The toad is a symbol of ugliness, and venomous suggests danger and unpleasantness. These words create an image of something unattractive and repulsive. However, Touchstone also says that Audrey wears "a jewel precious on its head." This is a surprising and unexpected turn of phrase, as it suggests that there is something valuable and beautiful about Audrey despite her ugliness.
This contrast between the toad's ugliness and the precious jewel represents the idea that beauty and worth can be found in unexpected places. It is a reminder that we should not judge people based on their appearance alone and should look deeper for their true qualities.
In the context of the play, Audrey is a simple country girl who is not considered attractive by the standards of the court. However, she is kind, gentle, and has a good heart. Touchstone's statement highlights these positive qualities and shows that Audrey is more than just her physical appearance.
The idea that beauty and worth can coexist with ugliness and danger is a recurring theme in Shakespeare's plays. This theme is often explored through the use of characters who are physically deformed or unattractive but have noble and admirable qualities. By presenting these characters, Shakespeare challenges societal norms and encourages us to look beyond appearances to see the true value of people.