quite separate from other forms of melancholy. Jacques then catalogs seven common forms of melancholy:
|
TYPE |
DESCRIPTION |
MEANING |
1 |
scholar |
emulation |
envious of others |
2 |
musician |
fantastical |
overly imaginative |
3 |
courtier |
proud |
conceited or arrogant |
4 |
soldier |
ambitious |
desirous of being heroic |
5 |
lawyer |
politic |
shrewd or cunning |
6 |
lady |
nice |
fussy or particular |
7 |
lover |
all of the above |
all of the above |
Jacques declares, rather, that his condition is quite different: “it is a melancholy of mine own” (14-15). He then goes on to explain that his melancholy is a result of his many experiences and travels.
The witty Rosalind responds by asserting that travelers indeed have reason to be melancholy because they have sold all of their lands merely to go and see the lands of others. She is implying that Jacques should feel sad because he has wasted all of his money on travel and has nothing to show for it.
Jacques responds that he has gained experience, but Rosalind argues that all of his experiences only make him sad. She adds that foolishness and merriment are preferable to melancholy, and one does not have to go to the expense of traveling to gain them.