Abstract: In Cinq-Mars, scalar irony, which manipulates degrees on an evaluative scale, is conveyed by indefinite quantifiers. These govern quantity and, consequently, evaluation: the numerical affects the axiological. Thus some forms part of a strategy of disindividuation and minority orientation. Applied to animate entities, the archaism tout (all) introduces an ironic reversibility into the dance of aspirations. Finally, rien (nothing) and personne (person) in a two-part negative structure are the vectors of ironic polyphony.
