The Matchmaker
What is the main conflict in The Matchmaker by Thornton Wilder?
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bookragstutor
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Jill W
In the first conversation of the first act, Wilder gives us the central conflict of the play. "Gelder" is a German word meaning "money." Horace's surname, Vandergelder, indicates he is "of the money." Ambrose's name, on the other hand, reminds one of "ambrosia," a pleasure to the senses. The play opens with this question: Which is the more worthy pursuit: financial security or pleasure, business or the arts?
The Matchmaker