How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Act.Scene.Line). Every time a character talks counts as one line, even if what they say turns into a long monologue. We used Richard Wilbur's translation.
Quote #4
Dorine:
"Doesn't it seem to you a trifle grim
To give a girl like her to a man like him?
When two are so ill-suited, can't you see
What sad consequence is bound to be?
A young girl's virtue is imperiled, Sir,
When such a marriage is imposed on her;
For if one's bridegroom isn't to one's taste,
It's hardly an inducement to be chaste." (2.2.18)
Can we take Dorine's words at face value? Does she really believe the radical things she's saying, or is she simply trying to provoke Orgon?
Quote #5
Orgon:
"This match will bring you joys beyond all measure;
Your cup will overflow with every pleasure;
You two will interchange your faithful l loves
Like two sweet cherubs, or two turtle-doves.
No harsh word shall be heard, no frown be seen,
And he shall make you happy as a queen."
Dorine:
"And she'll make him a cuckold, just wait and see." (2.2.22-23)
Dorine disturbs all of Orgon's clichés about marriage with a single "harsh word" – cuckold. A cuckold is a man whose wife has cheated on him.
Quote #6
Dorine (To Valère):
"You're both great fools. Her sole desire, Valère,
Is to be yours in marriage. To that I'll swear.
(To Mariane):
He loves you only, and he wants no wife
But you, Mariane. On that I'll stake my life." (2.4.76)
Dorine doesn't seem to have a husband of her own. Isn't it strange how wise she is in matters of love?