How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #1
ALCESTE
Since you embrace this indiscriminate vice,
Your friendship comes at far too cheap a price;
I spurn the easy tribute of a heart
Which will not set the worthy man apart:
I choose, Sir, to be chosen; and in fine,
The friend of mankind is no friend of mine. (1.1.61)
It's not enough for Alceste to hate people; he demands that his friends hate people, too. At this point, you have to wonder why anyone would even want to be his friend.
Quote #2
ORONTE
And that it's always been my dearest desire
To be the friend of one I so admire.
I hope to see my love of merit requited,
And you and me in friendship's bond united.
I'm sure you won't refuse—if I may be frank—
A friend of my devotedness—and rank. (1.2.6)
Oronte is making Alceste an offer of friendship that he can't refuse. Well, except that Alceste does actually refuse it, because he would probably rather be shot execution-style by Marlon Brando himself than lie about a poem being good when it's not.
Quote #3
ORONTE
And swear that I will prize our friendship dearly.
Give me your hand. And now, Sir, if you choose,
We'll make our vows. (1.2.29)
Oh, great, Oronte's about to make a vow. Guess how much his promises are worth? Pretty much zero, just like justice, morals, love, and friendship. Whew, The Misanthrope sure is … misanthropic.