Genre: Drama (a play with characters and dialogues)
Characters
Juliet - Owner of the villa
Maid - Juliet's servant
Gaston - A potential buyer
Jenny - Gaston's partner, interested in the villa
Mrs. L. Smith - An American filmmaker
Summary of the Drama
Scene 1: Juliet and the Maid
The maid asks Juliet if she feels bad about selling the villa.
Juliet mentions she would feel bad if it sold quickly, but it has been a month without any buyers.
She originally bought the villa for 50,000 francs and hopes to sell it for 200,000 francs, but will accept 100,000 francs to sell it quickly due to financial issues.
The villa's location is near Join Villa, a production house, which Juliet thought would attract buyers.
The maid has an audition for a film role and is excited about earning 100 francs for her performance.
Juliet recalls an agent is supposed to bring a lady to view the villa.
The scene ends with the maid going to open the door as Juliet goes upstairs.
Scene 2: Gaston and Jenny Arrive
The maid opens the door for Gaston and Jenny, who have come to see the villa.
Jenny is interested, but Gaston expresses disinterest due to concerns about space for his family.
They discuss the size of the house and their differing opinions on the villa.
Juliet enters, greets them, and explains the villa’s features, including repairs.
The price discussion begins; Juliet wants 200,000 francs, but Gaston only offers 60,000 francs.
They continue to negotiate, but both parties feel the price is too high. Jenny wants to see the upper floor before deciding.
Scene 3: Mrs. Smith Enters
As Juliet takes Jenny upstairs, Mrs. Smith arrives to inquire about the villa's price.
The maid goes to fetch Juliet while Mrs. Smith mistakenly believes Gaston is the villa's owner.
Gaston plays along and discusses the villa's features, trying to sell it to Mrs. Smith.
Mrs. Smith expresses her lack of interest in the villa's details; she wants to build a bungalow instead.
Gaston quotes 300,000 francs to Mrs. Smith, and she agrees to buy it quickly, handing over a check.
Gaston realizes he can profit 100,000 francs by flipping the villa after agreeing to sell it to Mrs. Smith.
Scene 4: Conclusion
Juliet and Jenny return to find Gaston enthusiastic about the purchase.
Gaston offers 200,000 francs for the villa and fills out the receipt, deliberately misdating it to facilitate the sale.
Juliet is unaware of the deal Gus is making with Mrs. Smith.
Gaston exits with the painting he wanted to keep, revealing he’s profited from the negotiation.
The play concludes on a humorous note with Gaston explaining his gains to Jenny.
Key Takeaways
Understanding character motivations and decisions is crucial in drama.
Recognizing the themes of negotiation and the value of property in the context of personal and financial needs.
The importance of dialogue in revealing character traits and advancing the plot.
Study Tips
Focus on character relationships and their interactions.
Pay attention to the dialogue as it conveys the essence of the story.
Review the summary to grasp the overall plot and key events in preparation for potential exam questions.