How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #4
ORONTE
If, for example, there should be anything
You wish at court, I'll mention it to the King.
I have his ear, of course; it's quite well known
That I am much in favor with the throne.
In short, I am your servant. (1.2.47)
Oronte is dropping names because he knows how to use power, unlike Alceste. And, you know what? Oronte may be sleazy, but he's not the one being followed out of Paris by a lawsuit at the end of the play. Even though he was pretty buddy-buddy with the king himself, we get the idea that Molière hated name-droppers.
Quote #5
CELIMENE
Heavens! One can't antagonize such men;
Why, they're the chartered gossips of the court,
And have a say in things of every sort.
One must receive them, and be full of charm;
They're no great help, but they can do you harm,
And though your influence be ever so great,
They're hardly the best people to alienate. (2.3.10)
Célimène knows what power is about. It can help you, but it can hurt you twice as easily—which is why it's really in your best interest to buddy up with the court (or school, or neighborhood) gossips.
Quote #6
ACASTE
Tell us about Géralde.
CELIMENE
That tiresome ass.
He mixes only with the titled class,
And fawns on dukes and princes, and is bored
With anyone who's not at least a lord.
The man's obsessed with rank, and his discourses
Are all of hounds and carriages and horses;
He uses Christian names with all the great,
And the word Milord, with him, is out of date. (2.5.45)
Ok, more Frenchy-French stuff. Célimène is saying that Géralde tutoyers everyone, including nobility. You see, in France there are two words for "you," "tu" and "vous." "Vous" is the fancy respectable one, while "tu" is what you say to family, friends, and social inferiors. So the way Géralde talks and acts would have been a big deal, like going up to the president and being like "Wazzup, Prez!"