"The Shopkeeper Turned Gentleman" by Molière is a funny play from the 1600's, which tells the story of Monsieur Jourdain, a rich store owner who really wants to be seen as upper class. He tries hard to act like a fancy nobleman, but ends up looking ridiculous and becomes the joke of the town. As the play begins, we meet Mr. Jourdain, busily taking lessons in music, dance, and sword fighting, showing how desperate he is to be a gentleman. The teachers talk about how he doesn't really understand art but is happy to pay for it. Jourdain is excited to show off to guests, but he doesn't realize his attempts to impress them are silly. This sets up the funny situations and social observations that follow, making fun of people who try too hard to be something they're not, and the silly ways people judge each other based on class.
The Shopkeeper Turned Gentleman
By Molière
A rich man's desperate pursuit of nobility leads him down a path of laughable blunders, revealing the foolishness of social climbing.
Summary
About the AuthorJean-Baptiste Poquelin, known by his stage name Molière, was a French playwright, actor, and poet, widely regarded as one of the great writers in the French language and world literature. His extant works include comedies, farces, tragicomedies, comédie-ballets, and more. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed at the Comédie-Française more often than those of any other playwright today. His influence is such that the French language is often referred to as the "language of Molière".
Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, known by his stage name Molière, was a French playwright, actor, and poet, widely regarded as one of the great writers in the French language and world literature. His extant works include comedies, farces, tragicomedies, comédie-ballets, and more. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed at the Comédie-Française more often than those of any other playwright today. His influence is such that the French language is often referred to as the "language of Molière".
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