Touchstone As A Rebellious Narrator

Touchstone in As You Like It is one of the most outstanding characters in literature. As a laugh stocking, he is of little significance. However, such a minor character fascinates too many Shakespearian scholars’interests. The author of the present thesis notices that Touchstone’s way of narration is particularly various and profoundly meaningful, in which sense of rebellion and subversion are embodied. Rebellion against the ruling class, the court, and the fool tradition enables him to be a spokesman of Shakespeare, his creator.In the list of characters, Touchstone is a clown. While in communication with other characters, he often appears to be a fool. For the definition of Touchstone, the present thesis proposes that "clown" is more proper for Touchstone in the drama. Superficially, he appears to be disorder, illogic and simple, but actually is full of reason and profundity.As a so-called clown, Touchstone makes efforts to show his position clearly, and to get rid of messy affairs. Besides, he argues strongly based on just grounds. He criticizes hypocrisy of the court without concealment and despises the orthodoxy bluntly. All his words and behaviors reveal his rebellion against the court.Regarded as a foolish person by others, Touchstone is actually stupid and ridiculous as the real clown. He often questions about others’ opinions. He never abandons any chance to prove his witty and wisdom. In his narration. Touchstone intends to show his disdain and discontent towards the social standard, as a clown needs not to be. In his own observation and recognition, Touchstone rebels against the society in his own way.Compared with traditional clowns, Touchstone has a strong sense of existence, and he has an urgent need to express his ideas. He comforts, encourages, and judges. Amusement is not his primary job any longer. Touchstone is not a clown in traditional sense.By unearthing Touchstone’s narration, the present thesis intends to analyze Touchstone’s rebellion, and furthermore, reveals Shakespeare’s real attitude towards the contemporary society. Actually, Shakespeare is not a firm supporter of the government. On the contrary, Shakespeare implies his revolt against Elizabethan orthodox ideology by creating Touchstone.