The Would-Be Gentleman 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. What inference can the reader make based on the diction in this passage? (1 point) Responses It suggests Madame Jourdain’s love for her husband while emphasizing his love of wealth and status. It suggests Madame Jourdain’s love for her husband while emphasizing his love of wealth and status. It reveals Madame Jourdain’s good sense of humor while underscoring her husband’s general foolishness. It reveals Madame Jourdain’s good sense of humor while underscoring her husband’s general foolishness. It reveals Madame Jourdain’s views of her husband while reinforcing his commitment to aristocratic behavior. It reveals Madame Jourdain’s views of her husband while reinforcing his commitment to aristocratic behavior. It suggests Madame Jourdain’s disdain for society while highlighting her husband’s role in the community.

Answer 1

The best inference that can be made based on the diction in this passage is:

It reveals Madame Jourdain’s views of her husband while reinforcing his commitment to aristocratic behavior.

This choice highlights Madame Jourdain's skepticism regarding her husband's aspirations and the contrast between his desire for social status and the reality of their situation. It captures the essence of the dialogue, where Madame Jourdain expresses disbelief in her husband’s pretensions to gentility, while he is firmly committed to pursuing a status he was not born into.