Nicole is an ordinary maid in a bourgeois house, he works for Mr. Jourdain, and is also Koviel’s favorite girl. Despite the fact that she has to do rather menial work, she does it quite deftly and shrewdly, trying to please the masters she serves. Soon, she wants to tie the knot with Koviel, who has been Cleont's servant for a long time.

And Cleont himself dreams of tying the knot with Nicole’s mistress, the young lady Lucille, whom Jourdain dreams of marrying to a real nobleman. He wants to be equal to the real aristocracy and tries to become equal to the rest. Therefore, he hires many servants and teachers who must correct his appearance and behavior. But everything does not lead to significant results.

He also hires tailors to make outfits that even Nicole laughs at. Despite the fact that she is a simple girl, she has quite excellent and properly educated taste, which allows her to distinguish beautiful dresses from incorrectly sewn and ridiculous outfits.

IN free time The gentleman studies various sciences and skills, and then shares the information he receives with his wife and maid, and since they do not understand anything, he says that he lives with only ignoramuses.

Nicole then helps Koviel and Cleont fool Mr. Jourdain, who does not want to give his daughter in marriage to a simple tradesman. He dreams of becoming related to the nobles, so the cunning Cleont takes a step towards a real scam. He sends Koviel as a friend of the previously deceased close friend a gentleman whom the man considered to be a true nobleman, capable of helping him become part of the aristocratic class.

He offers to betroth his only daughter to a real Turkish Sultan. At first the girl does not agree to such a proposal, but then she realizes that her maid and lover, together with Cleontes, have fooled everyone. Nicole was quite a cunning and happy girl, so she decided to help her mistress find true happiness and marry the man she truly loves.

She agrees to help the young people, despite the fact that she may lose her life and job, and also be severely punished, since she was an ordinary servant on the estate. At the same time, she understands the value of true friendship, love and devotion to her mistress, who is in a difficult situation.

Essay about Nicole

Nicole is a minor heroine of Molière's comedy "The Bourgeois in the Nobility." Nicole is young, beautiful, smart and smart. In addition, the girl is very insightful, economical and dexterous. The heroine works as a servant for a wealthy gentleman named Jourdain. Koviel, who is in the service of his young master Cleont, is passionately in love with her. Cleonte's heart belongs to a young girl - Madame Lucille.

The tradesman Jourdain strives all his life to become a nobleman. To realize his dream, the tradesman throws himself into all kinds of troubles: he wears clothes made by tailors especially for him, hires all kinds of teachers in order to learn to read and write. However, Jourdain’s outfits look ridiculous and overly pretentious, and the skills he demonstrates seem incomprehensible to many.

Thanks to Nicole, an acquaintance occurs between Cleonte and Jourdain. Not without the help of the heroine, Koviel deceives Jourdain, as a result of which Cleonte marries Lucille.

Nicole, like Jourdain’s wife, laughs at the clothes and “noble skills” of the tradesman. Despite her non-noble origins, Nicole understands that Jourdain is still far from achieving the status of a nobleman. The tradesman, in turn, calls Nicole and his wife ignoramuses, since they do not understand his “aristocratic” manners.

Moliere emphasizes that Nicole is trying to talk to the gentleman about the absurdity of his outfits, but her efforts are going down the drain. It’s as if Jourdain doesn’t hear anyone except his ego. He, contrary to common sense, wants to seem like a true aristocrat.

The author contrasts Nicole and her vain master. Jourdain “is ashamed of his origin, shines with an invented title, which is a sign of spiritual baseness.” In contrast, Nicole is simple, sincere, straightforward and open man. She directly tells the gentleman what she thinks, without fear of seeming tactless.

Nicole is a bearer of common sense, a person who gives Moliere's comedy openness, lightness and simplicity.

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Jean Baptiste Moliere

A tradesman among the nobility. Imaginary patient (collection)

© Lyubimov N., translation into Russian. Descendants, 2015

© Shchepkina-Kupernik T., translation into Russian. Descendants, 2015

© Edition in Russian, design. Eksmo Publishing House LLC, 2015

Tradesman in the nobility

Comedy characters

MR JOURDAIN is a tradesman.

MADAME JOURDAIN is his wife.

LUCILLE is their daughter.

CLEONTE is a young man in love with Lucille.

DORIMENA Marquise.

DORANT Count, in love with Dorimena.

NICOLE is a maid in Mr. Jourdain's house.

KOVIEL servant of Cleont.

MUSIC TEACHER.

MUSIC TEACHER'S STUDENT.

DANCE TEACHER.

FENCING TEACHER.

PHILOSOPHY TEACHER.

MUSICIANS.

Tailor's Apprentice.

TWO LACKEYS.

THREE PAGES.

IN THE FIRST ACT

Singer. Two singers. Dancers.

IN THE SECOND ACT

Tailor's apprentices (dancing).

IN ACT THIRD

Cooks (dancing).

IN ACT FOUR

Mufti. Turks, Mufti's retinue (singing). Dervishes (singing). Turks (dancing).

