Silvius Declarations Of Love

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The universal theme of love seems rather difficult to define. Shakespeare investigates this notion using his play, “As You Like it”; the characters’ actions, speeches and emotions reflect the different types of love according to Shakespeare’s point of view. One type of love, the irrational and exaggerated kind, is portrayed through the character of Silvius. Despite Phoebe’s multiple rejections, the shepherd’s obsession for her stimulates his will to maintain his stream of incessant love declarations. Another type of love is reflected through Touchstone, Duke Frederick’s fool: the purely sexual kind of love, demonstrated in the sexual references Touchstone employs in his journey with Rosalind and Celia. Despite the various types of love displayed …show more content…

As Rosalind encounters Phoebe for the first time, she scolds Phoebe for treating Silvius harshly despite his love for her. Silvius’ constant wooing yields a feeling of superiority within Phoebe as Rosalind observes that “Tis not her glass but you that flatters her, / And out of you she sees herself more proper/ Than any of her lineaments can show her” (3.5). From Silvius’ declarations of love, the thought of being charming and beautiful has been impregnated into Phoebe’s mind when, in fact, her appearance is rather mediocre. Indeed, she was described as “the ordinary of nature’s sale-work” (3.5) by Rosalind, implying that she is not as desired as she thinks. However, at the end, Phoebe realizes the love Silvius possesses for her and returns his love, “Now thou art mine, / Thy faith my fancy to thee doth combine” (5.4), meaning Silvius’ faith and love have won her over. It is when their love for each other becomes equal that both obtain a happy ending, hence highlighting the importance of a balanced relationship for …show more content…

[…] This fellow will but join you together as they join/ wainscot then one of you will prove a shrunk panel/ and, like green timber, warp, warp” (3.3). Jaques implies that relationships based on physical attributes never last long and extramarital affairs inevitably occur. However, the marriage between Audrey and Touchstone takes place. Shakespeare might imply that purely sexual love cannot be prevented; however, the outcome will never be positive, as demonstrated by the blessing of the priest, “You and you are sure together/ As the winter to foul weather” (5.4). Hence, Shakespeare suggests that relationships based on physical attributes are less

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