Act 3, Scene 3 Summary

The servant, Basque, enters to say that Celimene's friend, Arsinoe, is at the door. Celimene is annoyed and immediately begins describing Arsinoe in the most vicious way possible. She says that Arsinoe plays the part of a prude who values her honor, only because she can't catch a man to spoil her honor. She claims that Arsinoe is especially jealous of Alceste's love for Celimene, as she wants him for herself.

Act 3, Scene 3 Analysis

This scene further develops Celimene's poor character and suggests another way that society might view Alceste. Celimene claims Arsinoe only pretends not to be interested in men, because she doesn't attract them. A listener might also think that Alceste is not interested in social games, not because he has higher principles, but because he doesn't have the skill to play them well.