The action takes place in Paris, in the house of Mr. Jourdain.

Act one

The overture is performed by a variety of instruments; in the middle of the scene at the table, a MUSIC TEACHER'S STUDENT is composing a melody for a serenade ordered by Mr. Jourdain.

First appearance

A music teacher, a dance teacher, two singers, a singer, two violinists, four dancers.

MUSIC TEACHER (singers and musicians). Come here, to this hall; rest until he arrives.

DANCE TEACHER (to dancers). And you too, stand on this side.

MUSIC TEACHER (to the student). Ready?

STUDENT. Ready.

MUSIC TEACHER. Let's see... Very good.

DANCE TEACHER. Anything new?

MUSIC TEACHER. Yes, I told the student to compose music for a serenade while our eccentric woke up.

DANCE TEACHER. Can I have a look?

MUSIC TEACHER. You will hear this along with the dialogue as soon as the owner appears. He'll be out soon.

DANCE TEACHER. Now you and I have things going over our heads.

MUSIC TEACHER. Still would! We found exactly the person we needed. Mr. Jourdain, with his obsession with the nobility and social manners, is just a treasure for us. If everyone became like him, then your dances and my music would have nothing more to wish for.

DANCE TEACHER. Well, not quite. For his own good, I would like him to better understand the things that we explain to him.

MUSIC TEACHER. He doesn’t understand them well, but he pays well, and our arts need nothing more now than this.

DANCE TEACHER. I'll admit, I'm a little partial to fame. Applause gives me pleasure, but to waste my art on fools, to submit my creations to the barbaric court of a fool - this, in my opinion, is an unbearable torture for any artist. Whatever you say, it’s nice to work for people who are able to feel the subtleties of this or that art, who know how to appreciate the beauty of works and reward you for your work with flattering signs of approval. Yes, the most pleasant reward is to see that your creation is recognized, that you are honored for it with applause. In my opinion, this is the best reward for all our hardships - the praise of an enlightened person gives inexplicable pleasure.

MUSIC TEACHER. I agree with this, I also love praise. Indeed, there is nothing more flattering than applause, but you can’t live on incense. Praise alone is not enough for a person; give him something more substantial; The best way to reward someone is to put something in your hand. Frankly speaking, our master’s knowledge is not great, he judges everything crookedly and at random and applauds where he should not, but money straightens the crookedness of his judgments, his common sense is in his wallet, his praises are minted in the form of coins, so from this ignorant The tradesman, as you see, is of much more use to us than the enlightened nobleman who brought us here.

DANCE TEACHER. There is some truth in your words, but it seems to me that you attach too much importance to money. great importance; Meanwhile, self-interest is something so base that a decent person should not show any special inclination towards it.

MUSIC TEACHER. However, you calmly take money from our eccentric.

DANCE TEACHER. Of course, I take it, but money is not the main thing for me. If only a little more could be added to his wealth good taste- that's what I would like.

MUSIC TEACHER. Me too: after all, we both strive for this to the best of our ability. But, be that as it may, thanks to him, people began to pay attention to us in society, and what others will praise, he will pay for.

DANCE TEACHER. And here he is.

Second phenomenon

The same, Mr. Jourdain in a dressing gown and nightcap and two footmen.

Mr. JOURDAIN. Well, gentlemen! How are you doing there? Will you show me your trinket today?

DANCE TEACHER. What? What trinket?

Mr. JOURDAIN. Well, this one... What do you call it? It's either a prologue or a dialogue with songs and dances.

DANCE TEACHER. ABOUT! ABOUT!

MUSIC TEACHER. As you can see, we are ready.

Mr. JOURDAIN. I hesitated a little, but the point is this: I now dress as nobles dress, and my tailor sent me silk stockings, so tight - really, I thought that I would never get them on.

MUSIC TEACHER. We are entirely at your service.

Mr. JOURDAIN. I ask you both not to leave until they bring me my new suit: I want you to look at me.

DANCE TEACHER. As you wish.

Mr. JOURDAIN. You will see that now I am dressed as I should from head to toe.

MUSIC TEACHER. We have no doubt about this.

Mr. JOURDAIN. I made myself a robe from Indian fabric.

DANCE TEACHER. Great robe.

Mr. JOURDAIN. My tailor assures me that all the nobles wear such robes in the morning.

MUSIC TEACHER. It suits you amazingly.

Mr. JOURDAIN. Lackey! Hey, my two lackeys!

FIRST LACKEY. What do you order, sir?

Mr. JOURDAIN. I won't order anything. I just wanted to check how you obey me. How do you like their liveries?

DANCE TEACHER. Magnificent liveries.

Mr. JOURDAIN (opens his robe; underneath he has tight red velvet trousers and a green velvet camisole). And here is my home suit for morning exercises.

MUSIC TEACHER. Abyss of taste!

Mr. JOURDAIN. Lackey!

FIRST LACKEY. Anything, sir?

