Le Bourgeois gentilhomme is a comedy-ballet in prose written by Molière and first performed in 1670. Initially in three acts, the play, without being modified, was restructured to be divided into five acts the following year. Since it is a comedy-ballet, there are musical interludes which were composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully. The Bourgeois Gentleman, whose name is Monsieur Jourdain, is the main character of the play, played by Molière at the time. He will be dressed in a beautiful pink sweater to differentiate him from the other characters. Act I - Scene 1 We have several musicians and dancers in a room. There are notably the Music Master and the Dance Master. -As a music teacher, I composed a serenade for Monsieur Jourdain. We are lucky to know a bourgeois like Monsieur Jourdain who allows us to live from our art. -I agree, as a dance master. But I admit that I prefer to be rewarded by someone who really knows about art. -Yes, but money is still not bad for living. Scene 2 - So? Are you going to show me a new joke? -A joke? -Your dance thing there with songs. -We are ready. -Have you seen my new outfit? -Yes. -My outfit is beautiful, isn't it? -Gorgeous. -I have the most beautiful outfits. -I'm going to show you a song I composed. -All right, I want to hear. Am I dressed properly to hear well? -Go on my student, sing! -I languish night and day, and my pain is extreme Since your beautiful eyes have subjected me to your rigors. If you treat me thus, beautiful Iris, who loves you, Alas! What could you do to your enemies ? -This song puts me to sleep. The lyrics should be reviewed. -The lyrics have to fit the music. -I have a song, I'm going to sing it for you ! I thought Jeanneton was as sweet as she was beautiful. I thought Jeanneton was sweeter than a sheep. Alas! alas! She is a hundred times, a thousand times more cruel than the tiger with antlers. -Yes. -Not bad, huh? -The most beautiful song in the world. -And I still haven't learned music very well ! -There is nothing more important than music. -Music and dancing! Well, after that, since we're in a comedy-ballet, there's a musical moment. The musician and the dancer present their work to Jourdain. -Is that all? -Yes. -It's cute, there are some nice things. What you have to understand is that there is a big gap between Mr. Jourdain and the artists. Mr. Jourdain does not realize the artistic work behind it. Basically, he doesn't know anything about art. Act II - Scene 1 - When there is music and dancing at the same time, it will be perfect! -The person I'm doing all this for will come soon. -Everything is ready. -You should do concerts every week. -Do quality people do that? -Of course. To produce good chamber concerts, you will need three voices, a harpsichord, a violin... -And a marine trumpet! I love the marine trumpet! -Uh yes, but listen to our advice. -And I would like to learn how to curtsy to a marquise. -For a marquise? So you must first do one backwards then accompany him on three forward bows then get down on his knees. Scene 2 - Sir, your fencing master is here! Scene 3 - Hello Mr. Jourdain. Remember, we stand up straight. The tip facing the shoulder, the arm not too straight, the left hand at eye level... -Whoa! -Don't forget the secret of weapons. We give and we should not receive. -It's difficult. -Remember, mastery of weapons is far more important than useless sciences such as music or dance. -Please talk about dance with respect . -And music too! -Your science cannot be compared to mine. -No but oh! -With my weapons I can make you dance and sing as I want. -But stop provoking a man who knows how to kill! -Hey little dancer, you'll see what you 'll see! -Yeah, that's it, I want to make you eat your weapon! -Okay, stop! Scene 4 And that's where the Philosophy Master arrives. -Mr. Philosopher, you've arrived just in time ! There is an argument. -What's going on? -They argue about their profession and want to fight. -Yeah, but at the same time, he insulted us ! -A wise man is above all the insults that can be said to him. -They had the audacity to compare their science to mine! -What distinguishes us here is wisdom and virtue. -We can never honor dance enough ! -And neither does the music! -Weapons science is the most necessary of all! -It's nothing compared to philosophy. You are just a gladiator, a singer and a minstrel! -Dog philosopher! -You pedant! -You pedant! -You're just rogues! Rascals ! -Mr. Philosopher, stop! -Impudents! Scoundrels! Beggars! Imposters ! Scene 5 - Go fight somewhere else yeah! Scene 6 -Okay, let's get to your lesson. -Oh, they hit you. -It's nothing. I would write a satire against them in the manner of Juvenal. So what do you want to learn? -All ! I want to become a real scholar. When I was young, we didn't have the means to teach me things. -Nam, sine doctrina, vita, est quasi mortis imago. You understand Latin I assume? -No. -Without science, life is almost an image of death! -This Latin is right. -Where to start. What can you do? -I can read and write. -Where do you like us to start ? Are you interested in logic? -Yes ! -In logic, there are