Sir Oliver Martext
Sir Oliver Martext is a comic foil whose attempted forest wedding gives Jaques an occasion to intervene and Touchstone a convenient exit.
Appears In
Who is Sir Oliver Martext?
Sir Oliver Martext is a country vicar summoned by Touchstone to marry him to Audrey in Act III Scene 3. His name is the play's most transparent joke, suggesting a clergyman who mangles scripture.
Jaques objects that marriage by a hedge-priest without proper congregation is invalid, and sends Martext away before he can begin.
His parting line - that no fantastical knave shall flout him out of his calling - offers a brief moment of wounded professional dignity.
Motivation
Martext is motivated by professional duty and, after dismissal, wounded clerical dignity.
Personality
Martext is defined by the gap between his self-importance and the comedy of his situation.