VILLA FOR SALE (ONE ACT PLAY) - SACHA GUITRY

 

VILLA FOR SALE  (One Act Play)

Sacha Guitry

Vocabulary:

1.       Inheritance - The property or money that is passed down to someone from a family member who has died.

2.       Villa - A large, luxurious country house, typically located in a desirable or scenic area.

3.       Mansion - A large and impressive house, usually occupied by a wealthy person or family.

4.       Profitable - Yielding a financial gain or benefit; making money.

5.       Investment - Putting money, time, or effort into something with the expectation of achieving a profitable return or result.

6.       Realtor - A licensed professional who helps people buy and sell real estate.

7.       Mortgage - A loan obtained to purchase property, typically with specified repayment terms and interest rates.

8.       Finances - The management of money, including income, expenses, and investments.

9.       Wealth - A large amount of money, possessions, or valuable resources.

10.   Financial stability - A state of having a secure and consistent financial situation, without significant fluctuations or risks.

11.   Luxurious - Extremely comfortable, elegant, or extravagant, often associated with high quality and expense.

12.   Property - A piece of land or real estate, including any buildings or structures on it.

13.   Market value - The estimated worth or price of a property or asset based on current market conditions.

14.   Sentimental - Having emotional or nostalgic value, often associated with personal memories or attachments.

15.   Attachment - A strong emotional connection or bond to someone or something.

16.   Renovation - The process of improving or updating a building, often by repairing, remodeling, or redecorating.

17.   Business opportunity - A chance to start or expand a business venture that has the potential for success and profit.

18.   Societal expectations - The norms, beliefs, and behaviors that are generally accepted or anticipated within a particular society.

19.   Prestige - High status or reputation associated with success, wealth, or influence.

20.   Status - A person's social or professional position or rank in relation to others.

21.   Negotiation - The process of discussing and reaching an agreement through compromise or mutual concessions.

22.   Prudent - Showing care and thought for the future; cautious and sensible in decision-making.

23.   Rational - Based on reason, logic, or sound judgment, rather than emotions or impulses.

24.   Calculated - Done with careful planning and consideration; intentional and deliberate.

25.   Impulsive - Acting or done without forethought or consideration of consequences; driven by sudden desires or emotions.

26.   Regret - A feeling of sadness, disappointment, or remorse about something that has happened or been done.

27.   Indifferent - Having no particular interest, concern, or sympathy; neither positive nor negative.

28.   Annoyed - Feeling or showing mild irritation or frustration.

29.   Frustrated - Feeling or expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance, often due to being hindered or unable to achieve a desired outcome.

30.   Burden - A heavy load or responsibility that causes worry, difficulty, or stress.

31.   Irrational - Not based on reason or logic; illogical or unreasonable.

32.   Symbol - Something that represents or stands for something else, often with a deeper or abstract meaning.

33.   Extravagant - Excessive or elaborate in spending, behavior, or design; going beyond what is necessary or reasonable.

34.   Wasteful - Using or spending resources, money, or time in an unnecessary or inefficient manner.

35.   Fashionable - Currently popular or stylish, often associated with trends and tastes.

36.   Perception - The way in which something is understood, interpreted, or recognized by individuals or groups.

37.   Financial security - The state of having enough money or resources to cover one's needs and future expenses without significant risks

SUMMARY

In the play "Villa for Sale" by Sacha Guitry, Juliette is selling her villa and discussing it with her maid. Juliette initially had high hopes of quickly selling the villa at a higher price, but after a month of no interest, she becomes desperate to sell it at any price. She mentions her frustration with the lack of interest and her willingness to sell it for a hundred thousand francs, even though it cost her only half that amount. As they wait for a potential buyer to arrive, the maid suggests that Juliette should consider acting in a film to earn some extra money. Juliette is initially offended but eventually considers the idea.

Meanwhile, Gaston and Jeanne enter the villa to view it. Gaston is unimpressed by the garden and the interior and doesn't want to buy a villa at all. Jeanne, on the other hand, is interested in buying it for her parents. They discuss their differing opinions on buying a villa, and Gaston makes it clear that he doesn't want to pay for it. When Juliette enters, she greets them warmly and praises the villa's charm. She mentions the various amenities and tries to convince them to buy it. However, when Gaston asks about the price, Juliette initially hesitates but eventually suggests a high price of two hundred and fifty thousand francs. Gaston finds the price excessive and suggests a much lower offer of sixty thousand francs, causing shock and disappointment from Juliette.

The play explores themes of desperation to sell, contrasting opinions on buying a villa, and the tension between the seller's asking price and the buyer's offer.

TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

a) Why does Jeanne want to buy a villa?

