As You Like It: A Review
William Shakespeare’s As You Like It is a play that has remained an enduring classic since it was first performed in the late 16th century. A delightful romantic comedy, it features many of Shakespeare’s trademarks: mistaken identities, cross-dressing, and a delightful cast of characters who explore themes of love, identity, and the natural world. The play’s central conflict revolves around the relationships between its characters, their personal identities, and the tension between courtly life and the freedom of the forest.
Plot Overview
As You Like It takes place in two distinct settings: the corrupt, oppressive court and the pastoral, idyllic Forest of Arden. The play opens at the court of Duke Frederick, where the young Rosalind is in the care of her uncle, Duke Senior. Rosalind’s father, Duke Senior, had been exiled by his brother, Duke Frederick, who now rules the court with tyranny. Despite this, Rosalind and her cousin, Celia, remain close friends, and their bond is one of the play’s most heartwarming aspects.
After a confrontation with Duke Frederick, Rosalind is also banished from the court, and she flees to the Forest of Arden, accompanied by Celia. In the forest, the characters undergo various transformations, both literal and figurative. Rosalind disguises herself as a young man, Ganymede, and takes on the role of a “matchmaker,” instructing her love interest, Orlando, on how to properly woo her. Meanwhile, the play features a series of other love stories, including the blossoming romance between Orlando and Rosalind, the melancholic Jaques’ philosophical musings on life, and the quirky relationship between Touchstone, the court fool, and Audrey, a country wench.
The play’s central theme revolves around the question of love. Shakespeare’s exploration of the many facets of love, from romantic to familial to platonic, is central to the plot, and the play itself is filled with witty exchanges and memorable lines that reveal the complexities of love and relationships.
Themes and Motifs
Love and Identity
At the heart of As You Like It lies the theme of love and identity. Rosalind, who is portrayed as intelligent, witty, and resourceful, is forced to navigate her relationship with Orlando while disguised as Ganymede. This disguise allows her to control the situation, and she uses her newfound identity to teach Orlando how to behave in love. However, as the play progresses, it becomes clear that the lines between Rosalind and Ganymede begin to blur, and Orlando falls in love not only with Rosalind’s physical appearance but also with her wit, intelligence, and charm.
One of the play’s famous lines highlights this theme of love and identity:
“All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts.” (Act 2, Scene 7)
This famous speech, spoken by Jaques, reflects on the concept of identity and the roles we play in life. It suggests that life itself is a performance, where individuals must navigate multiple identities, just as Rosalind and Orlando do. The line emphasizes the fluidity of identity, especially in the context of love, as characters slip in and out of various roles, from lovers to friends to enemies, throughout the play.
Nature vs. Society
Another prominent theme in As You Like It is the contrast between the corrupt society of the court and the free-spirited, idealized life in the Forest of Arden. The play suggests that while the court represents the oppressive forces of authority and power, the forest symbolizes freedom, authenticity, and escape. As characters journey into the forest, they shed their societal roles and expectations, finding their true selves in a natural, unencumbered environment.
One of the most iconic lines from the play captures the tension between these two worlds:
“The better part of Valour is Discretion; in the which better part I have sav’d my life.” (Act 5, Scene 4)
This line, spoken by Falstaff in a different Shakespeare play but often quoted in As You Like It, could also relate to the idea that courage in life does not always equate to brashness, but rather a wise, thoughtful approach. The Forest of Arden offers this type of wisdom, where characters can take a step back from the pressures of society and truly discover who they are.
The motif of nature is also expressed in the play’s pastoral setting. Shakespeare draws upon the pastoral tradition, using the forest as a metaphor for the uncomplicated beauty of nature and the possibility of new beginnings. The carefree environment of the forest stands in sharp contrast to the political and social turmoil of the court, allowing the characters to engage in self-discovery, romantic relationships, and, ultimately, reconciliation.
Foolishness and Wisdom
A striking feature of As You Like It is the presence of fools and wise figures who often blur the lines between ignorance and insight. Jaques, the melancholy philosopher, is one of the play’s most memorable characters. He provides some of the play’s most poignant commentary on the human condition, especially with his famous “All the world’s a stage” speech. While Jaques may appear foolish or detached, his observations about life, love, and identity reveal a deep wisdom.
Similarly, Touchstone, the court jester, provides comic relief throughout the play, but his witty remarks often reveal truths about human nature and society. His banter with Audrey and his sarcastic observations about the world serve to highlight the absurdities of life. One of his famous lines is:
“The more pity that fools may not speak wisely what wise men do foolishly.” (Act 1, Scene 2)
This line suggests that even fools can be insightful, and through their wit and humor, they often make sharp observations about the world around them.
Characters and Their Transformations
The characters in As You Like It undergo a series of transformations, both literal and figurative, which contribute to the play’s exploration of identity. Rosalind, the play’s heroine, is arguably the most dynamic character. As she disguises herself as Ganymede, she takes on a new persona, using her wit and intelligence to guide Orlando’s love for her. Yet, even as she plays this role, she is still deeply invested in her own feelings for Orlando. This duality makes her one of Shakespeare’s most complex and captivating heroines.
Orlando, the romantic lead, is similarly transformed by love. His earnestness and idealism are juxtaposed with Rosalind’s cleverness, and his journey from an inexperienced lover to one who fully understands the depths of his affection for Rosalind reflects the play’s exploration of personal growth and the complexities of love.
Other characters, such as the melancholic Jaques and the lovesick Silvius, also undergo transformations in the play. Jaques, though often cynical and detached, undergoes a gradual shift as he observes the joyous lives of the other characters in the forest. His journey reflects the possibility of change even for those who seem most set in their ways. Silvius, on the other hand, represents the idealistic lover, and his unrequited love for Phebe showcases the different facets of romantic relationships in the play.
Conclusion
As You Like It is a play that continues to resonate with audiences because of its timeless themes, memorable characters, and witty dialogue. Shakespeare’s exploration of love, identity, and the contrasts between society and nature offer a rich and multifaceted experience that appeals to both intellectual and emotional sensibilities. Whether through the delightful wordplay, the witty exchanges, or the poignant reflections on life, As You Like It remains one of the most beloved comedies in the Shakespearean canon.
Famous lines such as “All the world’s a stage” and “The more pity that fools may not speak wisely what wise men do foolishly” continue to captivate audiences, revealing the play’s profound understanding of human nature. In the end, As You Like It is a celebration of love in all its forms, and a reminder of the transformative power of identity, both in the world of the play and in the lives of its audience.
By blending humor, philosophy, and romance, Shakespeare’s As You Like It offers a profound reflection on the human condition, making it as relevant and enjoyable today as it was centuries ago.
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