The Would-Be Gentleman

Question

by Olfson, Lewy

PHILOSOPHY TEACHER: But it must be in one or the other. Whatever isn’t prose is verse, and whatever isn’t verse is prose!

JOURDAIN: And talking, such as I am doing now: which is that?

PHILOSOPHY TEACHER: That is prose. JOURDAIN: You mean to say that when I tell my servant, “Get me my slippers,” or I say to my wife, “You are an old nag!” that is prose?

PHILOSOPHY TEACHER: Certainly, sir!

JOURDAIN: Well, my goodness! Here I’ve been talking prose for forty years and never known it, and grateful I am that you’ve told me.

PHILOSOPHY TEACHER: You are a very quick student, Monsieur. That’s all for today’s lesson. If you will pay me my fee, I shall come again tomorrow.

JOURDAIN: Certainly. Here you are.

PHILOSOPHY TEACHER: Thank you, kind gentleman.

JOURDAIN: Eh? What did you call me?

PHILOSOPHY TEACHER: Kind gentleman.

JOURDAIN: Well, thank you! How fancy, “kind gentleman!” Here’s an extra gold piece for your “kind gentleman.”

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.

How does this passage develop the topic of Jourdain’s foolishness?

(1 point)
Responses

by showing how willing Jourdain is to pay the teacher for flattery rather than true learning
by showing how willing Jourdain is to pay the teacher for flattery rather than true learning

by emphasizing the Philosophy Teacher’s lack of a quality education
by emphasizing the Philosophy Teacher’s lack of a quality education

by revealing that Jourdain knew what prose was without realizing it
by revealing that Jourdain knew what prose was without realizing it

by having the Philosophy Teacher explain the difference between poetry and prose
by having the Philosophy Teacher explain the difference between poetry and prose

Answer 1

The passage develops the topic of Jourdain’s foolishness by showing how willing Jourdain is to pay the teacher for flattery rather than true learning. His eagerness to accept the title of "kind gentleman" and to offer an extra gold piece for this flattery highlights his desire for superficial validation rather than a deep understanding of the concepts being taught. This behavior underscores his lack of self-awareness and his inclination to seek approval, showcasing his foolishness.