The Would-Be Gentleman

Question

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.

MUSIC MASTER: Well, there is something in philosophy, but music, sir, music—

DANCING MASTER: And dancing, music and dancing! What else does one need?

JOURDAIN: You have convinced me! If people of quality do it, so shall I!

MUSIC MASTER: Wonderful! And now today’s lesson is over, as the hour is up.

DANCING MASTER: If you will be so good as to pay us, monsieur, we shall be on our way.

JOURDAIN: Oh, certainly, certainly. Here is your money.

MUSIC MASTER: Thank you, sir. If only all my students were as quick to learn their music as you have been today.

DANCING MASTER: Never have I had a more apt ballet pupil than you!

JOURDAIN (Pleased): Really? How nice! Now, be sure to come back tomorrow, and we shall have another lesson.

DANCING MASTER and MUSIC MASTER: Goodbye, Monsieur Jourdain.

MUSIC: Happy theme, in and under.

NARRATOR: As you can see, Monsieur Jourdain is getting his money’s worth from his tutors, for though he may not be learning much, they praise and flatter him so that he is glad to pay their fees. But here comes the philosophy teacher. Let’s hear how his lesson goes.


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

(1 point)
Responses

Music and dancing are more important than philosophy.
Music and dancing are more important than philosophy.

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.

Learning does not always take place in a classroom.
Learning does not always take place in a classroom.
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Answer 1

The details in the passage primarily develop the theme that vanity can lead to others taking advantage of you. Monsieur Jourdain is portrayed as eager to learn and impress others in the aristocracy; however, his desire for social status leads him to engage tutors who flatter him rather than genuinely educate him. This dynamic illustrates how his vanity and desire to appear cultured make him susceptible to manipulation by those seeking financial gain.