As You Like It

Plot Summary

“As You Like It” unfolds in a series of events that take the characters from the oppressive atmosphere of the court to the liberating expanse of the Forest of Arden. The play opens with Orlando, the youngest son of Sir Rowland de Boys, complaining to the elderly servant Adam about the unjust treatment he receives from his older brother, Oliver. Orlando’s grievance stems from Oliver’s neglect of their father’s will, which stipulated that Orlando should be well educated and treated as befits a gentleman. This initial scene sets up one of the play’s central conflicts and introduces the theme of brotherly strife.

The action quickly moves to Duke Frederick’s court, where we meet Rosalind, the daughter of the banished Duke Senior, and her cousin Celia, Duke Frederick’s daughter. Despite the political tension between their fathers, the two young women share a deep bond of friendship. Their conversation is interrupted by the arrival of Le Beau, a courtier, who informs them of an upcoming wrestling match. The wrestler Charles has seriously injured his past three opponents, and Orlando has challenged him next.

Despite attempts to dissuade him, Orlando participates in the wrestling match and, against all odds, defeats Charles. This victory catches Rosalind’s attention, and the two share a moment of mutual attraction. However, their budding romance is cut short when Duke Frederick, in a sudden fit of anger, banishes Rosalind from the court. The Duke’s decision is motivated by his growing paranoia and the popularity Rosalind enjoys among the people, which he sees as a threat to his rule.

Unwilling to be separated, Celia decides to flee with Rosalind. They plan to seek out Duke Senior in the Forest of Arden, and for safety, Rosalind disguises herself as a young man, adopting the name Ganymede. Celia assumes the identity of Ganymede’s sister, Aliena. They convince the court fool, Touchstone, to accompany them on their journey, adding a source of comic relief to their expedition.

Meanwhile, Orlando, fearing for his life due to Oliver’s intensifying hatred, also decides to flee. He is accompanied by the loyal old servant Adam, who offers his life savings to support Orlando. Their journey, like that of Rosalind and Celia, takes them to the Forest of Arden.

The scene then shifts to the Forest of Arden, where Duke Senior and his followers live in exile. The Duke’s philosophical acceptance of their situation is contrasted with the melancholy musings of Jaques, a lord attending on Duke Senior. Jaques’ character provides some of the play’s most famous speeches, including the “All the world’s a stage” monologue, which offers a cynical view of human life.

As Orlando and Adam enter the forest, exhausted and hungry, they encounter Duke Senior and his men. The Duke’s welcoming attitude and the spirit of generosity in their forest dwelling provide a sharp contrast to the selfish and treacherous court they’ve left behind. This section of the play emphasizes the theme of nature’s restorative power and the idea of the forest as a place of transformation.

Rosalind, Celia, and Touchstone also arrive in the forest, where they witness a conversation between the shepherd Corin and the young shepherd Silvius, who is desperately in love with the disdainful Phebe. This subplot introduces another perspective on love, showcasing its power to cause both joy and suffering.

The central plot advances as Orlando, inspired by his love for Rosalind, begins posting love poems on the trees throughout the forest. Rosalind, still disguised as Ganymede, discovers these poems and soon encounters Orlando. In a clever twist, she offers to cure Orlando of his lovesickness by having him woo her as if she were Rosalind. This device allows Shakespeare to explore the nature of love and gender roles, as Rosalind, in her male disguise, instructs Orlando in the art of courtship.

As the play progresses, various subplots develop. Touchstone becomes enamored with the simple goatherd Audrey, presenting yet another form of love. Phebe, the shepherdess, falls in love with Ganymede (the disguised Rosalind), adding further complexity to the romantic entanglements. Oliver, Orlando’s brother, arrives in the forest searching for Orlando, but undergoes a transformation after being saved from a lioness by Orlando’s bravery. This act of selflessness reconciles the brothers and leads to Oliver falling in love with Celia.

The play reaches its climax as Rosalind, still in her Ganymede disguise, promises to resolve all the romantic complications. She arranges for all the couples to meet, including Duke Senior, promising Orlando that she will magically produce Rosalind.

