How we cite our quotes: (Act.Scene.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"But I'm making excellent progress. I find the best way to get on the right side of people is to pretend to fall in with their view of things, agree with their principles, encourage their foibles and applaud whatever they do." (1.1.13)
In the play's opening scene, Valère reveals his intentions of marrying Élise. The only problem is that Élise's dad Harpagon will never let her marry a servant. So Valère swears to do everything in his power to make Harpagon like him, in hopes that he might one day get the old man's marriage blessing.
Quote #2
"Not yet. But my mind's made up [to marry Mariane], so once again I ask you not to try and talk me out of it." (1.2.7)
When Cléante tells Élise about his plans to marry Mariane, he expects her to try and talk him out of it. We're not sure why, but Cléante seems to be a bit defensive about his marriage prospects. Maybe it's because he has no money?
Quote #3
"There's just one little difficulty. I'm afraid she might not bring as much money with her as could be wished." (1.4.65)
Harpagon is pleased to be marrying a beautiful young woman, but he's still not satisfied. He wishes that the woman were not only young and beautiful, but also rich. That way, he would truly have all he wanted in a woman. Ok, guy. You're a sixty-something father of two. How warped is your opinion of yourself that you think you're an Adonis and a great catch?