Villa for Sale Question Answers (Important)| Class 9 English Literature Reader (Communicative) Book

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Villa for Sale Important Question Answers

CBSE Class 9 English Chapter 12 Villa for Sale Question Answers (Important) from Literature Reader (Communicative) Book

Villa for Sale Question Answers – Looking for Villa for Sale question answers for Class 9 English Literature Reader (Communicative) book Chapter 12? Look no further! Our comprehensive compilation of important questions will help you brush up on your subject knowledge. Practising Class 9 English Communicative question answers can significantly improve your performance in the exam. Our solutions provide a clear idea of how to write the answers effectively. Improve your chances of scoring high marks by exploring Chapter 12: Villa for Sale now. The questions listed below are based on the latest CBSE exam pattern, wherein we have given solutions to the chapter’s extract based questions, short answer questions, and long answer questions.

Also, practising with different kinds of questions can help students learn new ways to solve problems that they may not have seen before. This can ultimately lead to a deeper understanding of the subject matter and better performance on exams.

Villa for Sale Textbook Questions
Villa for Sale Extract Based Question
Villa for Sale Short Question Answers
Villa for Sale Long Question Answers

Villa for Sale Textbook Questions

Exercises

Q1. Complete the following paragraph about the theme of the play using the clues given in the box below. Remember that there are more clues given than required.

sell, buying, house, enthusiastic, comes, 200 thousand francs, taking, favour, get, sleeps, money, 300 thousand francs, unhappy, in-laws, walks in, strikes, keep

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 the _____________ 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.
Ans. Juliette, the owner of a Villa wants to sell it as she is in need of money. Moreover, she is not in favour of the house. Jeanne and Gaston, a couple visit her with the aim of buying the Villa. While Jeanne is enthusiastic about buying, Gaston detests the idea as he does not want his in-laws in that house. Also, he finds the asking price of the house to be expensive. When Jeanne and Juliette go around the house, another customer walks in and starts talking to Gaston taking him to be Juliette’s husband. Gaston strikes a deal with the customer by which he is able to give 200 thousand francs to the owner and keep one thousand francs for himself.

Q2. Read the following extracts and answer the questions that follow by choosing the correct options.

(A) 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.

a) Why is Juliette disappointed?
(i) she is unable to get the role of a 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.
Ans. (iii) she is unable to find a suitable buyer for her villa.

b) 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.
Ans. (iii) she had bought the villa for more than it was worth.

(B) ‘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.’
(a) What does Gaston mean by ‘take possession’?
(i) her parents would stay with them for a long time.
(ii) Juliette’s sister has many children.
(iii) Gaston does not like children.
(iv) Juliette’s sister’s children are badly behaved.
Ans. (i) her parents would stay with them for a long time.

(C) ‘While you were upstairs, I have been thinking a lot about your Papa and Mamma.
(a) What is the discrepancy between what Gaston said earlier and what he says now?
(i) Earlier he did not want Juliette’s parents to stay with them but now he is showing concern for them.
(ii) Earlier he wanted Juliette’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 Juliette’s parents’ villa but now he wants them to stay with him and Juliette.
Ans. (i) Earlier he did not want Juliette’s parents to stay with them but now he is showing concern for them.

(b) 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.
Ans. (ii) he is an opportunist.

Q3. Answer the following questions briefly.
a) Why does Jeanne want to buy a villa?
Ans. Jeanne wants to buy a villa for her parents to live in.

b) Why is Gaston not interested in buying the villa in the beginning?
Ans. Gaston is not interested in buying the villa because he does not want to invest money for his wife’s parents.

c) Mrs. Al Smith makes many statements about the French. Pick out any two and explain them.
Ans. Two statements which Mrs. Al Smith makes are:

“Frenchmen usually have to consult about ten people before they get a move on.” This statement means that the French ask and discuss the matter with many people before taking a decision.
“French people have a cute way of doing business!”. This means that the French have different rules for business than Americans.

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 does not stick to her words. She quotes a hefty amount of 250000 francs for the villa. Later, she reduces it to 200000 but does not bargain further. She is ready to give up the deal than to sell the villa for a lesser price.

e) Who is a better business person – Juliette or Gaston? Substantiate with examples from the text.
Ans. Gaston is better than Juliette in business. He managed to strike a deal with Mrs. Al Smith out of nothing and earns a good amount of money. He also gets the painting by Corot in the deal as a souvenir.

