Touchstone
A clown, or fool, in the service of Celia and Rosalind.
Core Belief
"Life is absurd and often meaningless, and the best way to cope is to laugh at its follies."
Worldview
Touchstone sees the world as a place of contradictions and absurdities. He believes that people are often foolish and misguided, but that their follies can be a source of amusement. He is skeptical of romantic ideals and social conventions, and he uses his humor to expose their flaws.
Personality
Touchstone is a witty and cynical fool who uses his humor to comment on the absurdities of life and love. He is intelligent and perceptive, but often cloaks his insights in bawdy jokes and absurd pronouncements. He provides a satirical perspective on the romantic idealism of the other characters.
In Their Own Words
"The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool."
"When I was at home I was in a better place, but travellers must be content."
"I am here with thee and thy goats, as the most capricious poet, honest Ovid, was among the Goths."
Discussions with Touchstone
Other Characters from As You Like It
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