In the final scene, Rosalind reveals her true identity, leading to joyous reunions and the pairing of four couples: Rosalind and Orlando, Celia and Oliver, Phebe and Silvius (Phebe accepting Silvius after her love for Ganymede is revealed to be impossible), and Touchstone and Audrey. The resolution is further sweetened by the arrival of Jaques de Boys, Oliver and Orlando’s middle brother, who brings news that Duke Frederick has had a religious conversion and restored the dukedom to Duke Senior.

The play concludes with a wedding celebration for the four couples, complete with a masque of Hymen, the god of marriage. Jaques, true to his melancholy nature, decides not to return to court life but instead to seek wisdom from Duke Frederick in his religious retreat. The other characters prepare to return to court, having been transformed by their experiences in the Forest of Arden.

“As You Like It” ends with an epilogue delivered by Rosalind, directly addressing the audience. This breaking of the fourth wall is typical of Shakespeare’s comedies and serves to transition the audience back to reality while reinforcing the play’s themes of love, acceptance, and the transformative power of imagination.

Characters

Rosalind: The protagonist of the play, Rosalind is the daughter of the banished Duke Senior. She is intelligent, witty, and possesses a strong sense of self. When banished from Duke Frederick’s court, she disguises herself as a young man named Ganymede, allowing Shakespeare to explore themes of gender and identity. Rosalind’s disguise enables her to manipulate situations and test Orlando’s love, showcasing her cleverness and emotional depth. Her journey from a courtly lady to a forest dweller in disguise, and finally to a self-assured woman who orchestrates the play’s resolution, makes her one of Shakespeare’s most fully realized female characters.

Orlando: The youngest son of Sir Rowland de Boys, Orlando is noble, chivalrous, and deeply in love with Rosalind. At the beginning of the play, he’s portrayed as an underdog, mistreated by his elder brother Oliver. His victory in the wrestling match demonstrates his physical prowess, while his poetry in the Forest of Arden reveals his romantic and artistic side. Orlando’s character development throughout the play shows his growth from a lovestruck youth to a more mature individual capable of deep, lasting love. His relationship with Rosalind, even when she’s disguised as Ganymede, allows for a nuanced exploration of love and courtship.

Celia: Daughter of Duke Frederick and cousin to Rosalind, Celia embodies loyal friendship. She chooses to accompany Rosalind into exile, demonstrating her devotion. In the forest, she assumes the identity of Aliena. While often overshadowed by Rosalind’s vivacity, Celia is a strong character in her own right, offering level-headed advice and support. Her quick romance with the reformed Oliver near the play’s end provides a counterpoint to the more developed relationship between Rosalind and Orlando.

Duke Senior: Rosalind’s father and the rightful duke, he has been banished to the Forest of Arden by his younger brother, Duke Frederick. Duke Senior embodies the philosophy of finding “good in everything” and represents the ideal of noble leadership. His court in exile in the forest serves as a model of a harmonious society, contrasting with the corrupt court of Duke Frederick. Duke Senior’s acceptance of his fate and his ability to find joy in simple forest life illustrate the play’s themes of the restorative power of nature and the value of a life removed from the complexities of court.

Duke Frederick: The usurper who has banished his elder brother, Duke Senior, and later Rosalind. Duke Frederick represents the corruption and paranoia often associated with power. His sudden conversion near the play’s end, while convenient for the plot, also suggests the possibility of redemption and transformation, key themes in the play.

Jaques: A lord attending on Duke Senior in exile, Jaques is the play’s philosopher and cynic. His melancholy outlook provides a counterpoint to the generally optimistic tone of the play. Jaques delivers some of the most famous speeches in “As You Like It,” including the “All the world’s a stage” monologue. His character allows Shakespeare to introduce elements of satire and social commentary. Jaques’ decision to seek wisdom in a religious retreat at the play’s end sets him apart from the other characters and emphasizes his role as an outsider and observer.

Touchstone: The court fool who accompanies Rosalind and Celia into exile. Touchstone serves as both comic relief and a source of insightful commentary. His wit often takes the form of convoluted logical arguments that parody intellectual discourse. Touchstone’s relationship with the simple goatherd Audrey provides another perspective on love, contrasting with the more idealized romances of the main plot.

Oliver: Orlando’s elder brother and initial antagonist. Oliver’s mistreatment of Orlando sets the play’s events in motion. His transformation after being saved by Orlando from a lioness is one of the play’s most dramatic character arcs, illustrating themes of forgiveness and redemption. His romance with Celia, while sudden, contributes to the play’s exploration of different types of love.