(f) The ending of the play was a win-win situation approach for Gaston, Juliette, and Mrs. AI Smith. Explain.
Ans. I like Gaston because he is shrewd, business – minded and manages to strike a deal out of nothing. On the other hand, his reluctance to spend money for Jeanne’s parents makes me dislike him. He seems to be self – centred.

Q4. Answer in detail.
a) Social Satire is a style of fictional representation that uses humour, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people’s behaviour, particularly in a social context. Substantiate how Villa for Sale reflects this style.
Ans. In Villa for sale, we see the characters of Juliette and Gaston to be using social satire. Gaston is humorous when he expresses astonishment that there is a bath in the bathroom. He also says that the villa is nothing but Twenty-five yards of Cretonne and a dash of paint. The maid suggests Juliette to act in plays in order to solve her financial problems. All these instances show that the play has social satire in it.

b) Passive characters are often considered ‘weak’ and ‘uninteresting,’ but can also be the true driving force of a story. Do you feel that the maid and Jeanne were the driving force of this play? Rationalise with evidence from the play.
Ans. The maid and Jeanne were the driving force of the play because they made it lively. Both the characters had a positive spirit, were determined and hard-working. They remain the same which brings stability to the otherwise over dramatic characters of Juliette and Gaston. Although they are passive characters, they help in providing a common thread from where the main characters often retake the story. Thus, we cannot overlook the importance of these passive characters.

Q5. 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.

select words from the box

Ans.

table

Class 9 Communicative English Villa for Sale Question Answers Chapter 12 – Extract Based Question

A. “Maid: All the same, Madame, when they brought you the ‘For Sale’ sign, you wouldn’t let them put it up. You waited until it was night. Then you went and hung it yourself, Madame.
Juliette: I know! You see, I thought that as they could not read it in the dark, the house would belong to me for one more night. I was so sure that the next day the entire world would be fighting to purchase it.”

1. Why did Juliette wait until night to hang the ‘For Sale’ sign?
Ans. Juliette wanted the house to belong to her for one more night, so she waited until it was dark to hang the ‘For Sale’ sign.

2. What was Juliette’s expectation for the next day after putting up the sign?
Ans. Juliette believed that the next day the entire world would be eager to purchase the house.

3. How does Juliette express her confidence that the house would attract buyers?
Ans. Juliette expresses her confidence by mentioning that the sign wouldn’t be readable in the dark, ensuring the house would be hers for the night.

4. Why did Juliette want the house to belong to her for one more night?
Ans. Juliette thought that if the house sold immediately after putting up the sign, she might regret selling it, wondering if she was a fool.

5. What role did the darkness play in Juliette’s strategy with the ‘For Sale’ sign?
a) It made the house more mysterious
b) It discouraged potential buyers
c) It ensured the sign wouldn’t be readable, giving her an extra night of ownership
d) It symbolized the end of her time in the house
Ans. c) It ensured the sign wouldn’t be readable, giving her an extra night of ownership

B. “Maid: What time did those agency people say the lady would call?
Juliette: Between four and five, Madame.
Maid: Then we must wait for her.
Juliette: It was a nice little place for you to spend the weekends, Madame.”

1. What is Juliette and the maid waiting for between four and five?
Ans. Juliette and the maid are waiting for the lady mentioned by the agency to call between four and five.

2. According to Juliette, why was the house a nice place for the lady to spend weekends?
Ans. Juliette suggests that the house was a nice place for the lady to spend weekends.

3. Why is Juliette waiting for the lady?
a) To discuss housekeeping duties
b) To share neighborhood gossip
c) To sell the house
d) To invite her for tea
Ans. c) To sell the house

4. What does the maid suggest about the lady calling between four and five?
Ans. The maid suggests that they must wait for the lady who is supposed to call between four and five.

5. How does Juliette feel about the house currently?
Ans. Juliette expresses frustration with the house, stating that she is fed up with it and wants to sell it.

C. “Maid: They might take you on for eight days, Madame. That would mean eight hundred francs. It’s really money for nothing. You would only have to peel potatoes one minute and make an omelette the next, quite easy.
Juliette: But how kind of you. … Thank God I’m not quite so hard up as that yet!
Maid: Oh, Madame, I hope you are not angry with me?”

1. What opportunity does the maid present to Juliette?
a) A chance to travel
b) A job that pays eight hundred francs for eight days
c) A cooking class
d) A gardening position
Ans. b) A job that pays eight hundred francs for eight days

2. How much money does the maid suggest Juliette could earn in eight days?
Ans. The maid suggests that Juliette would earn eight hundred francs in eight days.

