Chapter 13- Villa for Sale

Select words from the box to describe the characters in the play as revealed by the following lines. You may take the words from the box given on the next page.

What does the above statement reveal about Gaston's character?

(i) He is selfish.

(ii) He is an opportunist.

(iii) He is a caring person.

(iv) He is a hypocrite.

'While you were upstairs, I have been thinking a lot about your Papa and Mamma.'

What is the discrepancy between what Gaston said earlier and what he says now?

(i) Earlier he did not want Jeanne's parents to stay with them but now he is showing concern for them.

(ii) Earlier he wanted Jeanne's parents to stay with them but now he does not want them to come over.

(iii) Earlier he wanted to buy a house for them but now he wants them to come and stay in their villa.

(iv) Earlier he stayed in Jeanne's parents' villa but now he wants them to stay with him and Jeanne.

'But your parents would take possession of it, every year from the beginning of spring until the end of September. What's more they would bring the whole tribe of your sister's children with them.'

What does Gaston mean by 'take possession'?

(i) Her parents would stay with them for a long time.

(ii) Jeanne's sister has many children.

(iii) Gaston does not like children.

(iv) Juliette's sister's children are badly behaved.

Why does she call herself a fool?

(i) She has decided to sell her villa.

(ii) There are no buyers for the villa.

(iii) She had bought the villa for more than it was worth.

(iv) The villa was too close to the film studios.

'But the sign has been hanging on the gate for over a month now and I am beginning to be afraid that the day I bought it was when I was the real fool.'

Why is Juliette disappointed?

(i) She is unable to get a role of cook in the films.

(ii) Her maid is leaving as she has got a role in the films.

(iii) She is unable to find a suitable buyer for her villa.

(iv) Gaston is offering a very low price for the villa.

Why is Gaston not interested in buying the villa in the beginning?

Why does Jeanne want to buy a villa?

Do you like/dislike Gaston? Give your reasons.

Who is better in business -Juliette or Gaston? Why?

Juliette says "... now I have only one thought that is to get the wretched place off my hands. I would sacrifice it at any price." Does she stick to her words? Why/Why not?

Mrs. Al Smith makes many statements about the French. Pick out any two and explain them.

Copy and complete the following paragraph about the theme of the play using the clues given in the box below. Remember that there are more clues than required.

Juliette, the owner of a villa wants to _________ it as she is in need of __________. Moreover, she is not in _________ of the house. Jeanne and Gaston, a couple visit her with the aim of __________ the Villa. While Jeanne is ___________ about buying, Gaston detests the idea as he does not want his __________ in that house. Also, he finds the asking price of ___________ to be expensive. When Jeanne and Juliette go around the house, another customer __________ and starts talking to Gaston _______ him to be Juliette's husband. Gaston _________ a deal with the customer by which he is able to give ___________ to the owner and __________ one thousand francs for himself.

  Discuss with your partner the similarities and dissimilarities in your dream

If you could buy your dream house today what are some specific features you would want for your house? Write them in the bubbles below.