Dost thou not suspect my place? Dost thou not suspect my…
““Dost thou not suspect my place? Dost thou not suspect my years? O that he were here to write me down an ass! But masters, remember that I am an ass. Though it be not written down, yet forget not that I am an ass. No, thou villain, thou art full of piety, as shall be proved upon thee by good witness. I am a wise fellow, and which is more, an officer, and which is more, a householder, and which is more, as pretty a piece of flesh as any is in Messina, and one that knows the law, go to . . . and one that hath two gowns, and everything handsome about him. Bring him away. O that I had been writ down an ass!””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker mocks his own foolishness, claiming he is an ass despite holding many titles, highlighting the absurdity of self‑importance.
In simple terms: He jokes he’s a donkey despite many roles.
Key Takeaway
Don’t let titles mask true character.
Themes
humor
self‑deprecation
identity
absurdity
Mood
playful
ironic
Type
dramatic
satirical
When to use this quote
- courtly intrigue
- self‑presentation
- role‑playing
- political satire
Key Concepts
satire
ego
social status
Questions to Reflect On
- How do titles influence self‑perception?
- When does self‑deprecation become a defense?
A Different Perspective
The humor may obscure serious critique of social hierarchy.