Mr. JOURDAIN. Another lackey!

SECOND LOOKEY. Anything, sir?

Mr. JOURDAIN (takes off his robe). Hold it. (To the music teacher and dance teacher.) Well, am I good in this outfit?

DANCE TEACHER. Very good. It couldn't be better.

Mr. JOURDAIN. Now let's get busy with you.

MUSIC TEACHER. First of all, I would like you to listen to the music that here it is (points to student) wrote for the serenade you ordered. This is my student, he has amazing abilities for such things.

Mr. JOURDAIN. It may very well be, but still you shouldn’t have entrusted this to a student. It remains to be seen whether you yourself are fit for such a task, let alone a student.

MUSIC TEACHER. The word "student" should not confuse you, sir. Students of this kind understand music no less than great masters. In fact, you couldn’t imagine a more wonderful motive. Just listen.

Mr. JOURDAIN (to the lackeys). Give me a robe - it’s more convenient to listen... However, wait, perhaps it’s better without a robe. No, give me a robe, it will be better.

Iris! I'm languishing, suffering is destroying me,

Your stern gaze pierced me like a sharp sword.

When you torture someone who loves you so much,

How terrible you are to the one who dared to incur your wrath!

Mr. JOURDAIN. In my opinion, this is a rather mournful song, it makes you sleepy. I would ask you to make it a little more fun.

MUSIC TEACHER. The motive must correspond to the words, sir.

Mr. JOURDAIN. I was recently taught a very nice song. Wait... now, now... How does it start?

DANCE TEACHER. Really, I don't know.

Mr. JOURDAIN. It also talks about a sheep.

DANCE TEACHER. About the sheep?

Mr. JOURDAIN. Yes Yes. Oh, here it is! (Sings.)

I thought Jeanette
And kind and beautiful,
I considered Jeanette to be a sheep, but oh!
She's cunning and dangerous
Like a lioness in virgin forests!

Isn't it a nice song?

MUSIC TEACHER. Still not nice!

DANCE TEACHER. And you sing it well.

Mr. JOURDAIN. But I didn’t study music.

MUSIC TEACHER. It would be good for you, sir, to learn not only dancing, but also music. These two types of art are inextricably linked.

DANCE TEACHER. They develop a sense of grace in a person.

Mr. JOURDAIN. What, noble gentlemen also study music?

This work was written in 1670. Story line built around one ignorant gentleman trying to join the “upper class” in any way. A brief summary of Moliere's comedy "The Bourgeois in the Nobility" will show the reader through actions and phenomena how stupid and uncouth a person with a lot of money can be, who does not understand that money cannot buy intelligence.

Main characters

• Mister Jourdain- a tradesman who dreams of becoming a nobleman.
• Madame Jourdain- Jourdain's wife.
• Lucille- the only daughter of Mr. Jourdain.
• Nicole- a maid in the house of Mr. Jourdain.
• Cleont- in love with Lucille.
• Koviel- servant of Cleonte.
• Dorimena- marquise.
• Dorant- count. In love with Dorimena.

Minor characters

• Music teacher
• Music teacher student
• Dance teacher
• fencing teacher
• Philosophy teacher
• Tailor
• Tailor's Apprentice
• Lackeys

Act one

First appearance

There are guests in Mr. Jourdain's house: teachers, singers, musicians, dancers. A music teacher's student composes a melody for a serenade ordered by a gentleman. Everyone is waiting for the owner to arrive. Teachers believe that he is slightly obsessed with nobility and sociality. They are offended to perform in front of a person who understands nothing about art, but they are ready to turn a blind eye to it. Good money for the performance was promised.

Second phenomenon

Jourdain appears dressed, who knows. He is delighted with the custom-made robe. The merchant shows off his new clothes in anticipation of compliments. The outfit is ridiculous, but the teachers flatter him, admiring his excellent taste.

A music teacher asks to listen to music written by a student. Jourdain doubts the student's abilities. The man is puzzled as to how it is more convenient to listen to music, in or without a robe. Music does not delight him. He begins to hum his song, believing that he performs it perfectly. He is showered with praise. Teachers invite him to take music and dance lessons, as expected in high society.

Act two

First appearance

A ballet, a serenade - everything was started for the sake of the person invited to the evening, to whom Mr. Jourdain was not indifferent. The music teacher advises Jourdain to give concerts himself at home, as is customary among noble gentlemen. The merchant is worried about how good the ballet will be. They calm him down. Everything should go perfectly. The viewer will not be able to resist the minuets. He starts dancing. He is praised again. Jourdain asks to be taught how to bow correctly, so as not to make a fool of himself in front of the Marquise Dorimena.

Second phenomenon

The servants announce the arrival of the fencing teacher.

The third phenomenon

The teacher gives the basic rules of fencing combat. Everyone admires how deftly Jourdain swings his rapier. The fencing teacher convinces everyone that his science is the most important. A verbal altercation turns into a fight.