Ans: Jeanne wants to buy a villa because she desires a luxurious and comfortable lifestyle. She sees the villa as a symbol of wealth and status, and she believes that owning a villa will enhance her social standing and bring her happiness and fulfillment. Jeanne might also be influenced by societal expectations and the desire to impress others with her success.

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

Ans: Gaston is not interested in buying the villa in the beginning because he is more focused on practicality and financial stability. He values his financial security and prefers to invest his money wisely. Gaston might also be skeptical about the value of the villa and the potential risks associated with such a purchase. He may prefer to allocate his resources in more productive and profitable ventures.

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

Ans: Mrs. Al Smith makes statements about the French that reveal certain stereotypes or generalizations. Two possible examples could be:

"You French are so extravagant! Always spending money on lavish things." This statement reflects a stereotype that associates the French with a tendency to spend money freely on luxurious and extravagant items. It suggests a perception that the French have a penchant for indulgence and an extravagant lifestyle.

"French people are known for their love of good food and wine." This statement highlights the stereotype of the French as appreciators of fine cuisine and wine. It implies that the French prioritize culinary pleasures and are known for their sophisticated taste in food and beverages.

It is important to note that these statements are fictional and may not reflect the actual characteristics or beliefs of the French people as a whole.

 

d) 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?

Ans: Juliette initially expresses frustration and a desire to sell the villa quickly, regardless of the price. However, as the play progresses, it becomes apparent that she does not stick to her words. Juliette becomes emotionally attached to the villa and its sentimental value, which makes her reconsider selling it at any price. She realizes that the villa holds cherished memories and has become an integral part of her life. Consequently, Juliette changes her stance and becomes reluctant to part with the villa, showing that her initial statement was driven by a temporary emotional state rather than a lasting decision.

 

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

Ans: It is difficult to determine who is better in business between Juliette and Gaston without further context or information about their respective business ventures. However, based on the given play, Juliette appears to have a more emotional and sentimental approach to business. Her attachment to the villa and her reluctance to sell it at any price indicate a less objective and more personal perspective. On the other hand, Gaston seems to prioritize financial stability and practicality in his business decisions. His initial hesitation to invest in the villa suggests a more rational and calculated approach. Ultimately, the effectiveness of their business skills would depend on various factors and the specific circumstances of their business ventures.

QUIZ ON VILLA FOR SALE

1.       Why does Jeanne want to buy a villa?

a) To start a business

b) For sentimental reasons

c) To impress others

d) To invest wisely

 

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

a) He doesn't have enough money

b) He doesn't like the location

c) He values financial security

d) He prefers apartments over villas

 

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

a) "You French are so extravagant! Always spending money on lavish things."

b) "French people are known for their love of good food and wine."

c) "French people are terrible at managing finances."

d) "You French have no sense of style."

 

4.       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?

a) Yes, she sells the villa immediately.

b) No, she becomes emotionally attached to the villa.

c) Yes, she regrets her decision later.

d) No, she realizes the villa is worth more than she thought.

 

 

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

a) Juliette, because she is sentimental.

b) Gaston, because he values financial stability.

c) Juliette, because she wants to impress others.

d) Gaston, because he has more experience.

 

6.       How does Jeanne view the villa?

a) As a symbol of wealth and status.

b) As a burden she wants to get rid of.

c) As a potential investment opportunity.

d) As a place to start a new business.

 

7.       Why does Gaston eventually change his mind about buying the villa?

a) Jeanne convinces him it's a good investment.

b) He falls in love with the villa's architecture.

c) He realizes the villa holds sentimental value.

d) He sees an opportunity to make a profit.

 

8.       What does Mrs. Al Smith's statement about the French imply?

a) French people are bad at managing money.

b) French people are extravagant and enjoy luxury.

c) French people have no sense of style.

d) French people are known for their lack of taste.

 

9.       Why does Jeanne believe owning a villa will bring her happiness and fulfillment?

a) She loves the architecture of villas.

b) She wants to impress her friends and neighbors.

c) She believes a luxurious lifestyle leads to happiness.

d) She plans to start a vacation rental business.

 

10.   How does Gaston prioritize his financial decisions?

a) He invests in businesses with high returns.

b) He spends his money on extravagant items.

c) He saves money for a rainy day.

d) He buys properties without considering their value.

 

11.   Which character in the play is more rational and calculated in their business decisions?

a) Jeanne

b) Mrs. Al Smith

c) Juliette

d) Gaston

 

12.   What motivates Juliette to reconsider selling the villa?

a) The opportunity to make a profit.

b) Pressure from Jeanne and Gaston.

c) Sentimental attachment and cherished memories.

d) The desire to invest in a more profitable venture.

