"Truly, shepherd, in respect of itself, it is a good life; but in respect that it is a shepherd's life, it is naught." (III.ii.35)
One theme discussed throughout the play is the "court vs. country life" argument. It begins in Act III when Corin and Touchstone voice their opinions on each lifestyle. This part was a bit confusing for me, considering Touchstone speaks in paradoxes the whole conversation. Anyways, Touchstone basically says he would find the country life good...if that was the only option available. It's like settling for a hamburger, but then you're offered a steak. And the court is Touchstone's steak. Corin responds by acknowledging that country life is good for hard work like raising "fat sheep."
The next topic in this conversation is brought up when Touchstone tells Corin, "Why, if thou never wast at court, thou never sawest good manners; if thou never sawest good manners, then thy manners must be wicked; and wickedness is sin, and sin is damnation. Thou art in a parlous state, shepherd." Showing his equally impressive logic, Corin argues that country manners at court would be just as ridiculous as court manners in the country. At this point, the characters start talking about kissing hands in the court and performing surgery on sheep in the country, along with cat juices and all that good stuff. At least in this play the characters talk out their opinions instead of just stabbing each other.
One theme discussed throughout the play is the "court vs. country life" argument. It begins in Act III when Corin and Touchstone voice their opinions on each lifestyle. This part was a bit confusing for me, considering Touchstone speaks in paradoxes the whole conversation. Anyways, Touchstone basically says he would find the country life good...if that was the only option available. It's like settling for a hamburger, but then you're offered a steak. And the court is Touchstone's steak. Corin responds by acknowledging that country life is good for hard work like raising "fat sheep."
The next topic in this conversation is brought up when Touchstone tells Corin, "Why, if thou never wast at court, thou never sawest good manners; if thou never sawest good manners, then thy manners must be wicked; and wickedness is sin, and sin is damnation. Thou art in a parlous state, shepherd." Showing his equally impressive logic, Corin argues that country manners at court would be just as ridiculous as court manners in the country. At this point, the characters start talking about kissing hands in the court and performing surgery on sheep in the country, along with cat juices and all that good stuff. At least in this play the characters talk out their opinions instead of just stabbing each other.
thanks! it helped in my project.
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