The fourth phenomenon

A philosophy teacher appears on the threshold. Jourdain asks to reconcile the angry teachers. Trying to calm the quarrels, the philosopher gets drawn into the argument. The situation is tense to the limit.

Fifth appearance

Jourdain waves his hand at the fighters. There is no need to separate them. What if the new robe gets damaged?

Appearance Six

Jourdain regrets that the philosophy teacher is so shabby after a brawl with colleagues. The teacher is trying to find out which science the gentleman is more passionate about: logic, ethics, physics. Jourdain's logic did not inspire. He considered ethics useless. Physics is too sophisticated. We settled on spelling. Jourdain shares a secret that he has been crazy about a certain lady for a long time and wants to write her a note in which he confesses his feelings.

Seventh Appearance

Jourdain is excited. There is no suit ordered for the evening. Swear words are hurled at the tailor.

The eighth phenomenon

The tailor delivers a suit tailored to the latest fashion trends. Jourdain takes an appraising look at the new thing, noticing that the flowers are sewn with the buds facing down. The tailor assures us that this is the beauty of it.

Appearance Ninth

The apprentices, dancing, help change into new clothes, simultaneously showering praise and receiving generous tips for this.

The tenth phenomenon

The apprentices dance, rejoicing at the incredible generosity of the owner.

Act three

First appearance

Jourdain decided to walk the new suit, accompanied by lackeys, so that they could see what an important person was walking.

Second phenomenon

Seeing the owner, the maid laughs hysterically. It was possible to stop the impudent man only under the threat of a heavy slap in the face. Nicole is given the task of cleaning the house. There will be guests.

The third phenomenon

Ms. has no better reaction than Nicole. He is a buffoon. The woman is trying to reason with her husband that he doesn’t need lessons with teachers. They all want one thing, to rip off more money for lessons. The teachers are of no use, but the dirt is trampled.

Jourdain tries to impress by showing what he has been taught, but to no avail. The maid makes sounds just as he was taught. And she handled the rapier just fine.

The lady blamed everything on the noble gentlemen who constantly visited them. She is convinced that her husband is being used as a wallet, unlike him, who believes that friendship with gentlemen promises profitable cooperation in the future. An example of this is the count who borrowed a decent amount. She is sure that he will not repay the debt.

The fourth phenomenon

The graph appears. The gentlemen exchange pleasantries. Dorant starts talking about the amount he owes. The Count asks to add some money to him to round up the borrowed amount. The Mrs. winks at her husband, hinting at how right she was about this scoundrel.

Fifth appearance

Dorant notices that Madame is not in a good mood. He wonders what the reason is and notices that he has not seen her daughter for a long time. The Count invites the ladies to a court performance.

Appearance Six

Jourdain brings money to Dorant. Dorant promises that for Ms. best places in the hall. The count reports to the master that the marquise received a note and promised to come for dinner. Dorimena took the diamond, a gift from Jourdain, but she had to be persuaded. The Marquise is very pleased with the attention shown to her. Jourdain vows that he will do everything possible on the way to her heart. The maid overhears the men's conversation.

Seventh Appearance

Nicole reports to Madame that her husband is up to something. The Mrs. replies that she has long suspected her husband of hitting on someone. Now the woman is worried about the fate of her daughter. Cleont is in love with Lucille. Ms. liked the guy. She wanted to help him marry Lucille.

Nicole liked the idea. If Cleontes marries Lucille, then she will be able to marry his servant, who was attractive to her. The mistress sends the maid to Cleont with a request to come to their house. Together they must persuade Jourdain to agree to the marriage.

The eighth phenomenon

Nicole rushes with the good news to Cleont. However, instead of reciprocal joy, he hears angry speeches. The servant is at one with him. The girl does not understand the reason for this behavior. In upset feelings, she leaves the house.

Appearance Ninth

Cleont complains to the servant about how cruelly he was treated in the bride's house. Lucille doesn't look in his direction at all. The girl walked past as if they did not know each other. What did he do wrong? After all, his intentions towards her are sincere. The guy assumes that the count, who often visits the bride’s house, is to blame. He is rich and noble. A wonderful match for her. While they were discussing various versions of what was happening, Lucille appears on the threshold of the house along with Nicole.

The tenth phenomenon

Young people bicker, making accusations against each other. The reason for Lucille's behavior became clear when she described the morning's situation. The aunt with whom she walked in the morning said that men should be wary. When you see them, run away. That's the whole secret.

Appearance eleventh

The lady is glad to see Cleont. They are going to wait for Mr. Jourdain to arrive to ask for consent to the marriage.

Appearance Twelfth

Having indicated the purpose of the visit, Cleont hears a question about his origin. Having heard the answer that the future son-in-law has nothing to do with the nobility, Mr. Jourdain refuses the marriage. Madame Jourdain tried to take Cleont's side, but to no avail. The husband did not listen to her. This was not the kind of party he dreamed of for his daughter. He wants to see Lucille as nothing other than a marquise or duchess.