Adam: The elderly servant who accompanies Orlando into exile. Adam represents loyalty and the virtues of the older generation. His willingness to offer Orlando his life savings demonstrates selfless devotion, contrasting with the selfishness seen in characters like Duke Frederick and the early Oliver.

Themes

Love and Its Various Forms: The central theme of “As You Like It” is love in its many manifestations. Shakespeare presents a spectrum of romantic relationships, each illustrating a different aspect of love. The love between Rosalind and Orlando is the focal point, representing an idealized romantic love that is both passionate and intellectual. Their relationship, developed through Rosalind’s disguise as Ganymede, allows for a playful exploration of courtship rituals and the nature of attraction.

Contrasting with this central romance are several other pairings. Touchstone and Audrey represent a more pragmatic, physical love, based more on mutual benefit than romantic ideals. Silvius’ unrequited love for Phebe showcases the pain and folly often associated with infatuation, while Phebe’s sudden attraction to the disguised Rosalind (as Ganymede) hints at the complex nature of desire and the fluidity of attraction. The rapid romance between Oliver and Celia presents yet another perspective, suggesting the possibility of love at first sight.

Gender Roles and Identity: The theme of gender roles and identity is prominently explored through Rosalind’s disguise as Ganymede. This plot device allows Shakespeare to scrutinize and challenge the societal norms and expectations associated with gender. As Ganymede, Rosalind is free to act in ways that would be considered inappropriate for a woman in Elizabethan society. This freedom allows her to manipulate situations, particularly in her interactions with Orlando, and to comment on the nature of both masculinity and femininity.

The play also explores how identity is shaped by external factors such as clothing and social expectations. The ease with which Rosalind adapts to her male persona raises questions about the performative nature of gender and the extent to which our identities are socially constructed. Through this exploration, Shakespeare invites the audience to consider the limitations imposed by rigid gender roles and the potential for personal freedom when these constraints are removed.

Nature versus Court: The contrast between the court and the Forest of Arden is a central theme in “As You Like It.” The court is portrayed as a place of political intrigue, corruption, and constraint, while the forest represents freedom, self-discovery, and natural harmony. This dichotomy allows Shakespeare to explore the tension between civilization and nature, and between artificial societal constructs and a more authentic way of living.

In the forest, characters are stripped of their societal roles and are free to explore their true selves. Duke Senior’s exile, initially a punishment, becomes a path to a more fulfilling life. The forest setting also enables the play’s exploration of the pastoral genre, albeit with Shakespeare’s characteristic wit and nuance. While the forest is presented as idyllic in many ways, it’s not without its own hardships, suggesting that the ideal life is not about escaping society entirely, but about finding a balance between nature and civilization.

Transformation and Redemption: Throughout the play, characters undergo significant transformations, both literal (in terms of disguise) and metaphorical (in terms of personal growth). Rosalind’s transformation into Ganymede is the most obvious example, but other characters also change profoundly. Oliver’s transformation from a villainous brother to a love-struck suitor is particularly dramatic, highlighting the play’s theme of redemption.

The Forest of Arden serves as a catalyst for these transformations, providing a space where characters can shed their court personas and discover their true selves. This theme suggests that change and personal growth are possible when one is removed from familiar surroundings and societal expectations. The play ultimately presents a hopeful view of human nature, suggesting that even flawed characters have the capacity for positive change.

Symbols

The Forest of Arden: The most prominent symbol in “As You Like It” is the Forest of Arden itself. It represents a space of transformation, freedom, and natural harmony, contrasting sharply with the corrupt and rigid court. In Arden, characters are freed from societal constraints and can explore their true selves. The forest symbolizes the restorative power of nature and serves as a catalyst for change and self-discovery. It’s a place where love flourishes, identities are fluid, and the artifices of court life are stripped away.

The forest also embodies the pastoral ideal, a literary tradition that romanticizes rural life. However, Shakespeare’s treatment is nuanced; while Arden is largely idyllic, it’s not without its own hardships, suggesting that true paradise is unattainable. The forest’s transformative power extends to all who enter it, from the exiled Duke Senior who finds “tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything,” to the villainous Oliver who undergoes a profound change of heart.

