On one hand, we can see through an organized cue that Shakespeare depicts the

virtuous character of Adam : an honest and wise servant and emphasizes his goodness and his
wisdom by contrasting it with Orlando’s behavior. Adam’s nobility is also put forward
through Orlando’s admiration of Adam’s experience.
Adam, an honest, experienced and modest man who serves the family of Sir Roland
De Boys, is admired by one of his masters: Orlando. What is most hold in high regard by
Orlando and also by the audience are his honesty and his modesty. Orlando’s prompt “when
service sweat for duty not for meed” shows that Adam is dedicated to his work and takes what
they give him, he does not ask for more compensation. The use of the word “sweat” shows the
how hard Adam works and how devoted he is to this family. Adam does not manipulate them;
he is a candid man: “not for meed”: he does not work for a dishonest reward; he does not rob
them. From an outside point of view, this shows Adam’s love for this family in particular
Orlando, the youngest brother.
Although he is only a servant, Shakespeare presents Adam as a noble character
throughout his way of talking. He speaks nobly and eloquently. Indeed, Adam uses an iambic
pentameter “when service should in my old limbs lie lame” which is normally only used by
noble figures. This highlights the nobility hidden too long; this is a revelation for the
audience. Moreover, the use of word “service” shows his loyalty to the family and his
faithfulness to the job. In addition, it is the first accentuated word in the sentence and the
alliteration in “l” with the words “ limbs”, “lie” and “lame” which emphasize the idea of
devotion. The verb “should” fulfill an obligation, a duty. This demonstrates Adam’s desire to
do his work in his integrity.

Furthermore, Adam does not appear only as a noble character, he also reveals a
Christian nature which point out his purity and his devotion to God.
Indeed, Adam also interprets multiples figures.
This secretive character reveals a father nature. Actually, when Adam gives up all his
money he has saved to help Orlando. Shakespeare divulge a father figure towards Orlando
which emphasizes the love Adam has for him. He is a prodigal person even though he does
not have much as a servant. “the thrifty hire I saved under your father”: this is a selfless act
that shows his kindness. This decision of giving everything resemble to a Catholic behavior.

Moreover, Adam is a man who follows the Bible, he is a religious man. Indeed, he
makes references to the Bible: “He that doth the ravens feed, yea providently caters for the
sparrow”. In this prompt, Adam refers to passages in the Bible (Matthew, 10:29 and Psalms,
147:9) which highlights his beliefs. Moreover, the ravens symbolize wisdom and affection
which reflects the personality of Adam. They can either bring good or bad omen. Regarding
the sparrows, they are another common bird in the Bible that symbolizes an offering. In the
Bible, the sparrows are presented as something that God deeply cares about.