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. 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 forcefully reject her opinion of the nobility to forcefully reject her opinion of the nobility to justify the money he has spent to become noble to justify the money he has spent to become noble to encourage her to actively join his cause

Answer 1

Jourdain uses words like "genteel society" and "dignity" in response to his wife to emphasize his commitment to joining the aristocracy. He believes that true respect and status only come from being part of the noble class, and his choice of words reflects his desire to convey the importance he places on this social aspiration.