My affection hath an unknown bottom, like the Bay of Portugal.
In Shakespeare's "As You Like It," one character expresses deep and complex feelings by comparing their affection to the vastness of the Bay of Portugal. This metaphor captures the idea that their emotions are profound and possibly limitless, much like an ocean that holds many secrets. The use of such imagery evokes a sense of depth and mystery in love, suggesting that true feelings can sometimes be overwhelming and hard to fully comprehend.
This quote highlights the theme of love's complexity throughout the play, emphasizing that affection can be both beautiful and challenging. The character's acknowledgment of an "unknown bottom" indicates that their love is not fully understood, reflecting the idea that the nature of love often goes beyond surface appearances. Such expressions of feeling are central to the exploration of romantic and platonic relationships in the work.
