As You Like It

In William Shakespeare's comedy "as you like it," the themes of love, power,

confusion, and betrayal as explored. The author's skillful use of dialogue

combine with dramatic presentation to create a play that is both entertaining

The play begins with Orlando, who is one of the three sons of the late Sir

Rowland de Boys, lamenting his inferior status in the family. "The spirit...

which was within me," he exclaims,"begins to mutiny against this servitude. I

will no longer endure it, though yet i know no wise remedy how to avoid it."

Thus early on, we are able to glimpse the intense conflict that this character

suffers both with his family and with himself.

The story then shifts to introduce the other main character, Rosalind, an

outspoken and affecting young woman. Charles arrives to inform her that her

father (the rightful duke) and his band of faithful follers have been banished

by Frederick into the Forest of Arden. She becomes quite distressed, and her

intense emotional nature is revealed to the audience. As her cousin Celia

attempts to console her, we also become aware of the deep bond of support and

friendship between these women that will continue to be a central aspect of the

Although Oliver pretends to be concerned for Orlando's well being, he has

secretly been plotting to have his brother killed (or at least maimed) in a

wrestling match. Such behaviour establishes him early on as a villainous,

greedy character. Surprisingly, however, Orlando displays incredible fighting

prowess and emerges victorious as the women cheer him on. Flustered, Rosalind

approaches to offer her congratulations and it is love at first sight. Notably,

this seems to be the first point in the play in which Orlando seems happy.

However, many strange and amusing events are to transpire before they can be

Following the wrestling match and her meeting Orlando, the giddy Rosalind is

seemingly consumed with excitement over the object of her affection. This

unparalleled happiness is cut short, however, when she and Celia learn that

Frederick (for no apparent reason) suspects that Rosalind is plotting against

him and has decided that she, too, must be banished.

Late at night, Celia and Rosalind leave the palace together disguised to

journey into the Forest of Arden. Rosalind is dressed as a man, and takes

upon herself the name "Ganymede;" Celia has become "Aliena." With the court

to accompany them, they go into exile. Meanwhile, Orlando has returned home

and is warned by Adam, the family servant, that Oliver is plotting to kill him.

Fearful, they too decide to set out for the comparative safety of the Forest of

Arden. In the Forest, Orlando and Adam join Rosalind’s exiled father and his

men. It is important to note Orlando’s care and concern for the aging servant;

such benevolence makes him identifiable as one of the heroic characters of the

In the Forest, Rosalind and Celia purchase a cottage and begin living a simple,

“pastoral” existence. To her joy and amazement, however, Rosalind one day comes

upon a part of the forest in which the trees are plastered with love poetry--all

dedicated to her! “But Heavenly Rosalind!” he exclaims, “That gaze kept, and

shall keep me to the end her own! “ It becomes apparent that Orlando, too, is

lovesick. Presumably, however, Orlando believes that Ganymede (Rosalind) is

indeed a man. Reluctant to reveal her true identity, Ganymede (Rosalind)

devises other ways to get close to Orlando. She offers to let Orlando pretend