 

13.   What is Jeanne's primary goal in buying a villa?

a) To gain financial stability.

b) To impress her friends and neighbors.

c) To create a vacation rental business.

d) To enjoy a luxurious and comfortable lifestyle.

 

14.   How does Juliette initially feel about the villa?

a) Excited and eager to sell it.

b) Indifferent and uninterested.

c) Annoyed and frustrated with it.

d) Sentimentally attached to it.

 

15.   What does Gaston prioritize over owning a villa?

a) Financial security

b) Prestige and status

c) Emotional attachment

d) Personal satisfaction

 

16.   How does Juliette's attitude towards the villa change over time?

a) She becomes more eager to sell it.

b) She falls in love with it.

c) She becomes emotionally attached to it.

d) She regrets buying it.

 

17.   How does Jeanne's desire to buy a villa reflect societal expectations?

a) Society expects her to live in a luxurious home.

b) Society wants her to start a business.

c) Society values financial security over luxury.

d) Society encourages her to save money.

 

18.   What does Mrs. Al Smith's statement imply about French cuisine?

a) French people have no taste in food.

b) French people only eat fast food.

c) French people appreciate fine food and wine.

d) French people cannot cook.

 

19.   How does Gaston's initial lack of interest in the villa affect the plot?

a) It creates conflict between him and Juliette.

b) It delays the process of selling the villa.

c) It prompts Jeanne to reconsider her decision.

d) It leads to a change in Jeanne's perspective.

 

20.   What factors influence Jeanne's desire to buy a villa?

a) Financial stability and practicality.

b) Emotional attachment and sentimental value.

c) Societal expectations and the desire to impress.

d) Profit potential and business opportunities.

 

21.   Why does Gaston value financial stability?

a) He wants to show off his wealth.

b) He fears losing his money.

c) He wants to invest in other businesses.

d) He wants to buy a different property.

 

22.   What does Juliette realize about the villa that makes her change her mind?

a) It has a high market value.

b) It holds sentimental memories.

c) It is a burden on her finances.

d) It has potential for renovation.

 

23.   What does Mrs. Al Smith's statement reveal about her perception of the French?

a) She admires their taste in fashion.

b) She thinks they are culturally ignorant.

c) She finds them extravagant and wasteful.

d) She appreciates their artistic talents.

 

24.   How does Gaston's attitude towards the villa change throughout the play?

a) He becomes more interested in buying it.

b) He becomes frustrated with the selling process.

c) He develops an emotional attachment to it.

d) He loses interest and wants to invest elsewhere.

 

25.   Why does Jeanne believe owning a villa will enhance her social status?

a) It is a symbol of wealth and luxury.

b) It provides her with a vacation destination.

c) It allows her to host lavish parties.

d) It represents financial success.

 

26.   How does Juliette's initial statement about the villa contrast with her later feelings?

a) She regrets buying it.

b) She becomes more eager to sell it.

c) She appreciates its sentimental value.

d) She realizes its true market worth.

 

 

27.   What role does financial stability play in Gaston's decision-making?

a) It is his primary concern.

b) It has no influence on him.

c) It is a secondary consideration.

d) It conflicts with his desire for luxury.

 

28.   How does Jeanne's desire for a villa reflect her personal values?

a) She prioritizes financial stability.

b) She values sentiment and emotional attachment.

c) She seeks practicality and functionality.

d) She prioritizes business opportunities.

 

29.   How does Juliette's emotional attachment to the villa impact her decisions?

a) She becomes irrational and impulsive.

b) She refuses to sell the villa at any price.

c) She considers sentimental value over profit.

d) She decides to keep the villa for personal use.

30.   What does the play suggest about the pursuit of material wealth and happiness?

a) Material wealth guarantees happiness.

b) Material wealth is insignificant compared to happiness.

c) Material wealth can lead to temporary happiness.

d) Material wealth is irrelevant to happiness.

l        LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS OR PRACTICE

1.       Discuss the significance of the villa as a symbol in the play.

Answer: The villa serves as a significant symbol in the play, representing various themes and ideas. Firstly, it symbolizes wealth and prestige. Juliette's desire to own a luxurious villa highlights her aspiration for a higher social status. Secondly, the villa represents the burden of financial responsibility. Juliette initially sees it as an investment opportunity but later realizes the financial strain it imposes on her. Lastly, the villa symbolizes societal expectations and the pressure to conform. Juliette's decision to sell the villa reflects her desire to break free from the constraints of societal norms and find personal fulfillment.