3. What would Juliette need to do to earn the mentioned amount?
Ans. Juliette would need to peel potatoes for one minute and make an omelet the next to earn the suggested amount.

4. How does Juliette respond to the maid’s suggestion?
Ans. Juliette responds by expressing gratitude but states that she’s not in a financial situation that desperate.

5. Why does Juliette express gratitude that she’s not quite so hard up?
Ans. Juliette is thankful because she believes she’s not in such dire financial straits that she needs to take on a job that offers money for such simple tasks.

D. “Gaston: And they call that a garden! Why, it’s a yard with a patch of grass in the middle!
Jeanne: But the inside of the house seems very nice, Gaston.
Gaston: Twenty-five yards of Cretonne and a dash of paint… you can get that anywhere.”

1. How does Gaston describe the garden?
Ans. Gaston describes the garden as a yard with a patch of grass in the middle.

2. What does Jeanne find appealing about the house?
Ans. Jeanne finds the inside of the house very nice.

3. What material does Gaston mention for improving the interior, and how much of it?
Ans. Gaston mentions Cretonne as the material needed and suggests using twenty-five yards of it.

4. According to Gaston, what is needed to improve the house’s interior?
a) Twenty-five yards of Cretonne and a dash of paint
b) New furniture and lighting
c) A complete renovation
d) A change in the layout
Ans. a) Twenty-five yards of Cretonne and a dash of paint

5. What is Gaston’s overall opinion of the house’s condition?
Ans. Gaston has a negative opinion, stating that the house needs improvements and can be enhanced with the addition of Cretonne and paint.

Class 9 Communicative English Villa for Sale Short Question Answers

Q1. What was the maid’s suggestion to Juliette in the play ‘A Villa For Sale’?
Ans. The maid showed concern for Juliette’s financial difficulties and suggested she join a movie as a cook to earn money. The maid also offered to teach Juliette cooking.

Q2. Why was Mrs. Al Smith not interested in going over the house?
Ans. Mrs. Al Smith wanted to demolish the house and raise a new building to suit her filming needs near Paramount. She had no interest in inspecting the existing villa.

Q3. Does Sacha Guitry’s ‘A Villa For Sale’ define human behavior through the character of Gaston? Give reasons.
Ans. Yes, the playwright used Gaston’s character to satirize human vices stemming from the competition for material acquisitions. Gaston is portrayed as selfish and unconcerned about his wife, serving as a commentary on human behavior.

Q4. Why does Juliette call her house ‘a wretched place’?
Ans. Juliette labeled her house ‘a wretched place’ because, despite putting up a ‘For Sale’ sign for a month, she couldn’t attract any prospective buyers, leading to frustration.

Q5. Why is Gaston not interested in buying the villa in the beginning?
Ans. Gaston was reluctant to buy the villa because he thought his wife was purchasing it for her parents, who would bring her sister’s children with them.

Q6. What is your impression about Mrs. Al Smith?
Ans. Mrs. Al Smith is a rich American lady engaged in making films. She is portrayed as self-opinionated, over-confident, and biased against the French. In the end, she is outsmarted by the Frenchman, Gaston.

Q7. How did Jeanne react to Gaston’s decision to purchase the villa?
Ans. Jeanne was extremely surprised at Gaston’s decision to purchase the villa. She was taken aback by her husband’s sudden change of plans.

Q8. What proposal does the maid make to Juliette? Why?
Ans. The maid’s proposal to Juliette was that she should accept the role of a cook in a film as she was facing great financial difficulties.

Q9. Why did Gaston quote three hundred thousand francs for the villa?
Ans. Gaston did not want to spend money on a villa that would later be utilized more by his wife’s parents and her sister’s children. He quoted only three thousand francs for the villa with the expectation that the owner would refuse to sell it at such a low price.

Q10. Why was Jeanne so desperate to buy a villa in the play, ‘A Villa for Sale’?
Ans. Jeanne was desperate to buy a villa for her parents to come and stay with her for a month or so every year. She also wanted to make a modern kind of study.

Q11. Who is better in business—Juliette or Gaston? Why?
Ans. Gaston was a better businessman as he outsmarted Juliette by making a quick and profitable deal, while Juliette struggled to find a buyer even after a month.

Q12. Briefly describe Mrs. Al Smith.
Ans. Mrs. Al Smith is a rich American lady who works in films. She is portrayed as self-opinionated, quick in decision-making, and prejudiced against the French.