three operations of the mind... -Oh no, that sounds boring. -Very well, let's look at the moral instead. It deals with happiness, teaches men to moderate their passion... -Oh no, I don't like it too much. -We're going to talk about physics then. It is the explanation of natural things and the properties of the body. -Oh, I don't like it either. -So what do you want to learn? -Spelling! -All right, let's go for the spelling. -And then we'll see the almanac. Because I want to know the phases of the Moon ! -Yes yes. Let's start with the letters A, E, I, O U. -A, E, I, O, U. -The O for example is a circle and you have to make a circle with your mouth to pronounce it. -O! Amazing it really works! -And to make a U, you have to extend your lips outwards, like this. -UUU! Amazing, it works! Well, I'm not going to summarize all the letters. -Come on tomorrow, we'll see the consonants. -Oh just, I have to confess something to you. I am in love with someone to whom I would like to write a nice note. You should help me. -Very well, your poem, do you want to write it in verse? -Oh no, not in verse. -Okay, so we'll write it in prose. -Oh no, not in prose either. -You have to choose, it's either verse or prose. It can't be anything else. -No, but I want the normal thing, like when we talk. -So it's prose. -What ? Does that mean that when I speak normally, I speak in prose? If I say: Bring me my slippers. Is this prose? -Yes. -By my faith! I have been speaking prose for more than forty years without knowing anything about it, and I am most obliged to you in the world for having taught me this. -What do you want to write? -So for the moment, I have: Beautiful marquise, your beautiful eyes make me die of love. -Perhaps we should expand this. -Oh no, I really want to write this. But in a fashionable way. With the same words. -Your beautiful eyes make me die of love, beautiful marquise . Your beautiful eyes of love make me a beautiful marquise, to die. Your beautiful eyes make me die, beautiful marquise, of love. -What is the best version? -Your version is the best. -Amazing, I found the best version the first time. Scene 7 - Has my suit arrived? -Not yet. -Oh devil of a tailor! Scene 8 - Ah well you're finally here! -I couldn't come earlier. Anyway, here's your outfit. -Why did you put flowers downstairs ? -Because you didn't tell me you wanted some upstairs. Anyway, that's how it's worn. -Ah. Well then it's okay. -I can change if you want. -Oh no, if that's how it's worn, then I prefer it. Scene 9 - My boys, put the suit on this gentleman ! -My gentleman, could you give us something to drink? -Oh I like it, being called “gentleman”, it’s better than bourgeois. -You must be called that, Monsignor. -Oh you called me Monsignor, I like it even more! Here, take this coin! -We will drink to the health of your greatness! -Oh Grandeur, I love it! Take another coin! Act III - Scene 1 - Call me Nicole my Lackey! Scene 2 - Madame Nicole. -Hi hi hi! -What ? Mrs. Nicole, should I go out into town to show off my new outfit? -Hi hi hi! Your outfit! Hi hi hi! -Get everything ready for tonight's guests! Scene 3 And here comes Madame Jourdain, Monsieur Jourdain's wife. -My husband! But how are you dressed ? Aren't you afraid of being laughed at ? -Only idiots will laugh at me. -Anyone with a modicum of common sense will laugh at your outfit. It feels like a carnival. -Okay, both of you shut up! -You should rather take care of your daughter who is of marriageable age. -I'll think about it when I find him a good match. In the meantime, I want to learn beautiful things. -He took a philosophy class! Hi hi hi! -Yes, well you're just ignorant, that's all. Do you even know what you're saying? -Yes, I know what I'm saying, you should think about your daughter for example! -No, not that. The words you say, do you know what they are? -Those are very sensible words! -No, but when we talk about it, what is it called? What I say for example. -Songs! -No, but the language we speak, do you know what it is? -What ? -What is it called? -Well, whatever you want to call it. -It's prose, ignorant! -Prose? -Yes, because they are not worms! And the U, do you know how to make the U? You have to stretch your lips outwards and it goes Uuuu! -Uuu! -I get furious when I see ignorant women ! -Stop trying to pass for a nobleman. Especially when you want to be around this count... -Don't speak ill of him, he's a true nobleman, he's renowned at court! I even lent him some money. -Will he pay you back? -He swore his faith as a gentleman! Scene 4 Here comes the Count of Dorante, whom we were just talking about. -Hello Mrs ! Hello Mr. Jourdain ! Very nice outfit! I spoke to the King about you. -THANKS ! -Sir, I owe you so much! You have lent me money on several occasions... -Sir, stop, I am flattered! -And I have to return the favor. Do you remember how much you lent me? -Well, by doing the accounts, the tailor, the merchant, the saddler, the articles. That makes a total of 15,800 pounds. -Very good, very good! Add to that the 200 pistoles that you are going to lend me, and that will make a total of 18,000 francs. -All right, I'll go get