How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #4
ALCESTE
Yes, all the shameful evidence one could want
Lies in this letter written to Oronte—
Oronte! whom I felt sure she couldn't love,
And hardly bothered to be jealous of. (4.2.21)
Hm. It's not clear which Alceste is more upset about, that Célimène lied or that she wrote the letter to Oronte of all people. Maybe falling for a self-important prig is an even worse crime than lying.
Quote #5
ALCESTE
Ah, here she is. My wrath intensifies.
I shall confront her with her tricks and lies,
And crush her utterly, and bring you then
A heart no longer slave to Célimène. (4.2.58)
Talk about a liar. Alceste changes his mind just a line or two after this quote. He can't stop lying to himself long enough to even stick to a plan, so what right does he have to be upset at Célimène?
Quote #6
ALCESTE
A scoundrel whose dishonesty is notorious
Emerges from another lie victorious!
Honor and right condone his brazen fraud,
While rectitude and decency applaud! (5.1.13)
The truth is, lying has its advantages. In Molière's version of seventeenth-century France, it might just be the best way to get ahead—provided you can fool everyone into believing you.