"I am, out of the ladies' company, like a fish out of the water"

In Thomas Shadwell's quote, "I am, out of the women' company, like a fish out of the water", the speaker utilizes a vibrant simile to reveal a sense of discomfort and disorientation when gotten rid of from a specific social environment. By comparing himself to a "fish out of the water", the speaker strongly communicates the concept that he feels out of his natural aspect when not in the company of ladies, suggesting a level of dependence or an ingrained comfort that he connects with their presence.

At its core, the simile use the images of survival and existential need. Simply as a fish relies on water for life and grows within it, the speaker suggests that his really being, or at least his social vigor, is carefully connected to being in the presence of women. This could indicate that he finds females to be sources of motivation, delight, or even safety, just as water is a life-sustaining environment for a fish.

The quote also clarifies the social dynamics and gender relations of Shadwell's time. It reflects a point of view that values females's company as enriching and essential to the speaker's social identity or personal satisfaction. This view may recommend affection and regard for females, representing them as important to the vibrancy of social life. On the other hand, it might also point to a particular vulnerability or incompleteness that the speaker experiences when isolated from this business.

In a more comprehensive context, the quote welcomes reflection on how people frequently gravitate toward particular groups or environments where they feel most alive and authentic. It highlights the importance of social connections and the functions they play in shaping specific identity and experiences. Just as the natural world has its environments where each animal thrives, human beings also have their emotional and social environments that support their spirit and sense of belonging.