Act 1, Scene 3 Summary

After Oronte leaves, Philinte and Alceste resume their argument. Philinte wants to know why Alceste wouldn't just give Oronte the little bit of flattery he obviously wanted. Alceste is too upset to discuss it, and he leaves, telling Philinte not to follow him. Philinte follows him out, though, trying to find out why Alceste is so upset.

Act 1, Scene 3 Analysis

In this scene, the audience sees evidence that Alceste may not be as honest as he portrays himself to be. The sonnet, which he degraded so thoroughly, has obviously upset him because the writer's situation in love parallels his own. However, Alceste is either not able to be honest with himself about this, or he simply chooses not to share his awareness with Philinte.