But, indeed, words are very rascals, since bonds {vows} disgraced them."Viola: "Thy reason, man?"Feste: "Troth {Truthfully}, sir, I can yield you none without words, and words are grown so false, I am loathe to prove reason with them.
In this excerpt from Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night," Feste the fool highlights the deceitfulness of words. He suggests that language has become untrustworthy, making it difficult to rely on spoken promises or vows. This distrust is evident in the way he responds to Viola’s inquiry about reasoning. Feste indicates that he cannot use words to explain because they have lost their sincerity and authenticity.
This dialogue reflects a larger theme in the play concerning the nature of truth and the reliability of communication. Feste's skepticism about words suggests a world where meaning is often obscured, and he expresses reluctance to engage in reasoning when words themselves are so treacherous. This commentary on language raises questions about how individuals relate to each other and the validity of their commitments, highlighting a central conflict in human interactions.
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