Question

What is the theme of the play the villa for sale

Answer 1

           The Villa for Sale play tells about how Gaston does not want to buy any property in France as he is afraid that it will only cater to the delight of his in-laws. He criticises the house and garden in an attempt to dissuade Jeanne from purchasing the villa. He calls the garden 'a yard with a patch of grass in the middle', describes the inside of the house as 'twenty five yards of cretonne and a dash of paint'. He calls the house a 'shanty'.

           After managing to sell the 'shanty' for an amount much higher than what was quoted by the owner he earns a quick lump sum of one hundred thousand francs. His apathy turns into cunning and opportunism. He expresses a false generosity towards his in-laws, the family of Jeanne, and agrees to buy the house for the lowest figure of two hundred thousand franks offered by Juliette. Even though Jeanne is not in favour of the transaction now. 

Answer 2

The theme of the play 'Villa For Sale' is the comparison between as to who is better at doing business,American Mrs Al Smith or French, Mr Gaston? We find that Mrs Al Smith has a very proud opinion about the Americans and she is critical about the French ways of life. However, she gets outsmarted by a Frenchman, who earns hundred thousand francs from a deal signed in hurry by Mrs Al Smith.