Q13. What were the expectations of Juliette after putting the ‘Villa for Sale’ sign?
Ans. Juliette was facing financial difficulties, so she put up the ‘For Sale’ sign expecting to find a buyer soon, given the villa’s proximity to Joinville, the French Hollywood.

Q14. Explain “the whole thing was going to be much more of a sale than a sale.”
Ans. Juliette realized that despite her expectations for a profitable deal, selling the villa was proving to be more disappointing than a lucrative sale.

Q15. What were the flaws pointed out by Gaston in the villa put up for sale by Juliette?
Ans. Gaston pointed out flaws in the villa, including the inadequate garden, an impractical salon, and the insufficiency of the offered furnishings like cretonne and paint.

Q16. “On the principle of people who like children and haven’t any can always go and live near a school.” Explain this comment.
Ans. Gaston made this comment in response to Juliette’s observation about the small garden. He implied that those who like something but don’t possess it can find proximity elsewhere, similar to people without children living near a school.

Q17. In what way did Juliette flatter Jeanne?
Ans. Juliette flattered Jeanne by suggesting that the villa would suit her as she suited it and praising it as the only graceful house for the elegant lady Jeanne.

Q18. Why is Mrs. Al Smith in a hurry?
Ans. Mrs. Al Smith, being a filmmaker, is always in a hurry due to her busy schedule and does not like to waste time on trivial matters.

Q19. Why was Juliette disappointed?
Ans. Juliette was disappointed as she urgently wanted to sell the villa due to her declining business, but she couldn’t find a suitable buyer even after a month.

Q20. Why did Mrs. Al Smith want to buy the Villa?
Ans. Mrs. Al Smith wanted to buy the villa as it was conveniently located near Paramount, where she planned to shoot films, making it a suitable location for her work.

Class 9 Communicative English Villa for Sale Long Answer Questions Chapter 12

Q1. Describe Juliette’s attitude towards selling the villa. Why does she express a willingness to sell it for less?
Ans. Juliette approaches the sale of the villa with a mix of pragmatism and emotional detachment. Initially, she expresses a desire to sell, emphasizing her willingness to part with the property at a lower price, perhaps driven by a sense of urgency or a desire to conclude the sale quickly. As the dialogue unfolds, Juliette’s frustration with the property’s lack of buyer interest becomes evident, leading her to offer a significant reduction in the asking price. Her attitude reflects a practical acceptance of market realities and a readiness to compromise for a swift transaction, highlighting a nuanced blend of financial considerations and emotional fatigue associated with the unsold property.

Q2. Analyze Gaston’s changing attitude towards buying the villa. What factors contribute to his final decision?
Ans. Gaston’s attitude towards buying the villa undergoes a notable transformation throughout the dialogue. Initially, he is dismissive and uninterested, making sarcastic remarks about the property. However, as the conversation progresses and he learns about the amenities, such as the bedrooms, servants’ rooms, and a bath in the bathroom, his perspective starts to shift. The prospect of accommodating Jeanne’s parents and providing for the family’s future, including considerations for their old age, becomes a driving force.The pivotal moment occurs when Mrs. Al Smith expresses interest in purchasing the villa for the land. This sparks Gaston’s realization that the property could serve as a valuable investment, and he begins to see the potential for profit. This financial incentive, combined with considerations for family needs, influences his final decision to buy the villa, despite its earlier dismissal. The negotiation process, Mrs. Al Smith’s direct approach, and the financial aspects contribute to Gaston’s evolving attitude and eventual decision.

Q3. Explore the role of Mrs. Al Smith in the play. How does her character contribute to the overall plot?
Ans. Mrs. Al Smith plays a crucial role in the play as a catalyst for the plot development. Her character introduces a new dynamic by expressing interest in buying the villa for its land. This unexpected turn of events serves to illuminate the financial potential of the property and triggers a shift in Gaston’s attitude. Mrs. Al Smith’s direct and business-like approach contrasts with the more emotional and personal considerations of Juliette and Jeanne. Her presence highlights the intersection of personal and financial motives in real estate transactions.Furthermore, Mrs. Al Smith’s brief appearance adds a touch of humor and satire to the play, as she embodies certain stereotypes associated with American business pragmatism. Her no-nonsense attitude and swift decision-making provide a sharp contrast to the deliberations and hesitations of the other characters. Ultimately, Mrs. Al Smith’s role is instrumental in pushing Gaston towards the decision to purchase the villa, contributing to the comedic and satirical elements of the play.

