How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Line)
Quote #4
ALCESTE
When I survey the scene of human folly,
Finding on every hand base flattery,
Injustice, fraud, self-interest, treachery....
Ah, it's too much; mankind has grown so base
(1.1.96)
Alceste's view of society is polar opposite to Philinte's. He doesn't care if society helps people get along; all he sees it that it forces you to do base and immoral things.
Quote #5
ALCESTE
Whenever his name comes up in conversation,
None will defend his wretched reputation;
Call him knave, liar, scoundrel, and all the rest,
Each head will nod, and no one will protest.
And yet his smirk is seen in every house,
He's greeted everywhere with smiles and bows,
And when there's any honor that can be got
By pulling strings, he'll get it, like as not. (1.1.138)
Certain societies encourage certain kinds of people. Apparently, seventeenth-century France encourages liars. We, on the other hand, encourage Mark Zuckerberg.
Quote #6
PHILINTE
Why, no. These faults of which you so complain
Are part of human nature, I maintain,
And it's no more a matter for disgust
That men are knavish, selfish and unjust,
Than that the vulture dines upon the dead,
And wolves are furious, and apes ill-bred. (1.1.178)
We guess if you think humans naturally stink, it makes sense to excuse them. But is this compassion? Is it empathy? Or is it just expecting the worst?