Tuesday, October 22, 2013

In As You Like It, please explain the meaning of the following exchange between Touchstone and Rosalind. TOUCHSTONE Nay, if I keep not my...

This exchange occurs in Act I scene 2 of this play, and is
a classic example of a Shakespearian pun, or a play on words. Of course, Rosalind is
showing her customary intelligence and verbal dexterity by quickly deliberately
misinterpreting Touchstone's use of "rank," which he originally meant to refer to
status, as refering actually to bad smells. The phrase that Rosalind interrupts
Touchstone with actually refers to the letting loose or release of a bad smell. Rosalind
is suggesting that Touchstone will break wind if deprived of his
rank.


Note the way that this example of a pun suggests the
intelligence and quick-thinking of Rosalind and the kind of jovial relationship that she
enjoys with Touchstone. They are obviously able to poke fun at each other, which points
towards the way that Touchstone will accompany them as their protector in the Forest of
Arden.

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