Appearance thirteen

Madame Jourdain calms the upset Cleontes. The daughter receives advice from her mother on how to behave with her father.

Appearance fourteen

It was a complete surprise for Cleont to learn that his future son-in-law should have noble roots. He is upset. Koviel suggests playing a prank on Jourdain.

Appearance fifteenth

Jourdain is perplexed why everyone is trying to poke him once again with acquaintances with nobles. There is nothing more pleasant for him than such connections. He would give anything in the world to be born a marquis or a count.

Appearance sixteen

The servant informs Jourdain that the count has come to the house with some lady on his arm.

Appearance seventeenth

The footman reports to the guests that the master will be out soon.

The Eighteenth Appearance

Doriman is haunted by doubts as to whether she did the right thing by arriving at an unfamiliar house. The Count convinces her that she did everything right. He himself has been in love with her for a long time, but he did not have the opportunity to see her either at home or at her home. This could compromise the marquise.

The Marquise is flattered by the Count's attention. She thanks him for the gifts she received from him. Especially for a diamond that has no price. The woman does not even realize that the impudent count passed off the gifts from Jourdain as his own, wanting to express his love in this way.

Appearance nineteen

Jourdain bows to the marquise, but the bow is so awkward that the guests can barely contain their laughter. The welcome speech was no better. Dorant hints that it’s time to have lunch.

The twentieth phenomenon

Guests go to the set table. The singers' names are.

Episode twenty-one

The cooks preparing dinner are dancing in anticipation of the holiday.

Act four

First appearance

Dorimena is delighted with the luxurious feast. Mr. Jourdain compliments his dear guest non-stop. In between times, he focuses his attention on the diamond on Dorimena’s finger. He is sure that she knows who the ring is from.

Second phenomenon

Suddenly the lady appears and starts a scandal. She understood for whose sake everything was started. This is where the husband squanders his money. A feast, singers, dancers, and her out the door. Dorant takes the blow. He justifies Mr., explaining that all expenses come from his funds, but the lady does not believe in this nonsense. Insulted, Dorimena runs out from the table. Dorant is behind her.

The third phenomenon

The spouses argue with each other.

The fourth phenomenon

Mr. is dissatisfied that his wife appeared ahead of time and ruined everything, but he had only just begun to wow those present with his wit and was clearly on a roll.

Fifth appearance

Koviel appears in disguise, introducing himself as a close friend of the late father, Mr. Jourdain. The Mr. does not recognize him as Cleontes' servant. Koviel puzzled him by mentioning that he remembered the deceased as a real nobleman. Jourdain is perplexed, because everyone assured him that his father was a merchant.

The next news is even more stunning. Koviel talks about his friend, his son Turkish Sultan, allegedly in love with Lucille. The young man is ready to marry the girl if he receives the go-ahead from her father, but before this it is necessary to hold a special ceremony for his future father-in-law, initiation into mamamushi. Then Jourdain will receive the most honorable rank, standing on a par with the most distinguished nobles.

Jourdain says that her daughter is in love with Cleontes and has vowed to marry only him. Koviel calms him down, saying that coincidence his friend is exactly like him.

Appearance Six

Cleont appears, disguised as a Turk. He asks Jourdain to begin preparing for the ceremony as quickly as possible.

Seventh Appearance

Koviel is pleased with himself. He did it all cleverly.

The eighth phenomenon

Koviel asks Dorant to play along with them in a masquerade with their participation.

Appearance Ninth

Beginning of the Turkish ceremony.

The tenth phenomenon

Mr. Jourdain was dressed in Turkish clothes and shaved bald. Everyone is dancing and singing.

Appearance eleventh

Turks sing and dance in their own language national dances. The fun continues.

Appearance Twelfth

The Turks dance and sing.

Appearance thirteen

Jourdain in a turban with a saber in his hands. The Mufti and the dervishes perform an initiation ceremony during which they beat with sticks to the beat of Jourdain's music. This is the only way to summon Mohammed.

Act five

First appearance

Madame Jourdain, looking at her husband in a new guise, begins to think that he has gone crazy. Jourdain explains to his wife that he is now mamamushi and demands respectful treatment.

Second phenomenon

Dorant had to try hard to persuade Dorimena to return to the Jourdains' house. It is necessary to support Cleontes with the draw. The Marquise agrees to marry Dorant, but in future asks him not to be so wasteful.

The third phenomenon

Dorimena and Dorant congratulate Jourdain on his new title.

The fourth phenomenon

Dorant bows before the disguised Cleont, convincing him of his devotion.

Fifth appearance

Mr. Jourdain introduces Cleonta Dorant and Dorimena, explaining that these people are his close friends and they are ready to pay their respects to the Turkish guest.

Appearance Six

Mr. Jourdain asks his daughter to come closer and meet her future husband. Lucille doesn't understand anything. She thinks her father is joking. The girl is against marriage, but recognizing the Turk as Cleonte in disguise, she agrees to the marriage.