 

2.       Analyze the motivations and character development of Gaston throughout the play.

Answer: Gaston's initial disinterest in buying the villa reveals his practical and rational nature. He prioritizes financial stability and does not want to invest in a potentially risky venture. However, as the play progresses, Gaston's motivations shift. He becomes more enticed by the idea of owning the villa due to his desire to please Juliette and conform to societal expectations. This change in motivation reflects Gaston's willingness to compromise his own principles for the sake of his relationship. Ultimately, Gaston's character development showcases the conflict between his rationality and the emotional influence of his wife.

 

3.       Explore the theme of financial stability and its impact on the characters in the play.

Answer: Financial stability is a prominent theme in the play, affecting the characters in different ways. For Juliette, the pursuit of financial stability becomes a burden as she realizes the difficulties and expenses associated with owning the villa. Her desire to sell it stems from the need to alleviate the financial strain. In contrast, Gaston's focus on financial stability initially prevents him from considering the villa as a viable investment. However, societal expectations and the fear of losing his wife's affection lead him to reconsider. The theme of financial stability highlights the tension between financial security and personal fulfillment, as well as the sacrifices individuals make to maintain stability.

 

4.       Discuss the role of societal expectations and their influence on the characters' decisions.

Answer: Societal expectations play a significant role in shaping the characters' decisions in the play. Juliette is driven by the desire to conform to societal norms and expectations of wealth and status. Her initial enthusiasm for the villa purchase is fueled by the belief that it will elevate her social standing. Similarly, Gaston's eventual interest in the villa stems from his concern about fulfilling societal expectations and maintaining his wife's happiness. The pressure to conform to societal standards leads both characters to make decisions that may not align with their true desires and values, illustrating the impact of external influences on individual choices.

 

5.       Evaluate the theme of regret and its implications in the play.

Answer: The theme of regret permeates the play as the characters grapple with their decisions. Juliette's regret is evident when she declares her desire to sell the villa and describes it as a burden. Her initial excitement and aspiration are overshadowed by the realization that the villa does not bring her the happiness she expected. The theme of regret highlights the importance of careful consideration and the consequences of impulsive decisions. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing external expectations over personal fulfillment, as the characters are left with a sense of longing and dissatisfaction.

 

VALUE BASED QUESTIONS FOR PRACTICE

1.       How does the play highlight the importance of prioritizing personal fulfillment over societal expectations?

Answer: The play emphasizes the significance of prioritizing personal fulfillment over societal expectations through Juliette's character. Initially driven by the desire to conform to societal norms and elevate her social status, Juliette eventually realizes that true happiness comes from following one's own passions and desires rather than trying to meet external expectations. Her decision to sell the villa represents her prioritization of personal fulfillment over conforming to societal standards.

 

2.       Discuss the role of honesty and open communication in maintaining a healthy relationship, as portrayed in the play.

Answer: The play underscores the importance of honesty and open communication in maintaining a healthy relationship. The characters' lack of honest communication leads to misunderstandings and conflicts. If Gaston and Juliette had openly discussed their desires, concerns, and motivations regarding the villa from the beginning, they could have avoided much of the tension and strain on their relationship. The play highlights the value of clear and honest communication in fostering trust and understanding between partners.

 

3.       How does the play address the theme of materialism and its impact on individuals' happiness?

Answer: The play explores the theme of materialism and its impact on individuals' happiness through Juliette's character. Initially, Juliette believes that owning a luxurious villa will bring her happiness and elevate her social status. However, as the play unfolds, she realizes that material possessions do not guarantee happiness and can, in fact, become burdensome. The play suggests that true happiness lies in pursuing personal fulfillment and meaningful relationships rather than relying on material wealth and possessions.

 

4.       Discuss the importance of financial responsibility and the consequences of impulsive financial decisions, as portrayed in the play.

Answer: The play highlights the importance of financial responsibility and the consequences of impulsive financial decisions. Juliette's initial excitement about purchasing the villa without fully considering the financial implications leads to regret and distress. The play emphasizes the need for individuals to make informed and responsible financial choices, considering the long-term consequences and potential risks. It underscores the value of financial prudence and planning to avoid unnecessary financial burdens and hardships.

 

5.       How does the play address the theme of compromise in relationships and its impact on personal fulfillment?

Answer: The play explores the theme of compromise in relationships and its impact on personal fulfillment through Gaston's character. Gaston initially prioritizes financial stability and is reluctant to buy the villa. However, he eventually compromises his own principles to please Juliette and conform to societal expectations. This compromise leads to a conflict between his rationality and his own desires. The play raises questions about the balance between compromise in relationships and maintaining personal fulfillment, emphasizing the need for individuals to find a middle ground that allows for both individual happiness and the well-being of the relationship.