with a shepherdess named Phoebe. However, it is a one-sided or unrequited love, for Phoebe does not love Silvius in return. Silvius does not believe that Corin, the old shepherd, can understand just how much he is in love with the shepherdess. Like many young people who are madly and crazily in love, Silvius does not think anyone has ever loved before with such a deep and overwhelming passion as he is currently experiencing. To prove his point, Silvius asks Corin the following question:
How many actions most ridiculous
Hast thou been drawn to by thy fantasy?
(25-26)
Silvius’ question suggests the conflict of Reason vs. Emotion, which Shakespeare once again incorporates into his play. Man behaves logically and coolly until he encounters an overpowering emotion that sweeps aside all logical and reasonable thought aside. Then man behaves illogically, irrationally, and absurdly. His thoughts and his actions become ridiculous. And love, as Shakespeare and many other writers have shown through the ages, is one of the most powerful emotions of all.
Suddenly and inexplicably leaving the companionship of friends is one of the ridiculous actions that the emotional or passionate lover may take, according to Silvius (at line 35); and, to illustrate his example, Silvius suddenly departs from the company of Corin.
Both Rosalind and Touchstone are sympathetic