Q4. Examine the cultural differences highlighted in the play, especially in Gaston’s comments about Americans. How does this contribute to the humor?
Ans. Gaston’s comments about Americans in the play reflect cultural differences and contribute to the humor through satire and stereotyping. His remarks, such as “You folk are queer. You think about the past all the time. We always think about the future,” and, “What a pity you don’t try to copy us more,” play on common stereotypes and perceptions about cultural contrasts between Europeans and Americans. The humor arises from the exaggeration of cultural traits and the play’s exploration of misunderstandings and preconceived notions. Gaston’s comments, while satirical, also serve to highlight the comedic potential in cultural clashes and the misinterpretation of values. The stereotyping adds a layer of amusement as it pokes fun at the characters’ limited understanding of each other’s cultural perspectives.In essence, the humor in Gaston’s comments lies in the exaggeration of cultural differences and the playful exploration of cultural stereotypes, providing a comedic lens through which the audience can view the characters’ interactions.

Q5. Discuss the significance of the little picture in the play. How does it symbolize Gaston’s character?
Ans. The little picture in the play serves as a symbolic element representing Gaston’s sentimentality and attachment to the past. When Gaston expresses a desire to keep the picture while negotiating the sale of the villa, it becomes a tangible link to his family history and heritage. Despite his initial disinterest in the property, the little picture becomes a focal point that connects him emotionally to the villa.The picture symbolizes Gaston’s complex character, suggesting that beneath his pragmatic exterior, there is a softer, sentimental side. It highlights the tension between his practical considerations, such as the potential for profit, and the emotional ties to his family’s legacy. The fact that Gaston insists on keeping the little picture amidst the transaction underscores the importance of preserving personal history and memories, even in the face of financial decisions.
Ultimately, the little picture adds depth to Gaston’s character, revealing a nuanced blend of practicality and sentimentality. It suggests that, despite his initial focus on financial gains, there are emotional factors and personal connections that influence his decisions and contribute to the complexity of his character.

Q6 Why is Juliette fed up with the house? What was the reaction of the people when the villa was put up for sale?
Ans. Juliette’s frustration with the house stems from the lack of interest and offers despite having the “Villa for Sale” sign hanging for over a month. She initially placed high expectations on the property, believing that it would attract numerous buyers, especially given its proximity to Joinville, known as the French Hollywood. However, as time passes without significant interest, Juliette becomes disillusioned and exasperated with the property. The repeated disappointments and the perception that nobody truly wants the villa contribute to her growing frustration.
When the villa was first put up for sale, Juliette expected the entire world to be eager to purchase it. However, the reality falls short of her expectations. The neighbors’ strange looks and the lack of immediate interest from potential buyers disappoint Juliette, making her question the decision to sell. The play suggests that Juliette’s frustration is not just about financial considerations but also about the emotional and personal investment she had in the property, leading to her desire to get rid of it quickly, even at a reduced price.

Q7 “They say maids are born; maids did not make maids.” Explain the context of the above statement.
Ans. In the given context, the statement “They say maids are born; maids did not make maids” is made by the maid in the play. The maid is expressing the sentiment that being a maid is something inherent, a quality that is innate rather than learned or acquired through training. The phrase suggests a certain natural disposition or aptitude for the role of a maid.
The maid is discussing her opportunity to act in a film where they prefer real maids rather than actors playing the role. The idea conveyed is that there is a perceived authenticity or genuineness in individuals who are naturally suited to the role of a maid, as opposed to those who may try to imitate or learn the role. It adds a touch of humor and irony to the conversation, highlighting societal perceptions and stereotypes related to certain occupations.

Q8 How was French Hollywood proving to be a great attraction for the people?
Ans. In the given context of the play, the reference to Joinville as the “French Hollywood” suggests that Joinville has become a hub for filmmaking and entertainment, much like Hollywood in the United States. The comparison implies that Joinville is a significant center for the French film industry, attracting attention and interest from people.The idea of Joinville being the “French Hollywood” implies that the area has a concentration of film studios, production activities, and perhaps even the residences of actors and filmmakers. Hollywood is renowned for its association with the American film industry, and by likening Joinville to Hollywood, the play suggests that it has become a focal point for cinematic activities in France.This characterization adds a layer of cultural and economic significance to Joinville in the play, influencing the perception of the villa’s location and potentially impacting its market value.

