The play The Would-Be Gentleman, originally presented at the opulent royal court of Chambord in 1670, captivated audiences with its blend of comedy and ballet. The piece was born from King Louis XIV's fascination with "turquerie," reflecting the exotic appeal inspired by a Turkish ambassador's visit to France in 1699. Molière's comedic genius and Jean-Baptiste Lully's musical compositions contributed to the lavish production's lasting popularity, marking it as a significant work in French theater.

Combining Ballet and Comedy

Although modern adaptations sometimes omit the ballet sequences, these elements are crucial to the play's storytelling. Dance serves as a symbolic extension of Monsieur Jourdain's obsession with outward appearances and grandeur. The more exaggerated the ballet, the more it underscores Jourdain's delight in ostentation, highlighting his ridiculous attempts to emulate aristocratic behaviors.

An Iconic Character and Social Satire

As one of Molière's most celebrated characters, Monsieur Jourdain embodies the archetype of the bourgeois man aspiring to noble status, a theme deeply ingrained in French culture. The English translation of the title, however, somewhat misleads as "gentilhomme" translates to "nobleman," and the juxtaposition of "Le Bourgeois" and "Gentilhomme" suggests an inherent contradiction. Molière's satire here is gentle; Jourdain is portrayed as a buffoon, and the comedy leans more towards farce than severe social critique.

The Social Hierarchy and Character Dynamics

The play cleverly crafts a social narrative through its characters. Monsieur Jourdain's attempts to mingle with the nobility, represented by the marchioness Dorimène and the count Dorante, depict his naive and misguided ambitions. Dorimène, the object of Jourdain’s affection, remains mostly unaffected by his absurd courtship, while Dorante manipulates Jourdain for his gain, aiming to win Dorimène’s favor with Jourdain’s wealth. Despite his shallow deception, Dorante's charm renders him a more sympathetic character.

The Sensible and the Foolish

Madame Jourdain serves as a foil to her husband, showcasing loyalty to her social class and pragmatic sensibilities. Her insistence that their daughter Lucile should marry within her social sphere contrasts sharply with Jourdain’s desire for aristocratic connections. Madame Jourdain's disruption of a banquet intended for Dorimène highlights her awareness, as she sees through the deceitful allurements that escape her husband’s notice.

Stage Irony and Self-Deception

Throughout the play, Monsieur Jourdain is a victim of "stage irony," with the audience privy to truths he remains oblivious to. His wealth allows him the liberty to indulge in every superficial symbol of nobility, from lavish costumes to grandiose titles, yet he fails to grasp their lack of substance. This ongoing self-deception is a source of humor, as Jourdain endlessly chases empty symbols without understanding their true significance.

The Pursuit of Status

Illustrating his fixation on status, Jourdain is easily manipulated by flattering titles, as when a tailor’s assistant secures larger tips by addressing him with grander honorifics. Jourdain's willingness to part with his money for such insubstantial tokens underscores his foolishness. Conversely, when confronted with more profound ideas, like the philosophical lesson on mastering one’s passions, Jourdain shows disinterest, reinforcing his superficial inclinations.

The Would-Be Gentleman remains a rich tapestry of humor and social commentary, revealing the folly of ambition unmoored from authenticity. Through Molière's incisive wit and Lully's musical talent, it continues to resonate with audiences, offering a timeless reflection on the human penchant for pretense and the societal intrigues that ensue.