Shakespeare's As You Like It Theme, Summary, Analysis 

In this article You will get a Detailed Summary Explanation and Analysis of Shakespeare's Comedy As You Like It . Read the whole article to read act wise and Scene Wise summary of Shakespeare's As You Like It 

By Tanmoy Kumar Bhattacharjya

Shakespeare's As You Like It Theme, Summary, Analysis 

"As You Like It" is a comedic play written by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1599 and 1600. It is one of Shakespeare's most popular plays and has been adapted into various forms of media, including films, stage productions, and even musicals.

The play follows the story of Rosalind, the daughter of a banished Duke, who falls in love with Orlando, a young man who has also been banished. When Rosalind is banished from court by her uncle, she disguises herself as a man and flees to the Forest of Arden, where she meets Orlando once again. She then decides to use her disguise to test Orlando's love for her.

The play is known for its exploration of themes such as love, gender, and identity. It features several memorable characters, including the witty and intelligent Rosalind, the melancholic Jaques, and the foolish Touchstone. It also includes some of Shakespeare's most famous lines, such as "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players."

Overall, "As You Like It" is a beloved play that continues to be performed and studied by theater enthusiasts and scholars alike.

Introduction to Shakespeare's As You Like It 

"As You Like It" is a romantic comedy play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written in 1599. The play is set primarily in the Forest of Arden, where a young woman named Rosalind and her cousin Celia have fled to escape the tyranny of Rosalind's uncle, Duke Frederick.

In the forest, Rosalind disguises herself as a young man named Ganymede, and Celia disguises herself as Ganymede's sister, Aliena. As they encounter various characters in the forest, including the melancholy Jaques and the lovesick Orlando, romantic complications ensue.

The play explores themes of love, gender roles, and the nature of reality, and is known for its witty language, memorable characters, and entertaining plot. It is considered one of Shakespeare's greatest comedies and has been adapted into various films, stage productions, and other works of literature.

An Overview of Shakespeare's As You Like It

"As You Like It" is a pastoral comedy written by William Shakespeare in 1599. The play is set in two different locations: the court and the Forest of Arden.

The story revolves around Rosalind, the daughter of Duke Senior, who has been banished to the forest by her evil uncle Duke Frederick. Disguised as a young man named Ganymede, Rosalind sets out to find her father in the forest. She is accompanied by her cousin Celia, who has disguised herself as a poor lady named Aliena.

In the forest, they encounter a number of colorful characters, including the melancholy Jaques, the love-struck Orlando, and the witty fool Touchstone. Rosalind/Ganymede decides to test Orlando's love by pretending to be his love instructor, and eventually reveals herself to him. Meanwhile, Celia falls in love with a young man named Oliver, and Jaques becomes fascinated by the simple life of the forest.

The play ends with multiple marriages: Rosalind and Orlando, Celia and Oliver, and Touchstone and a local farm girl named Audrey. Duke Frederick repents of his evil ways and restores Duke Senior to his rightful position. The play concludes with a festive dance celebrating the marriages and the return of harmony to the kingdom.

A Brief Summary of Shakespeare's As You Like It

Act I:

The play opens in the court of Duke Frederick, where Rosalind, the daughter of the banished Duke Senior, has become the closest companion of Frederick's daughter, Celia. Orlando, the youngest son of Sir Rowland de Boys, arrives at the court to challenge the wrestler Charles. Orlando wins the match, and the two women take a liking to him. However, Frederick becomes angry at the sight of Orlando, as he is reminded of his banished brother.

Act II:

Rosalind and Celia decide to flee the court, with Rosalind disguising herself as a young man named Ganymede and Celia as his sister, Aliena. They go to the Forest of Arden, where Duke Senior and his followers are living in exile. Orlando also arrives in the forest, having fled his abusive older brother Oliver. He hangs love poems for Rosalind on trees throughout the forest.

Act III:

In the forest, Rosalind, disguised as Ganymede, encounters Orlando, who does not recognize her. She promises to cure him of his love sickness and instructs him to pretend that she is Rosalind and woo her. Meanwhile, Silvius, a shepherd, is hopelessly in love with a shepherdess named Phoebe, who scorns his affections. Ganymede (Rosalind) intervenes and convinces Phoebe to marry Silvius.

Act IV:

Oliver, who has also arrived in the forest, is saved from a lion attack by Orlando. This incident causes Oliver to repent his past cruelty and the two brothers reconcile. Ganymede (Rosalind) tells Orlando that his beloved Rosalind will meet him under an oak tree. Later, the real Rosalind reveals herself to Orlando, and they profess their love.

Act V:

The play concludes with multiple weddings: Rosalind marries Orlando, Celia marries Oliver, and Phoebe marries Silvius. Touchstone, a court jester who has been traveling with Rosalind and Celia, marries Audrey, a country wench. In the end, the Duke returns the banished Duke Senior's lands and title, and everyone lives happily ever after.

Detailed Summary of Shakespeare's As You Like It Act Wise Scene Wise 

Summary of Shakespeare's As You Like It Act 1

Scene 1: The play opens with a conversation between Orlando, the youngest son of Sir Rowland de Boys, and his servant, Adam. Orlando is upset with his older brother, Oliver, who has mistreated him and denied him his rightful inheritance. Adam tries to convince Orlando to be patient, but Orlando is determined to challenge his brother.

Scene 2: In this scene, we meet Duke Frederick and his entourage. The Duke has usurped his brother's throne and banished him to the Forest of Arden. The Duke's daughter, Celia, and her cousin, Rosalind, the daughter of the banished Duke, are also present. The Duke orders Rosalind to leave the court immediately, but Celia pleads with her father to let Rosalind stay. The Duke relents and allows Rosalind to stay, but warns her that he will be watching her closely.

