Act 2, Scene 3 Summary

Cleante greets Argan, telling him that he is looking well. Toinette cannot believe Cleante's comment, for surely Argan is very ill. Argan, for once, agrees with his servant. Toinette goes on to explain that he may enjoy all of the activities of someone who is well, but surely he is very ill. Again, Argan agrees.

Cleante tells Argan that he is a friend of Angelique's music master. He was sent because the music master is traveling and does not want Angelique to miss a lesson. Argan believes this ruse and calls for his daughter after Toinette tries unsuccessfully to convince Argan that the two must practice their music alone.

Act 2, Scene 3 Analysis

By arguing with Cleante's comment that Argan looks well, the author is using the plot element of verbal irony. Verbal irony occurs when what is said is the opposite...