Orlando’s Love Poems: The love poems that Orlando pins to the trees in the Forest of Arden symbolize the power of love to inspire creativity and transform individuals. These poems, though amateur in quality, represent Orlando’s growth from a tongue-tied youth to a man capable of expressing his feelings. The act of writing and displaying these poems also symbolizes the public nature of love in the play, where private feelings are often made spectacle.

The poems on the trees also serve as a symbol of the merging of nature and human emotion. By literally attaching his feelings to the forest, Orlando blends the natural world with human sentiment, echoing the play’s broader theme of finding harmony between nature and civilization. The reaction to these poems by other characters, particularly Rosalind’s amused critique, further symbolizes the different perspectives on love presented in the play.

Rosalind’s Disguise: Rosalind’s male disguise as Ganymede is a potent symbol of the fluidity of identity and the performative nature of gender roles. Her ability to seamlessly adopt a male persona challenges the rigid gender norms of Elizabethan society. The disguise symbolizes the freedom that comes with stepping outside societal expectations and the potential for self-discovery when one is not bound by predetermined roles.

Moreover, the disguise serves as a symbol of the play’s exploration of appearance versus reality. Rosalind’s ability to manipulate situations and relationships while disguised highlights the theme that true understanding often lies beneath surface appearances. The eventual shedding of this disguise symbolizes a return to order and authenticity, albeit one informed by the insights gained through the experience of being “other.”

Notable Quotes

“All the world’s a stage, / And all the men and women merely players” (Act II, Scene VII): Spoken by the melancholy Jaques, this famous quote encapsulates the play’s exploration of role-playing and identity. It suggests that human life is a performance, with each person playing various parts throughout their lifetime. This quote introduces the idea that our identities are not fixed but rather a series of roles we adopt and discard. In the context of the play, it resonates with the themes of disguise and transformation, particularly Rosalind’s adoption of a male persona.

“Do you not know I am a woman? When I think, I must speak” (Act III, Scene II): This quote, spoken by Rosalind (disguised as Ganymede), humorously plays with gender stereotypes while also asserting Rosalind’s true nature. It highlights the play’s exploration of gender roles and identity. The irony of a woman disguised as a man making this statement adds layers of complexity to the play’s treatment of gender. It also showcases Rosalind’s wit and her inability to fully suppress her true self, even when in disguise.

“The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool” (Act V, Scene I): Touchstone delivers this paradoxical statement, which reflects the play’s theme of wisdom and folly. It suggests that true wisdom lies in recognizing one’s own limitations and ignorance. This quote aligns with the play’s broader exploration of self-knowledge and the idea that the forest experience leads characters to a deeper understanding of themselves and the world.

“Sweet are the uses of adversity, / Which, like the toad, ugly and venomous, / Wears yet a precious jewel in his head” (Act II, Scene I): Duke Senior speaks these lines, finding optimism in his exile. This quote embodies the play’s theme of finding value in difficult circumstances. It suggests that adversity, though unpleasant, can yield valuable lessons and experiences. This perspective is central to the play’s exploration of transformation and the idea that challenges can lead to personal growth and insight.

“And thereby hangs a tale” (Act II, Scene VII): This short but significant quote is used by Jaques in response to the Duke’s observation about the wounded deer. The phrase, which became proverbial, suggests that there’s always more to a story than what’s immediately apparent. In the context of the play, it underscores the theme of appearance versus reality and the idea that deeper truths often lie beneath the surface of events and characters.

“I had rather have a fool to make me merry than experience to make me sad” (Act IV, Scene I): Rosalind (as Ganymede) says this to Orlando, expressing a preference for joyful foolishness over melancholy wisdom. This quote reflects the play’s balance between thoughtful contemplation and lighthearted comedy. It also touches on the theme of the value of different perspectives, suggesting that there’s merit in both the fool’s mirth and the philosopher’s reflections.

Literary Devices

Dramatic Irony: This device is extensively used in “As You Like It,” primarily through Rosalind’s disguise as Ganymede. The audience knows Rosalind’s true identity while other characters, particularly Orlando, remain unaware. This creates tension and humor as we watch Rosalind manipulate situations and test Orlando’s love while he is oblivious to her true identity. The dramatic irony reaches its peak in the scenes where Rosalind, as Ganymede, instructs Orlando on how to woo ‘Rosalind’.

