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The Middle-Class Gentleman

Written by Molière

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Comedy playsFranceFrench dramaMiddle class

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About this book

"The Middle-Class Gentleman" by Molière is a comedic play written during the late 17th century. The story revolves around Monsieur Jourdain, a wealthy bourgeois who aspires to rise in social status and become a gentleman. Molière humorously critiques the pretensions of the middle class as they seek to imitate the nobility, highlighting the absurdities of social climbing. The beginning of the play introduces Monsieur Jourdain as he engages in preparations for a lavish entertainment, including hiring masters for music, dance, and fencing. His enthusiasm for blending in with the aristocracy is palpable, yet his lack of understanding and taste leads to comical situations. As he dons his new court attire, he seeks validation from his masters, who exploit his naivety for profit. The dynamic between Jourdain, his critical wife Madame Jourdain, and the various masters sets the stage for a satire of class and ambition, establishing both humor and social commentary early on.

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Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Middle-Class Gentleman, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • humorous
  • satirical
  • witty

Molière's "The Middle-Class Gentleman" is a brilliant 17th-century comedic play that satirizes the social pretensions of the burgeoning bourgeoisie. Monsieur Jourdain, a wealthy commoner, harbors an absurd ambition to join the aristocracy, leading him to engage a series of masters for lessons in gentlemanly pursuits, all while neglecting his family and responsibilities. The play expertly critiques the superficiality of social climbing and the exploitation of the naive, as Jourdain becomes a pawn in the schemes of opportunistic nobles and cunning servants. Through farcical situations and witty dialogue, Molière exposes the folly of those who prioritize outward appearance and inherited status over genuine merit and common sense. Ultimately, Jourdain's delusion culminates in a grand, mock-Turkish ceremony designed to facilitate a desirable marriage for his daughter, highlighting the play's enduring commentary on class, ambition, and human folly.

“I have a rage for being a gentleman.”

Key themes

Social Climbing and Pretension
This is the central theme, epitomized by Monsieur Jourdain's desperate and misguided attempts to elevate his social status. Molière satirizes the bourgeois ambition to imitate the nobility, highlighting the absurdity of valuing superficial titles and manners over genuine character and understanding.
Appearance vs. Reality
The play constantly contrasts outward show with inner substance. Jourdain is fixated on appearing to be a gentleman (through clothes, lessons, titles) but lacks any genuine understanding of what true nobility or refinement entails. The clever servants and pragmatic wife see through these pretenses.
Class Satire and Exploitation
The play critiques the social hierarchy of Molière's time, not just the bourgeois, but also the impoverished nobility who prey on the naive wealthy commoners. Dorante and Dorimène exemplify this exploitation, using Jourdain's money and ambition for their own benefit.

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To what extent is Monsieur Jourdain a sympathetic character, despite his foolishness?

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