Q9 What advantages of the villa are presented by Juliette?
Ans. Juliette promotes the villa’s appeal by highlighting its modern amenities, including electricity, gas, water, telephone, and drainage. She underscores the comfort factor with a beautifully fitted bathroom and a recently repaired roof, indicating the property’s well-maintained status. Despite these advantages, Juliette’s frustration surfaces due to the prolonged lack of interest in the villa, underscoring the emotional and personal aspects of selling a home. The disconnect between her expectations and the reality of the market adds a layer of complexity to the sale, revealing the challenges and subjective nature of real estate transactions.

Q10 Why does Juliette find both Gaston and Jeanne to be perfectly suited to buy the villa?
Ans. Juliette perceives Gaston and Jeanne as perfectly suited buyers for the villa due to their apparent compatibility with the property and their positive initial impressions. She notes that the couple looks at ease and naturally connected with the villa, suggesting that it aligns well with their preferences and lifestyle. Juliette’s assessment goes beyond the practical aspects of the house; she senses a harmony between the couple and the property, which she deems essential for a successful and fulfilling residence. This intuition reflects Juliette’s desire to see the villa occupied by individuals who genuinely appreciate and resonate with its unique qualities.

Q11 Why is Gaston not tempted to buy the villa even after Juliette decreases the rate?
Ans. Gaston remains untempted to buy the villa even after Juliette decreases the rate because he perceives the property as undesirable and is not genuinely interested in making the purchase. Throughout the interaction, Gaston expresses a lack of enthusiasm for the villa, referring to it as a “shanty” and dismissing its features. His disinterest stems from his personal preferences and perhaps a reluctance to invest in a property he doesn’t find appealing. Even when Juliette lowers the price, Gaston’s decision is driven by his overall lack of interest in the villa rather than financial considerations. His attitude reflects the subjective nature of real estate decisions and the importance of personal preferences in property acquisition.

Q12 What is the case of mistaken identity between Mrs. Al Smith and Gaston?
Ans. The case of mistaken identity between Mrs. Al Smith and Gaston revolves around cultural and linguistic differences. When Mrs. Al Smith enters, she assumes Gaston is the owner of the villa. However, Gaston, in an attempt to please her, pretends to be the owner, contributing to the confusion. Mrs. Al Smith, an American film star, is in a hurry and wants to buy the villa to build a bungalow. Gaston, unaware of her true identity, engages in a humorous exchange where he unintentionally makes stereotypical comments about Americans. This mistaken identity adds comedic elements to the play, highlighting cultural misinterpretations and the challenges of communication between individuals from different backgrounds.

Q13 Why does Gaston insist on taking the picture as a souvenir?
Ans. Gaston insists on taking the picture as a souvenir as it becomes a symbolic token of his negotiation triumph in acquiring the villa. Initially reluctant to buy, Gaston strategically uses the little picture, signed by an unknown artist and belonging to Juliette’s grandfather, as a bargaining tool. Juliette’s agreement to let him keep the picture adds a touch of humor and irony to the deal, emphasizing Gaston’s successful navigation of the transaction. By possessing this item, Gaston marks the completion of the negotiation and the acquisition of the property, turning the picture into a tangible and sentimental reminder of his victory in the sale of the villa.

Q14 In the play “Villa for sale,” who do you think is a better businessman and why?
Ans. In the play “Villa for Sale,” Mrs. Al Smith emerges as the better businessman due to her decisive and efficient approach. Mrs. Al Smith, an American film star, enters with a clear purpose — to buy the villa quickly and build a bungalow. Her straightforward manner, willingness to pay in cash, and immediate decision-making showcase a pragmatic and business-savvy mindset. On the other hand, Gaston, initially reluctant and jokingly haggling over the price, lacks the same level of business acumen. Mrs. Al Smith’s swift and no-nonsense negotiation style contrasts with Gaston’s hesitations, highlighting her effectiveness as a decisive and efficient businesswoman in the context of the play.

Q15 What are Jeanne and Gaston arguing about before Juliette enters the room?
Ans. Before Juliette enters the room in the play “Villa for Sale,” Jeanne and Gaston are arguing about whether to buy the villa. Jeanne is enthusiastic about the property and sees it as a charming and suitable place. She expresses a desire to purchase it for her parents and insists on its potential. On the contrary, Gaston is initially hesitant and skeptical about buying the villa. He questions the practicality and need for such a purchase, presenting a more cautious perspective. Their disagreement revolves around the decision to acquire the villa and the differing opinions on its value and suitability. This disagreement sets the stage for the negotiation dynamics that unfold when Juliette, the owner, enters the scene.

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