William Shakespeare’s comedy “As You Like It” is a beloved classic for many literature fans. The play tells the story of several young lovers who escape from the city to the forest of Arden, where they find love and happiness. Many of the play’s most famous lines are spoken by the character Jaques, who is known for his melancholy outlook on life. “As You Like It” is a timeless comedy that is sure to make you laugh and think about life in a new way.
In William Shakespeare’s comedy As You Like It, the themes of love, power, perplexity, and betrayal are discussed. The author’s effective use of speech, as well as dramatic presentation, combine to produce a play that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Orlando begins the play by lamenting his lower position in the family: “The spirit within me…begins to rebel against this subjection.” Though I know no wise remedy to avoid it yet I will no longer endure it.”
Orlando’s complaint sets the stage for the conflict that will drive the action of the play. When Orlando’s brothers, Oliver andJaques, denigrate him further, he flees to the forest of Arden. There he meets Duke Senior, who has also been exiled from court by his usurping brother, Duke Frederick. The duke and his followers live a life of simple contentment in the forest, in contrast to the artificiality and corruption of court life. Rosalind, daughter of Duke Senior, has also been banished by her Uncle Frederick. She disguised herself as a man and joins Orlando in the forest, where she eventually reveals her true identity.
The resolution of the play’s many plot threads is both complex and satisfying. In the end, love triumphs, power is restored to its rightful owner, and those who have been confused are set straight. As You Like It is a classic comedy that has entertained audiences for centuries and continues to do so today.
The first scene introduces us to the main character, Leander, as he is being held captive by a band of murderous friars. We soon see the deep conflict this character faces both with his family and himself.
The narrative then shifts to introduce Rosalind, a vocal and affecting young woman, who is introduced by Charles. She becomes wary when she learns that her father (the lawful Duke) and his band of loyal followers have been driven out of Arden Forest by Frederick. Her passionate nature comes to light for the audience as a result of her distress.
Rosalind’s father, meanwhile, is shown to be a gentle and honourable man who loves his daughter deeply. When he is forced into exile, he does not complain or rail against his fate, but instead seizes the opportunity to live a life of simple pleasures in nature. This stand-in for Shakespeare himself provides some of the most beautiful and memorable speeches in the play about the glories of the natural world.
The play then follows Rosalind as she disguises herself as a man (Ganymede) and flees to the forest of Arden, where her father and his followers are living. Along the way she meets Orlando, a young man who has also been banished by Frederick. Orlando is immediately smitten with Rosalind, but she, pretending to be Ganymede, advises him to cure himself of love.
Orlando and Rosalind/Ganymede meet again in the forest, along with a colourful cast of supporting characters including touchstone, a clownish fool; Jaques, a melancholy man who spouts philosophical maxims; and Phoebe, a shepherdess who loves Ganymede/Rosalind but is loved by Silvius, a young shepherd.
The action of the play revolves around the various romantic entanglements that develop between these characters as they all come to terms with life in the forest. In the end, through a series of events that are both funny and touching, all the couples are united and everyone lives happily ever after.
“As You Like It” is one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies, and it is easy to see why. The characters are richly drawn and vividly alive, the plot is full of twists and turns, and the language is some of the most beautiful that Shakespeare ever wrote. If you have never read or seen this play, I urge you to do so as soon as possible. You will not be disappointed.
The first thing we learn about Orlando as he emerges from the well is that he has a wonderful singing voice, and his song will become the theme of this narrative. Celia’s words of consolation are soon overshadowed by her cousin’s expression of concern for her sister.
As Celia tries to comfort her, we also witness the deep bond of support and friendship between these ladies, which will continue to be a key element of the story. Although Oliver plays down Orlando’s wellbeing in order to appear concerned, he has been planning to have his brother murdered (or at least maimed) during a wrestling match all along. Such behavior establishes him as an unethical and greedy character immediately.
This scene not only sets up the key conflict of the play between Oliver and Orlando but also introduces us to some of the major themes, such as the importance of love and friendship. It also starts to establish the play’s light-hearted, comedic tone, which will continue throughout. Shakespeare uses a number of comic devices here, including wordplay and slapstick humour. For instance, when Celia tells Rosalind that she looks “pale and wild”, Rosalind replies “I would I were at home”.
This clever pun on the word “wild” highlights her frustration at being exiled in the forest of Arden. Later on, when Touchstone is trying to woo Audrey, he compares her to a number of animals, including a dog, an ape and a cow. This not only makes us laugh but also helps to create a more light-hearted atmosphere.
Overall, this opening scene is important in establishing the key characters, conflict and themes of the play. It also sets up the comedic tone that will continue throughout.