Analysis of Moliere’s Would-Be Gentleman
Ismael Polanco
Analysis of Moliere’s Would-Be Gentleman
The idea of social status is one that assumes a pivotal role in Middle Age European culture. Social status was, in essence, a tool used by society to differentiate and label the population into their appropriate classes. Therefore, the elite would mingle with other members of their class, and the poor would associate themselves with other poor people. Social status had almost a sacred aura surrounding it. Obtainable only by rite of birth, it was not given out nor obtained overnight. Everyone respected the caste system and one’s position in it, and because of the respect for social status, the nobles received the respect of other noblemen, middle class merchants, peasants, and anyone else below them on the social ladder. Social status was a glue that held society together because it was an established hierarchy that people accepted as the social norm, preventing civil unrest. It was a social taboo to not pay homage to those higher up on the social ladder, and anyone who violated this social caste system would be severely punished. Therefore, a peasant could never disrespect someone with a higher social status than them, lest they suffer unfavorable consequences. In Moliere’s Would-Be Gentleman, social status assumes a prominent role in how society behaves. Monsieur Jourdain uses social status as a driving force that motivates him to better himself and move up the social ladder. In the case of Madame Jourdain, however, social status is a deterring force that turns her away from bettering herself socially, and instead encourages her to accept her place in society.
Monsieur Jourdain yearns to be recognized and accepted as a member of the elite class. Although he possesses wealth, his family was a member of the middle class, and, therefore, Monsieur Jourdain was born into the middle class. In an effort to be accepted as a member of the aristocracy, Monsieur Jourdain undertakes endeavors that society deems as
Analysis of Moliere’s Would-Be Gentleman
The idea of social status is one that assumes a pivotal role in Middle Age European culture. Social status was, in essence, a tool used by society to differentiate and label the population into their appropriate classes. Therefore, the elite would mingle with other members of their class, and the poor would associate themselves with other poor people. Social status had almost a sacred aura surrounding it. Obtainable only by rite of birth, it was not given out nor obtained overnight. Everyone respected the caste system and one’s position in it, and because of the respect for social status, the nobles received the respect of other noblemen, middle class merchants, peasants, and anyone else below them on the social ladder. Social status was a glue that held society together because it was an established hierarchy that people accepted as the social norm, preventing civil unrest. It was a social taboo to not pay homage to those higher up on the social ladder, and anyone who violated this social caste system would be severely punished. Therefore, a peasant could never disrespect someone with a higher social status than them, lest they suffer unfavorable consequences. In Moliere’s Would-Be Gentleman, social status assumes a prominent role in how society behaves. Monsieur Jourdain uses social status as a driving force that motivates him to better himself and move up the social ladder. In the case of Madame Jourdain, however, social status is a deterring force that turns her away from bettering herself socially, and instead encourages her to accept her place in society.
Monsieur Jourdain yearns to be recognized and accepted as a member of the elite class. Although he possesses wealth, his family was a member of the middle class, and, therefore, Monsieur Jourdain was born into the middle class. In an effort to be accepted as a member of the aristocracy, Monsieur Jourdain undertakes endeavors that society deems as
Bibliography: Moliere, Jean-Baptiste. The Misanthrope and Other Plays (Penguin Classics). New York: Penguin Classics, 2000.