How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #1
ORONTE
Others have praised my sonnet to the skies.
ALCESTE
I lack their art of telling pleasant lies. (1.2.186)
We all tell little white lies, but Alceste refuses to tell even the teensy tiniest one, even when the temporary pain of lying would be far, far, less than the giant pain that a lawsuit would be. Seriously, dude, maybe you should take yourself a little less seriously.
Quote #2
ELIANTE, to Philinte
And all our dear friends' ears will shortly burn.
The conversation takes its usual turn
(2.5.33)
Éliante is pointing out to Philinte that Célimène and friends go around telling each other that they're the best thing since sliced bread. Behind their back though, they're brandishing some really really sharp knives. You know, to slice that bread with.
Quote #3
ALCESTE
How bravely, Sirs, you cut and thrust at all
These absent fools, till one by one they fall:
But let one come in sight, and you'll at once
Embrace the man you lately called a dunce,
Telling him in a tone sincere and fervent
How proud you are to be his humble servant. (2.5.103)
It's easy to be a jerk behind someone's back, but it's even easier to lie to his face. If we were Alceste, we'd want to run off to the woods, too.