The Would-Be Gentleman

Question

by Olfson, Lewy

MADAME JOURDAIN: . . .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 excerpt from “The Would-Be Gentleman” to answer the question.

Why does Jourdain use words like genteel society and dignity when responding to his wife?

(1 point)
Responses

to emphasize his commitment to joining the aristocracy
to emphasize his commitment to joining the aristocracy

to justify the money he has spent to become noble
to justify the money he has spent to become noble

to forcefully reject her opinion of the nobility
to forcefully reject her opinion of the nobility

to encourage her to actively join his cause

Answer 1

Jourdain uses words like genteel society and dignity when responding to his wife to emphasize his commitment to joining the aristocracy.