And a fellow that hath had losses

A quote that stuck out to me as we were discussing Much Ado About Nothing in class this week is when Dogberry, in describing himself, says, "and a fellow that hath had losses." This phrase is easily missed, as it is accompanied by a jumble of other things Dogberry says about himself, such as the fact that he is wise and "as pretty a piece of flesh as any in Messina." The first time I read through this part of the play, I completely missed Dogberry mentioning that he has also had his losses, because I was so focused on the endearing descriptions Dogberry gives himself, in his comical way of talking that makes him such a lovable character. However, as we discussed Dogberry in class, my teacher brought up the fact that Dogberry points out that he "hath had losses." Once again, I was blown away by the genius of Shakespeare as I recognized that Dogberry was a mirror reflection of so many of the seemingly happy people we encounter every day in today's world. The people with the easiest smile, the most amusing laugh, the happiest countenance, are often the ones who are struggling inwardly the most. Depression, anxiety, homesickness, and mental struggles with the monotony of day-to-day life are battles that so many people fight without anybody knowing about it. I love how subtle Shakespeare made this line, as if to point out the necessity for kindness in a world full of people who may be struggling more than we could ever know just from outside appearances.