Ms. Peifer
English 10 IB 5th Hour
April 7, 2011
Image Pattern: Court vs. Country, Act 3
Throughout the third act of As You Like It the Court vs. Country themes remain similar to those of the previous two acts: to ridicule behavior of Country dwellers compared to those of the Court, to disprove misconceptions about country dwellers, and to simply compare the two, showing outstanding differences.
“...but in respect that it is private, it is a very vile life. Now in respect it is in the fields, it pleaseth me well; but in respect it is not in the court, it is tedious” (Shakespeare 3.2, 16-19) Touchstone is one of the most compelling characters in As You Like It as his dialogue switches constantly from side to side of a topic, such as living in the Forest. Here, as he is asked by Corin how he feels about the shepherd's life, Touchstone, being a member of a Court, compares it to the Court life. Here the Court is described as a place of no privacy, which is negatively expressed by Touchstone, and even though the Forest of Arden is beautiful, it is ultimately not the Court. Touchstone's indifferent attitude makes a division clear as to who comes from the Country and who comes from the Court.
“Those that are good manners at the court are as ridiculous in the country as the behavior of the country is most mockable at the court” (Shakespeare 3.2, 45-48) In Corin's rebuttal to Touchstone, he provides this explanation of the difference between the people behind the Country and the Court and how they relate to each other. This is not only to show that the Country and Court are different, but in addition how the mockery that may come from the Court can be equally achieved of the Court in the Country; which is the main purpose of the Court vs. Country imagery.
Anon, it is your old coz Orlando; son of Sir Rowland deBoys I remain, so I fail to see the purpose in repeating myself to you several times in a row! As of this point in my epic story as a lover, I have fallen victim once again to mine heart! I have been found all around the Forest of Arden spreading professions of my love toward Rosalind, oh sweet Rosalind; what I would not give for Rosalind! And yet through my desires I was scolded by this young beautiful man Ganymede! I want my love so much I am willing to serenade this Ganymede as my Ros as she will teach me to get over my love sickness. Aside from Ganymede, I met a rather distasteful fellow, Jaques, for whom I share no affection. I am becoming more dumbfounded by this love every day, as my speech becomes more soft for my love, and I publicly spread my feelings for her.
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