While describing the soldier in "The Seven Ages of Man," why does Shakespeare compare "reputation" with a "bubble"?
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This theme of the seven ages of man dates back to antiquity. In classical literature, though, descriptions of these seven ages were generally encomiastic, praising the virtues appropriate to each age and describing humanity as marvelous. Jacques, however, the speaker of this monologue in "As You Like It," is melancholic and misanthropic and thus emphasizes the negative aspects of each of the ages. Instead of describing infants as innocent and full of potential, he describes them as "mewling and puking" and schoolboys as whining. Lovers are absurd rather than romantic.
The soldier, normally a figure one would admire, representing mature strength and devotion to duty, instead is described as rude and barbaric by Jacques, uttering "strange oaths, and bearded like the pard." Rather than considering soldiers brave, dedicated, and...
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