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A Comprehensive Study Guide for William Shakespeare's As You Like It

Efrain Powell

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Published in Study Guide For William Shakespeare S As You Like It (Course Hero Study Guides)

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William Shakespeare's As You Like It is a beloved romantic comedy that has enchanted audiences for centuries. The play follows the journey of Rosalind, a young woman who flees her uncle's court and finds refuge in the Forest of Arden. There, she encounters a cast of colorful characters and falls in love with the shepherd Orlando.

This study guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of As You Like It. We will explore the play's characters, plot, themes, and language. We will also provide you with a number of resources to help you with your study.

Study Guide for William Shakespeare's As You Like It (Course Hero Study Guides)

by CGP Books

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1052 KB
Print length	:	36 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

Characters

Rosalind: The play's heroine, Rosalind is a witty and intelligent young woman who is forced to flee her uncle's court after he banishes her father. Disguised as a man named Ganymede, she finds refuge in the Forest of Arden.
Orlando: A young shepherd who is in love with Rosalind. He is a kind and gentle man, but he is also brave and strong.
Duke Frederick: Rosalind's uncle and the usurper of the dukedom. He is a cruel and tyrannical ruler.
Duke Senior: Rosalind's father and the rightful duke of the dukedom. He has been banished to the Forest of Arden by his brother Frederick.
Celia: Rosalind's cousin and best friend. She is a kind and loyal young woman who follows Rosalind into exile.
Touchstone: A court jester who is banished to the Forest of Arden along with Rosalind and Celia. He is a witty and cynical character who provides comic relief.
Audrey: A country wench who is in love with Touchstone. She is a simple and naive young woman.
Silvius: A shepherd who is in love with Phebe. He is a lovesick and melancholy character.
Phebe: A shepherdess who is the object of Silvius's affections. She is a proud and disdainful young woman.

Plot

The play begins with Rosalind and Celia fleeing to the Forest of Arden after Duke Frederick banishes Rosalind's father. In the forest, they encounter a group of shepherds and courtiers who have also been banished from the court. Rosalind disguises herself as a man named Ganymede and falls in love with Orlando. However, Orlando is unaware of Rosalind's true identity. Rosalind eventually reveals her true identity to Orlando and the two are married. The play ends with the restoration of Duke Senior to his rightful place as the duke of the dukedom.

Themes

Love: The play explores the different types of love, including romantic love, friendship, and familial love. Rosalind and Orlando's love for each other is the central focus of the play, but the play also explores the love between other characters, such as Celia and Rosalind, and Duke Senior and his followers.
Identity: The play explores the theme of identity through the characters of Rosalind and Orlando. Rosalind disguises herself as a man in order to protect herself and to test Orlando's love for her. Orlando, in turn, is unaware of Rosalind's true identity until the end of the play. The play also explores the theme of identity through the characters of the banished courtiers, who are forced to adopt new identities in order to survive in the forest.
Nature: The play is set in the Forest of Arden, a place of natural beauty and tranquility. The forest provides a refuge for the characters who have been banished from the court. The play explores the theme of nature through the characters' interactions with the forest and the animals that live there.

Language

As You Like It is written in Shakespeare's signature style, which is characterized by its use of puns, wordplay, and metaphors. The play also contains a number of songs and poems, which contribute to its lyrical and romantic atmosphere.