Paradox

"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)

This quote is from Touchstone speaking to Corin giving his opinions on what he thinks the country life is like. He is saying that it is a good life, but that he prefers the court life. For example, he also says that he likes the solitude; however, he says he dislikes the private life. Touchstone prefers to live alone, but he also prefers that there be people arond to interact with. Corin responds by saying that he likes the country life. Corin starts to give reasons why and they begin to argue. They constantly keep one upping another. For example, when Corin says that people in the courts perfume their hands with civet Touchstone says that civet is better than tar. Corin also says it is weird to kiss the hand as a greeting; this is because in the country, people's hands are usually dirty.