Act 3, Scene 5 Summary

Arsinoe relishes this opportunity to be alone with Alceste. She praises him and says he should play a more official role at court. Alceste wonders aloud why he would want to do that. His most prominent trait is his bluntness, which is not prized in courtiers.

Finally, Arsinoe turns the conversation to Alceste's love life. She says that he deserves better than Celimene, and she offers to show him evidence that Celimene is not the wife for him. As the scene ends, the two are going to Arsinoe's house, where she hopes Alceste will seek comfort in her arms.

Act 3, Scene 5 Analysis

There is a difference between Alceste and Arsinoe. Alceste is not merely prudish; he is honest even when it would benefit him to be less than honest. He could have more status in his society if he kept his...