Seventh Appearance

Mrs. is against marriage with a foreigner. Koviel explains to her that this is a game. They send for a notary. Dorant announces to Madame that now she will have no reason to be jealous. He and the marquise are getting married soon. While waiting for the notary, everyone watches the ballet and continues to have fun.

Jean-Baptiste Moliere

Tradesman in the nobility

Comedy in five acts

Poems translated by A. Argo

Comedy characters

Mr. Jourdain, tradesman.

Ms. Jourdain, his wife.

Lucille, their daughter.

Cleont, a young man in love with Lucille.

Dorimena, marquise.

Dorant, a count in love with Dorimena.

Nicole, a servant in the house of Mr. Jourdain.

Koviel, servant of Cleont.

Music teacher.

Music teacher student.

Dance teacher.

fencing teacher.

Philosophy teacher.

Tailor.

Tailor's Apprentice.

Two footmen.

Ballet characters

Singer.

Two singers.

Dancers.

Tailor's apprentices (dancing).

Cooks (dancing).

Mufti.

Turks, mufti's retinue (singing).

Dervishes (singing).

Turks (dancing).

The action takes place in Paris, in the house of Mr. Jourdain.

Act one

The overture is performed by a variety of instruments; in the middle of the stage at the table music teacher student composes a melody for a serenade ordered by Mr. Jourdain.

A music teacher, a dance teacher, two singers, a singer, two violinists, four dancers.

Music teacher (singers and musicians). Come here, to this room, rest until he arrives.

Dance teacher (to dancers). And you too, stand on this side.

Music teacher (to the student). Ready?

Student. Ready.

Music teacher. Let's see... Very good.

Dance teacher. Anything new?

Music teacher. Yes, I told the student to compose music for a serenade while our eccentric woke up.

Dance teacher. Can I have a look?

Music teacher. You will hear this along with the dialogue as soon as the owner appears. He'll be out soon.

Dance teacher. Now you and I have things going over our heads.

Music teacher. Still would! We found exactly the person we needed. Mr. Jourdain, with his obsession with the nobility and social manners, is just a treasure for us. If everyone became like him, then your dances and my music would have nothing more to wish for.

Dance teacher. Well, not quite. I would like, for his own good, that he would have a better understanding of the things that we explain to him.

Music teacher. He doesn’t understand them well, but he pays well, and our arts need nothing more now than this.

Dance teacher. I'll admit, I'm a little partial to fame. Applause gives me pleasure, but to waste my art on fools, to submit my creations to the barbaric court of a fool - this, in my opinion, is an unbearable torture for any artist. Whatever you say, it’s nice to work for people who are able to feel the subtleties of this or that art, who know how to appreciate the beauty of works and reward you for your work with flattering signs of approval. Yes, the most pleasant reward is to see that your creation is recognized, that you are honored for it with applause. In my opinion, this is the best reward for all our hardships - the praise of an enlightened person leaves an inexplicable pleasure.

Music teacher. I agree with this, I myself love praise. Indeed, there is nothing more flattering than applause, but you can’t live on incense. Praise alone is not enough for a person; give him something more significant. The best way incentives are putting something in your hand. Frankly speaking, our master’s knowledge is not great, he judges everything crookedly and at random and applauds where he should not, but money straightens the crookedness of his judgments, his common sense is in his wallet, his praises are minted in the form of coins, so from this ignorant The tradesman, as you see, is of much more use to us than the enlightened nobleman who brought us here.

Dance teacher. There is some truth in your words, but it seems to me that you attach too much importance to money; Meanwhile, self-interest is something so base that a decent person should not show any special inclination towards it.

Music teacher. However, you calmly take money from our eccentric.

Dance teacher. Of course, I take it, but money is not the main thing for me. If only his wealth and even a little good taste - that’s what I would like.

Music teacher. Me too, because we both strive for this to the best of our ability. But be that as it may, thanks to him, people began to pay attention to us in society, and what others will praise, he will pay for.

Dance teacher. And here he is.

Mr. Jourdain in a dressing gown and nightcap, a music teacher, a dancing teacher, a music teacher's student, a singer, two singers, violinists, dancers, two footmen.

Mr. Jourdain. Well, gentlemen? How are you doing there? Will you show me your trinket today?

Dance teacher. What? What trinket?

Mr. Jourdain. Well, this one... What do you call it? It's either a prologue or a dialogue with songs and dances.

Dance teacher. ABOUT! ABOUT!

Music teacher. As you can see, we are ready.

Mr. Jourdain. I hesitated a little, but the point is this: I dress now as nobles dress, and my tailor sent me silk stockings, so tight - really, I thought I’d never get them on.

Music teacher. We are entirely at your service.

Mr. Jourdain. I ask you both not to leave until they bring me my new suit: I want you to look at me.

Dance teacher. As you wish.

Mr. Jourdain. You will see that now I am dressed from head to toe as I should be.

Music teacher. We have no doubt about this.

Mr. Jourdain. I made myself a robe from Indian fabric.

Dance teacher. Great robe.

