I am an ass, indeed; you may prove it by my long 'ears. I…
““I am an ass, indeed; you may prove it by my long 'ears. I have served him from the hour of my nativity to this instant, and have nothing at his hands for my service but blows. When I am cold heats me with beating; when I am warm he cools me with beating. I am wak' d with it when I sleep; rais'd with it when I sit; driven out of doors with it when I go from home; welcom'd home with it when I return; nay, I bear it on my shoulders, as a beggar wont her brat; and, I think, when he hath lam'd me, I shall beg with it from door to door.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A servant describes his burdens, likening his duties to a burdensome animal that both comforts and torments him.
In simple terms: Service feels both heavy and oddly comforting.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the dual nature of demanding roles.
Themes
service
burden
paradox
Mood
thoughtful
melancholic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- workplace
- family obligations
- social expectations
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
loyalty
power dynamics
human condition
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities feel both oppressive and rewarding?
- How do we balance duty with personal well‑being?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may oversimplify complex power relations.