The common stereotype of women in the 17th century is that they were subservient, serene, and in most cases, uneducated. According to Moliere’s A Would-Be Gentleman, the women he illustrates are not the compliant, meek creatures who are commonly associated with the 17th century. The women who live, or work, in the household of Mr. Jourdain are quite opinionated, strong-willed, and not by any means subservient overall. Such a portrayal holds particularly true for Mrs. Jourdain.
Mrs. Jourdain is Atypical
Mrs. Jourdain, the audience learns, is not completely naïve to the ways of the world. Her husband is so obsessed with the idea of being viewed by others as a ‘gentleman,’ that he is willing to go to any lengths to achieve this end. Unfortunately, her husband was a personality which is easily manipulated. On many occasions he is even humiliated, but does not realize it.
When Mrs. Jourdain attempts to call his attention to his outrageous behavior, dress, thought, or speech he dismisses her ramblings saying that she is just a woman, and she does not know about that which she speaks. His excuse is that since he is becoming well versed in fashion, music, theatre, philosophy, etc., and she is not, then she has no room to speak of such things to him.
Mr. Jourdain feels that his wife should have enough humility to not even attempt to communicate with him on such high levels, when she herself still resides on the bottom rung of the intellectual ladder. He repeatedly uses such excuses as his wife is ignorant, and his criticism borders on being verbally abusive.
A Woman's Place According to Mr. Jourdain
The thought of such abusive behavior on his part may very well be acceptable, but the thought of his wife being outspoken is enough to point out his flaws, and misinterpretations, is not acceptable. The woman’s place, according to common interpretations of the time, was always to support her husband, serve him, love him unconditionally, and to never present herself in an unflattering light. Mrs. Jourdain is well versed in the ways of money, the way relationships should ideally work, and her role in this life in his way, she goes against the grain.
Mr. Jourdain's Naivete
Mr. Jourdain is a character who allows his daydreams, and unrealistic goals, to overshadow what common sense he possesses. In matters regarding money, he has no realistic understanding. In more than one instance, he is openly taken advantage of, and being the trusting soul that he is, he sees nothing wrong with what he is doing. The people that he should trust he doesn’t, and vice versa.
Much of the time, Mr. Jourdain is one who could be viewed as acting out of desperation for acceptance and social standing. He demonstrates time and again that he will go to any lengths to get what he is advised that he should have. He desperately wants to be noble, and yet he has no inkling at all as to what it is to be a gentleman. When his wife objects he says that he knows what he is doing and inevitably tells her, in essence, to be quiet.
Never Discuss Infidelity
During the 17th century, infidelity was something that was never discussed. What people did behind closed doors was for those involved, and not discussed in public. In instances when the wife would find out about her husband’s infidelity, there was not much that she could do but suffer through it. The thought of getting a divorce was not an option.
When Mrs. Jourdain suspects that her husband has a female companion, she bides her time and doesn’t say anything. Although, when she happens to walk in on the dinner party with her husband, Dorimene, and Dorante she loses her calm demeanor. Unlike a serene, passive wife, she confronts her husband and the woman involved. She doesn’t care what the others think of her comments.
In another instance of well-planned thought, she allows her husband enough time and circumstances to hang himself, per se. Mr. Jourdain believes that his wife is not smart enough to realize what it is that he is doing, and therefore, doesn’t take any precautions to cover his actions. His ego guides his way, and, in the end, leads to his downfall.
Moliere's New Theory
Moliere had a different theory on the role of the relationships between men and women. The traditional role of the woman is not held sacred in this play. Even though the play was written so long ago, a strong resemblance to modern day society is apparent. Although, whatever one’s interpretation of Moliere’s play, it cannot be disputed that the story line – and moral, social principles discussed – are found in modern societies. Simultaneously, the play illustrates a society that is completely different from that understood and studied as the 17th century; especially concerning the straight and narrow road that women followed.
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