Mr. Jourdain. My tailor assures me that all the nobles wear such robes in the morning.

Music teacher. It suits you amazingly.

Mr. Jourdain. Lackey! Hey, my two lackeys!

First footman. What do you order, sir?

Mr. Jourdain. I won't order anything. I just wanted to check how you obey me. How do you like their liveries?

Dance teacher. Magnificent liveries.

Mr. Jourdain (opens his robe; underneath he has tight red velvet trousers and a green velvet camisole). And here is my home suit for morning exercises.

Music teacher. Abyss of taste!

Mr. Jourdain. Lackey!

First footman. Anything, sir?

Mr. Jourdain. Another lackey!

Second footman. Anything, sir?

Mr. Jourdain (takes off his robe). Hold it. (To the music teacher and dance teacher.) Well, am I good in this outfit?

Dance teacher. Very good. It couldn't be better.

Mr. Jourdain. Now let's get busy with you.

Music teacher. First of all, I would like you to listen to the music that here it is (points to student) wrote for the serenade you ordered. This is my student, he has amazing abilities for such things.

Mr. Jourdain. It may very well be, but still you shouldn’t have entrusted this to a student. It remains to be seen whether you yourself are fit for such a task, let alone a student.

Music teacher. The word "student" should not confuse you, sir. Students of this kind understand music no worse than great masters. In fact, you couldn’t imagine a more wonderful motive. Just listen.

Mr. Jourdain (to the lackeys). Give me a robe, it’s more convenient to listen... However, wait, perhaps it’s better without a robe. No, give me a robe, it will be better.

Singer

Iris, I am languishing, suffering is destroying me,
Your stern gaze pierced me like a sharp sword.
When you torture someone who loves you so much,
How terrible you are to the one who dared to incur your wrath!

Mr. Jourdain. In my opinion, this is a rather mournful song, it makes you sleepy. I would ask you to make it a little more fun.

Music teacher. The motive must correspond to the words, sir.

Mr. Jourdain. I was recently taught a very nice song. Wait... now, now... How does it start?

Molière's comedy "The Tradesman among the Nobility" was written in 1670. The work was created within the framework literary direction realism. In the comedy “The Bourgeois in the Nobility,” the author ridicules the typical bourgeois, the ignorant Mr. Jourdain, who tried to join the “upper class,” but he could only clumsily imitate the life of the nobility.

If you need to quickly understand what Moliere’s story is about, we recommend reading the summary of “The Bourgeois in the Nobility” by action on our website. This material will also allow you to quickly prepare for a world literature lesson. The play "The Bourgeois in the Nobility" is included in school curriculum 8th grade.

Main characters

Mister Jourdain- a tradesman who wanted to be a nobleman. Those around him laughed at him, but played along with him for their own benefit.

Madame Jourdain- wife of Mr. Jourdain; did not share his desire to become a nobleman.

Cleont – a young man in love with Lucille.

Koviel- servant of Cleonte.

Dorant- a count, an acquaintance of Jourdain, who constantly borrowed money from the tradesman. In love with Dorimena.

Other characters

Lucille- daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jourdain, in love with Cleonte.

Nicole- maid Lucille.

Dorimena– marquise; Jourdain tried to gain her favor through Dorant.

Teachers of dance, music, fencing, philosophy, who were hired by Jourdain.

Act one

Phenomenon 1

Paris. Mr. Jourdain's house. The music teacher and dance teacher prepare for the evening's performance and discuss that although Jourdain has no understanding of art, "money straightens the crookedness of his judgment, his common sense is in his wallet."

Phenomenon 2

Jourdain boasts to his teachers about his new robe, and they flatter him in everything.

To the tradesman the sound of the violin seems mournful. Teachers note that Jourdain should study the arts, since “all the strife, all the wars on earth,” “all the misadventures with which history is full” come from ignorance of music and the inability to dance.

Act two

Phenomenon 1

Jourdain orders that the ballet be ready by evening, as the person for whom he is arranging all this will arrive. The music teacher, anticipating good pay, advises the tradesman to give concerts on Wednesdays and Thursdays, as all noble gentlemen do.

Phenomena 2-3

A visiting fencing teacher teaches a tradesman, explaining that “the whole secret of fencing is to<…>inflict blows on the enemy" and "not receive them yourself." The fencing teacher expresses the idea that dancing and music are useless sciences. An argument begins between the teachers.

Phenomena 4-5

Jourdain asks the visiting philosophy teacher to reconcile the quarrels. Referring to Seneca's treatise on anger, the philosopher tries to calm them down, but he himself gets involved in an argument, which develops into a fight.

Phenomenon 6

Philosophy lesson. The teacher offers to teach Jourdain the wisdom of philosophy: logic, ethics and physics, but they do not arouse interest in the tradesman. Jourdain asks to teach him spelling. The teacher tells him that there are vowels and consonants.

Jourdain asks the philosopher to help him write a love note, but in the end they settle on the tradesman’s original version: “Beautiful marquise, your beautiful eyes promise me death from love.” Suddenly the tradesman learns that he has expressed himself in prose all his life.