all that. Scene 5 - Are you all right, madam? -I don't feel very well. -You and your daughter should come and see a ballet one of these days! Scene 6 - Here I am again with the money! -Oh thank you very much! I was telling Madame that you should come and see the ballet. -By the way ! The Marquise will come this evening. -Wait, let's move away. -It's been eight days since I tried to give your jewel to the Marquise. She decided to accept it only today. She thought it was wonderful! -I'm so confused! Thank you so much for all you do. -In any case, you are doing the right thing. Women love it when you spend money on them! -No but Nicole! What are you listening to ? Scene 7 - Curiosity hurts... But I think your husband. -I've had suspicions about my husband for quite some time. But right now the most important thing for me is my daughter. And Cléonte is in love with her. -A marriage between the two would be so nice. I really like his valet. Scene 8 Here are Cléonte and his valet Covielle. -Hello Cléonte! -Ah traitor! -You infidel! -But why do they say that? Scene 9 - I don't understand why she treats me like this! -It's true. -I live only for this girl, I breathe for this girl, I love her more than anything. I go two days without seeing her, which is the equivalent of two centuries for my heart... ...And when I pass her in the street, she ignores me! -It's incredible! -I want to break free ! I'm sure it's this Count who goes to her house. I'm going to stop being in love with her. Tell me bad things about her. -Already, she has small eyes. -Yes, the most wonderful ones there are. -And a big mouth. -Such an attractive mouth. -She's not very tall. -But well taken. -Then she is so nonchalant. -It has charm. -She is capricious. -But we suffer from everything from the beauties. -So do you want to continue loving him or not? -No way ! I'm going to hate her! Scene 10 This is Lucile Jourdain, the girl the two boys were talking about. -I am scandalized by these two boys, Lucile. -Cléonte! What's going on? -I won't talk to you anymore. -Our meeting has troubled your mind. -I am ready to give up your love. It will be hard, but I will do it. -I'll explain why I had to avoid you. -I don't want to know anything. -This morning... -I don't want to know anything! -Well, too bad! -If I want to know. -Well, it was because of my aunt who was with me. She doesn't want me to approach men in her company. -Oh, so that was it... Scene 11 -Ah, there you are, Cléonte! Take your time asking Lucile to marry you. Scene 12 - Hello sir, I wanted to tell you that becoming your son-in-law would be an honor for me. -But are you a gentleman? -So Gentleman is just a term but I have the customs, it is not important to know where I come from. -Very well, I refuse you my daughter. -Pardon ? -Because you are not a gentleman. -Come on, my husband, we don't come from a noble background either. We are bourgeois. -I want a gentleman son-in-law, I do n't want a merchant or anything else! -Do you prefer an honest rich man or a beggarly gentleman? -I want my daughter to become a marquise ! Scene 13 - Don't be sad, my daughter. Scene 14 A discussion ensues between Cléonte and his valet Covielle. -Cléonte, I'm going to make you act to make you look noble. That's what we have to do with this Mr. Jourdain. Scene 15 - Why I wasn't born a count or a marquis. Scene 16 - Monsieur Jourdain, here is the count and a lady. -Tell them I'm coming because I have some orders to give first. Scene 17 - Sir will come later. Scene 18 - I don't know anyone here. -It's you who doesn't want to come to my house. -I'm embarrassed by everything you do to me. And all those gifts and serenades. -But I love you! -But I'm bothered by all this spending you're doing for me. Especially the diamond you gave me. It must cost so much! -But that's nothing compared to the love I feel for you. Scene 19 - Hello Madame Dorimène, I bow to you. Step back a little bit... -Excuse me? -Trust me, madam! He is the best of my friends. -What a gallant man. -But I haven't done anything yet! -Actually, out of politeness, it's better not to tell him about the diamond you gave him. -Oh ! Is this how it works? -To be a true gallant man, a true nobleman, one must act as if one had not offered the gift in question. -Madam ! Mr. Jourdain is delighted that you came! But hey, we have to eat! Scene 20 - Everything is ready. Scene 21 This scene is musical and danceable. Servants arrive dancing and bringing food. Act IV - Scene 1 - This meal is delightful! -Oh Madam... -As you mean Mr. Jourdain, I feel obliged to do you honors. -I respond with this compliment by not eating. -What beautiful hands you have! -My hands are mediocre but the diamond is magnificent. -Oh no, sorry, I didn't want to talk about it. The diamond is nothing. -Come on, have some wine and sing, dance, gentlemen artists! So there is another musical show that I am not going to summarize. -It was all so beautiful... -Yes, but there is something even more beautiful here... -Exactly, it's you, Mr. Jourdain ! -Uh… What? Scene 2 -Ah, but I see you're in good company. I'm not expected. -Madame Jourdain, your husband is only