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.
Marriage is about always supporting your partner.
Marriage is about always supporting your partner.
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.
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1 answer
The theme being developed in this passage is:
Self-acceptance is necessary to achieve true happiness.
Monsieur Jourdain is attempting to change his identity and status to fit into a world that is not truly his, while Madame Jourdain emphasizes the importance of accepting his true identity as a merchant. The tension between aspiring to a different status and the need for self-acceptance is at the core of the dialogue.
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