Apparitions 7-8

The tailor brings Jourdain a new suit. The tradesman notices that the suit is made from the same fabric as the clothes at the tailor, and the pattern (flowers) is located upside down. The tailor reassures him with what is so fashionable in high society.

Apparitions 9-10

Dancing around Jourdain, the apprentices put a new suit on him. They call the tradesman “Your Grace”, “Your Excellency”, “Your Grace”, for which they receive a generous payment.

Act three

Phenomena 1-3

Seeing new outfit Jourdain, Nicole can't help but laugh. Madame Jourdain is outraged appearance a husband who “dressed up as a jester”, and everyone laughs at him anyway. Jourdain decides to show off his knowledge to his wife and Nicole, but does not surprise the women. Moreover, while fencing with a man, the maid easily stabs him several times.

Phenomena 4-5

Dorant praises Jourdain’s new suit and mentions that he spoke about it “in the royal bedchamber,” which pleases the tradesman’s vanity.

Dorant asks Jourdain for “two hundred more pistoles” to round up the amount of his significant debt. The indignant Madame Jourdain calls her husband a “cash cow” and Dorant a “rogue.”

Phenomena 6

Dorant reports that he persuaded the marquise to come to the tradesman today, giving her a diamond - a gift from Jourdain. Nicole accidentally overhears part of the men’s conversation and learns that the tradesman is sending his wife to visit his sister in the evening so that nothing “embarrasses” them.

Apparitions 7-11

Mrs. Jourdain is sure that her husband is “hitting on someone.” A woman wants to marry her daughter to Cleont, who is in love with her. Nicole is delighted with her mistress's decision, since she likes the servant Cleonte.

Madame Jourdain advises Cleonte to ask Mr. Jourdain for her daughter’s hand in marriage today.

Phenomenon 12

Cleontes asks Monsieur Jourdain for Lucille's hand in marriage. The tradesman is only interested in whether his future son-in-law is a nobleman. Cleont, not wanting to deceive, admits that he is not one. Jourdain refuses because he wants his daughter to be a marquise.

Apparitions 13-14

Koviel calms the upset Cleont - the servant has figured out how to “twist our simpleton around his finger.”

Apparitions 15-18

Dorimena did not want to meet Dorant at her or his home, so she agreed to dine at Jourdain’s. The count gave all the tradesman's gifts to the marquise in his own name.

Apparitions 19-20

Meeting the marquise, Jourdain bows absurdly, which greatly amuses the woman. Dorant warns the tradesman not to mention the diamond given to Doriman, as this is discourteous in secular society.

Act four

Phenomenon 1

Dorimena is surprised that a “luxurious feast” was arranged for her. Jourdain, drawing attention to the diamond on the marquise’s hand, calls it “a mere trifle,” believing that the woman knows that it is a gift from him.

Phenomena 2-4

Suddenly Madame Jourdain appears. The woman is outraged that after sending his wife away, her husband is throwing a “feast” for another lady. Dorant tries to justify himself, explaining that he organized the dinner. Madame Jourdain does not believe this. The upset marquise leaves, and Dorant goes after her.

Phenomena 5-8

Coviel, in disguise, poses as an old friend of Jourdain's father. Koviel says that the tradesman’s father was not a merchant, but a nobleman. However, the main purpose of his visit is to report that the son of the Turkish Sultan has long been in love with Jourdain’s daughter and wants to marry her. Soon, Cleont, disguised as a Turk, joins them and, through the translator Koviel, announces his intentions.

Koviel asks Dorant to play along with them.

Apparitions 9-13

Turkish ceremony. The mufti and his retinue, the dervishes and the Turks sing and dance as they initiate Jourdain, dressed in Turkish clothes, into a Turk. The Mufti places the Koran on the tradesman's back and calls upon Mohammed.

Act five

Phenomenon 1

Jourdain explains to his wife that he has now become a mamamushi. A woman decides that her husband has gone crazy.

Phenomena 2-3

Dorant persuades Dorimena to stay to support Cleont’s idea of ​​a masquerade and watch the ballet arranged for her.

Apparitions 4-7

Lucille at first refuses to marry, but, recognizing the Turk as Cleonte, she agrees.

Madame Jourdain was also against the marriage, but when Koviel quietly explained to her that what was happening was only a masquerade, she ordered to send for a notary.

Dorant announces that he and the marquise have also decided to get married. Jourdain thinks that the count said this as a diversion. The joyful tradesman gives Nicole to the “interpreter” Koviel, and his “wife to anyone.” Koviel is surprised that “you won’t find another such madman in the whole world!” .

"The comedy ends in ballet".

Conclusion

Molière's comedy "The Bourgeois in the Nobility" is one of the most famous dramatic works. The play was staged by more than twenty leading theaters and was filmed four times. Attracting with the brightness of the characters described and subtle humor, the brilliant work remains interesting for modern readers.

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