lending his house so that I can invite Madame Dorimène. -It's an honor for me! -Yeah, that's it. I've known your game for a while and you, madam, stop making my husband who is in love with you suffer. -What's this story? Dorante! -Count, please apologize to him ! Oh no... Scene 3 - You drove quality people out of my house ! You have made me feel very ashamed ! Scene 4 - Oh I wanted to say such nice things... Scene 5 Here is Covielle disguised as an old man. -Hello sir, do I have the honor of being known to you? -No, who are you? -The last time I saw you, you were so small. -Me ? -You were the most beautiful child in the world, and all the ladies took you in their arms to kiss you. -To [ __ ] me? -I was a great friend of your late father. -Did you know my father? -Yes, he was a very gentleman. -A gentleman? I was told he was a merchant. -Merchants? But not at all, he was a nobleman, a real one. But I have good news for you. -What news? -The son of the Grand Turk, he is here. -He must be a great lord... -Oh yes, and he's in love with your daughter ! -My daughter's? The Great Turk? -He said: marababa sahem. Which means, I'm in love with her ! -Marababa sahem! Unbelievable, you speak Turkish! -Yes, and the son of the Grand Turk wants to make you a Mamamouchi, a very important title of nobility in Türkiye. The noblest status that can exist in the world. -Well, I'm very honored, thank you for me. Scene 6 - I am a very humble servant of His Highness. -Carigar camboto oustin moraf. -Oustin yoc catamalequi basum base alla moran. -He said: May heaven give you the strength of lions and the prudence of serpents. -Belmen. -He said that you were going quickly with him to prepare for the ceremony, in order to then see your daughter, and conclude the marriage. -He said all that in two words? -Yes, the Turkish language is a lot of information in a few words. Scene 7 -Haha! What a fool! Scene 8 - Covielle? But how are you dressed ? -I need your help. We must set up a scheme that you must not interrupt. to marry Lucile. Scene 9 This scene is a ballet where dancers disguised as Turks arrive. Also arrives a so-called Mufti Scene 10 The Mufti invokes Muhammad and performs the ceremony. -Alla Eckber! If you know, you will respond; Se non sabir, Tazir, tazir. Scene 11 In short, the entire ceremony is performed in Lingua Franca, a language used for Latin-speaking people to communicate with each other in the Mediterranean world. Whereas before, the Turkish language was completely invented. Scene 12 There is another dance performance. It's a comedy-ballet, don't forget. Scene 13 The dance and ceremony continue, the Turks hit Monsieur Jourdain with sticks to make him look noble. Act V - Scene 1 - No, but what are you dressed up as? -Oh ! How dare you speak like that about a Mamamouchi? -How so ? -I'm a Mamamouchi now. You have to respect me. Steal far a paladina from Jordina. -What ? -Per defender Palestina. -What are you talking about! -Hou la ba, ba la chou, ba la ba, ba la da ! -My husband is crazy! Scene 2 - We must help Cléonte marry Lucile. -Actually, I've decided to marry you. -Oh ! But how is this possible? -I know you don't have a penny and I want to save you from going broke. Scene 3 - Mr. Jourdain, we have come to pay homage to your new status and your daughter's marriage. -I wish you the strength of snakes and the prudence of lions. Scene 4 - We bow to Your Highness ! -He only speaks Turkish, you have to speak Turkish to him. Hello ! Monsieur is a great lord! And madam una granda dama! They are French Mamamouchi. Scene 5 - Ah, there you are, we need a translation ! -Catalequi tubal ourin soter amalouchan. -He says that the rain of prosperity waters your family's garden at all times. -He speaks Turkish, you saw! Scene 6 - My daughter, please take the hand of this noble Turk. -No way! -I am your father and I am the one who decides. -I will never marry that Turk, I only love one person and that is Cléonte... Cléonte? I... Well, it's true that on reflection, it's better that I marry that Turkish prince. -Ah! Now you're being reasonable, my daughter! Scene 7 - What? You want to give your daughter to a carnival guy? -I want to marry my daughter to the son of the Grand Turk. -He won't have my daughter! -Madam ! How can we not accept? -It's none of your business! -But your daughter wants to marry him. -Is she giving up on Cléonte? -I have to have a word with you -I don't care about your word! -I have to say a word to your wife, it will change her mind. -Listen to him! -No. -Madam, haven't you understood that Cléonte is the son of the Grand Turk? -Ah. -Be discreet. -I agree with the marriage. -Ah finally, he explained to you what it means to be the son of the Great Turk! Let's get the notary! And so the play ends with a final ballet! -Ah! what a noise! What a noise! What chaos ! What a mix! And after this song in French, some Spaniards arrive to sing in Spanish ! -Se que me muero de amor Y solicito el dolor ! Then it ends with the arrival of Italians who will sing in Italian. -Di rigori armata il seno, Contro Amor mi ribellai! Then the French come back to sing and that's the end of the play!