Soliloquy: Shakespeare employs soliloquies to reveal characters’ inner thoughts and feelings. The most famous example in this play is Jaques’ “All the world’s a stage” speech (Act II, Scene VII). This soliloquy not only provides insight into Jaques’ melancholy philosophy but also serves as a commentary on the human condition and the play’s themes of role-playing and identity. Other notable soliloquies include Orlando’s love-struck musings and Rosalind’s reflections on love and disguise.

Pastoral Setting: The Forest of Arden serves as a pastoral setting, a literary device common in Shakespeare’s comedies. This idealized rural landscape provides a stark contrast to the corrupt court, allowing characters to escape societal constraints and discover their true selves. The pastoral setting facilitates the play’s exploration of themes such as the healing power of nature and the conflict between civilization and the natural world.

Cross-dressing: Rosalind’s disguise as Ganymede is a prime example of cross-dressing, a device Shakespeare often used in his comedies. This allows for the exploration of gender roles and identity, creating opportunities for wordplay and situational comedy. It also serves to highlight the performative nature of gender and the limitations imposed by societal expectations.

Wordplay and Puns: Shakespeare’s mastery of language is on full display in “As You Like It,” with characters engaging in witty exchanges full of wordplay and puns. This is particularly evident in the banter between Rosalind and Orlando, and in Touchstone’s convoluted speeches. The wordplay adds humor to the play while often serving to underscore deeper themes or character traits.

Metaphor: The play is rich in metaphorical language. For instance, Duke Senior’s comparison of adversity to a toad with a jewel in its head (Act II, Scene I) is a metaphor for finding value in difficult circumstances. Orlando’s love poems use metaphors to describe Rosalind’s beauty, often drawing comparisons to nature, which ties into the play’s pastoral themes.

Act Summaries

Act I

Act I: The play opens at the court of Duke Frederick, where we’re introduced to the main conflict. Orlando, the youngest son of Sir Rowland de Boys, is mistreated by his older brother Oliver. At a wrestling match, Orlando defeats the court wrestler Charles and falls in love with Rosalind at first sight. However, Duke Frederick suddenly banishes Rosalind, who decides to flee to the Forest of Arden with her cousin Celia and the court fool, Touchstone. Rosalind disguises herself as a young man named Ganymede, while Celia assumes the identity of Ganymede’s sister, Aliena.

Act II

Act II: The scene shifts to the Forest of Arden, where the banished Duke Senior (Rosalind’s father) lives with his followers. We’re introduced to the melancholy Jaques, who delivers the famous “All the world’s a stage” speech. Orlando and his loyal servant Adam also arrive in the forest, fleeing Oliver’s murderous plans. They encounter Duke Senior’s group, who welcome them warmly. Meanwhile, Rosalind, Celia, and Touchstone arrive in another part of the forest and buy a shepherd’s cottage.

Act III

Act III: Orlando, smitten with love, hangs love poems for Rosalind on the forest trees. Rosalind (disguised as Ganymede) discovers these and eventually meets Orlando. She proposes to cure him of his lovesickness by having him woo her as if she were Rosalind. This act also introduces the shepherds Silvius and Phoebe, with Phoebe falling in love with the disguised Rosalind. Touchstone, meanwhile, pursues the goatherd Audrey.

Act IV

Act IV: The forest becomes a place of multiple romances and confusions. Rosalind (as Ganymede) continues to ‘teach’ Orlando about love, deepening their connection while maintaining her disguise. Oliver arrives in the forest searching for Orlando, but undergoes a transformation after being saved from a lioness by Orlando’s bravery. Oliver falls in love with Celia, adding another layer to the romantic entanglements. Silvius continues to pine for Phoebe, who is still enamored with ‘Ganymede’.

Act V

Act V: All the plot threads come together for resolution. Rosalind promises to magically solve everyone’s romantic problems. She arranges for all the couples to meet, including her father Duke Senior. In the final scene, Rosalind reveals her true identity, leading to joyous reunions and the pairing of four couples: Rosalind and Orlando, Celia and Oliver, Phoebe and Silvius, and Touchstone and Audrey. News arrives that Duke Frederick has had a religious conversion and restored the dukedom to Duke Senior. The play concludes with a wedding celebration for the four couples, complete with a masque of Hymen, the god of marriage.