’t, I’m going to buy my way in!

The Would-Be Gentleman, by Moliere, adapted by Lewy Olfson © This play is reprinted from Plays, The Drama Magazine for Young People with the permission of the publisher Plays/Sterling Partners Inc. 897 Washington Street #600160, Newton, MA 02460

Question
Use the passage to answer the question.

What theme is being developed in this passage?

(1 point)
Responses

Self-acceptance is necessary to achieve true happiness.
Self-acceptance is necessary to achieve true happiness.

A quality education is a necessary part of life.
A quality education is a necessary part of life.

True love is based on true friendship.
True love is based on true friendship.

Marriage is about always supporting your partner.

Answer 1

The theme being developed in this passage is:

Self-acceptance is necessary to achieve true happiness.

In the dialogue, Madame Jourdain highlights the futility of her husband's efforts to change his identity from a merchant to an aristocrat, suggesting that true happiness comes from accepting who you are rather than trying to purchase a different status.