The Middle-Class Gentleman by Molière. Summary of the book.

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The Middle-Class Gentleman by Molière

The Middle-Class Gentleman is a comedy play written by the French playwright Molière in the 17th century. It is a classic example of the comedy of manners, which was popular during the time. The play follows the story of Jourdain, a middle-class merchant who wants to become a gentleman, and the ridiculous lengths he goes to in order to achieve his goal. The play is still popular today and has been adapted for the stage, film and television.

The Plot

The Middle-Class Gentleman follows the story of Jourdain, a middle-class merchant who desperately wants to be a gentleman. He is so determined to achieve this goal that he is willing to spend a lot of money in order to do so. He spends money on a music tutor, fencing lessons, and a dancing master in order to learn the skills of a gentleman. He also begins to wear clothing that is more fitting for a gentleman, and even changes his name to Monsieur Jourdain.

Despite all his efforts, Jourdain is still not accepted by the upper-class society. He is laughed at and ridiculed for his attempts at being a gentleman. He eventually meets a woman, Dorimène, who is from a higher social class than him. He falls in love with her and tries to win her heart by showing off his newly acquired gentlemanly skills.

The play ends with Jourdain realizing that he was wrong to try to be something he is not and that he should be proud of who he is. He learns the valuable lesson that money and social status do not make someone a gentleman, but rather it is the qualities of character and behavior that do.

The Teachings

At its core, The Middle-Class Gentleman is a play about social class and the power of money. It teaches us that money and social status do not make someone a gentleman, but rather it is the qualities of character and behavior that do. It also teaches us not to be ashamed of who we are and to be proud of our own accomplishments. The play is still relevant today and its message remains an important one.

Interesting Facts

  • The play was originally written in French and first performed in 1670.
  • The play has been adapted for the stage, film, and television many times since its original performance.
  • The play has been translated into many languages, including English, Spanish, German, and Italian.
  • The play is still very popular today and is often performed in modern adaptations.

FAQs

  • What is The Middle-Class Gentleman about?

    The Middle-Class Gentleman is a comedy play written by Molière in the 17th century. It follows the story of Jourdain, a middle-class merchant who desperately wants to be a gentleman. He is so determined to achieve this goal that he is willing to spend a lot of money in order to do so. He learns the valuable lesson that money and social status do not make someone a gentleman, but rather it is the qualities of character and behavior that do.

  • Who wrote The Middle-Class Gentleman?

    The Middle-Class Gentleman was written by the French playwright Molière in the 17th century.

  • Is The Middle-Class Gentleman still popular today?

    Yes, The Middle-Class Gentleman is still very popular today and is often performed in modern adaptations.

  • What is the main message of The Middle-Class Gentleman?

    The main message of The Middle-Class Gentleman is that money and social status do not make someone a gentleman, but rather it is the qualities of character and behavior that do.

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