Scene 3: We see Oliver speaking with Charles the wrestler, who is preparing to fight Orlando. Oliver instructs Charles to injure Orlando during the match, but Charles is hesitant because he likes Orlando and does not want to hurt him.

Scene 4: In this scene, we see Rosalind and Celia discussing the events that have just taken place. Rosalind is upset about her father's banishment, and Celia decides to accompany her cousin into exile.

Scene 5: The wrestling match between Charles and Orlando takes place in this scene. Orlando wins the match, and Rosalind is immediately smitten with him. She gives him a chain from around her neck as a token of her affection.

Scene 6: After the match, Rosalind meets Orlando and gives him a ring as a token of her love. Orlando is also smitten with Rosalind, but he does not know her true identity because she is disguised as a young man named Ganymede.

Overall, Act 1 sets the stage for the central conflicts and themes of the play: sibling rivalry, political power struggles, gender roles and identity, and the transformative power of love.

Summary of Shakespeare's As You Like It Act 2 

Act 2 Scene 1:

Orlando hangs verses on trees about his love for Rosalind, while Jaques, a melancholy courtier, converses with Orlando and gives him advice about love. When Orlando leaves, Rosalind, dressed as a man, and her cousin Celia, disguised as a commoner, enter and talk with Jaques. Rosalind falls in love with Orlando at first sight.

Act 2 Scene 2:

The court fool Touchstone and the shepherd Corin discuss the pros and cons of a life in the country versus the court.

Act 2 Scene 3:

Oliver, Orlando's brother, has a change of heart and decides to search for Orlando to warn him of Duke Frederick's plan to harm him.

Act 2 Scene 4:

Rosalind, disguised as a man named Ganymede, meets Orlando and convinces him to pretend that she is Rosalind so that he can practice wooing her.

Act 2 Scene 5:

Jaques delivers a famous monologue about the seven ages of man, while Amiens, a courtier, sings a song.

Act 2 Scene 6:

Oliver encounters Aliena, who is really Celia in disguise, and falls in love with her.

Summary Of Shakespeare's As You Like It Act 3

Scene 1:

Orlando arrives in the Forest of Arden and hangs love poems he has written for Rosalind on the trees. Touchstone and Audrey, a goatherd he has taken a liking to, enter and engage in witty banter. Touchstone convinces Audrey to marry him.

Scene 2:

Jaques meets Orlando and engages him in philosophical conversation about the nature of time, love, and life. Orlando reveals that he is in love with Rosalind.

Scene 3:

Rosalind, disguised as the male Ganymede, meets Orlando and pretends to counsel him on how to cure his love sickness. She tells him that the only cure is to act out the role of a lover in a mock courtship, with Rosalind (in her Ganymede disguise) playing the role of Rosalind. Orlando agrees to this plan.

Scene 4:

Silvius, a lovelorn shepherd, arrives with a love letter for Rosalind, which he gives to Ganymede. Rosalind mocks Silvius for his foolishness in loving someone who does not return his affections.

Scene 5:

Touchstone and Audrey discuss the nature of love and marriage. Corin, an elderly shepherd, enters and tells them about a wealthy shepherdess named Phoebe who is in love with Ganymede (i.e., Rosalind in disguise).

Scene 6:

Rosalind, still disguised as Ganymede, meets with Phoebe and tells her that she must marry Silvius, who loves her dearly. Phoebe rejects this advice and continues to pursue Ganymede.

Scene 7:

Orlando returns and begins to act out the courtship with Rosalind (as Ganymede). Rosalind tests Orlando's love and loyalty, and eventually reveals her true identity to him. Orlando is overjoyed to see Rosalind again.

Summary of William Shakespeare's play "As You Like It" Act 4

Scene 1: Rosalind, dressed as Ganymede, meets Orlando, who is still pining for her, in the forest. Orlando confides in Ganymede, not realizing that it is actually Rosalind, about his love for Rosalind and his despair over her absence.

Scene 2: Silvius, a shepherd who is in love with Phoebe, is rejected by her. Ganymede and Touchstone, a court jester, witness the rejection and Ganymede offers to help Silvius win Phoebe's heart.

Scene 3: Rosalind/Ganymede, Orlando, Silvius, and Phoebe all come together in the forest. Rosalind reveals her true identity to Orlando and they are reunited. She then orchestrates a complicated scenario where Phoebe falls in love with Ganymede and ultimately agrees to marry Silvius.

Scene 4: Duke Frederick, who had banished Duke Senior and Rosalind, has a change of heart and decides to restore the exiled Duke to his rightful place.

Scene 5: In the final scene, all of the characters come together for a wedding celebration. Orlando and Rosalind are married, as are Touchstone and Audrey (a goatherd), and Silvius and Phoebe. Even Duke Frederick has a change of heart and decides to join the festivities, embracing the spirit of reconciliation and forgiveness.

Summary of Shakespeare's As You Like It Act 5 

Act 5 of Shakespeare's play "As You Like It" brings a satisfying resolution to the plot and its various conflicts. Here is a scene-by-scene summary:

Scene 1: Duke Senior and his court are preparing to return to civilization. They meet Jaques, who has become a religious convert and wishes to join them on their journey.

Scene 2: Orlando and Oliver arrive at the court, where Orlando meets Ganymede (Rosalynde in disguise) and declares his love for her. Rosalind reveals her true identity and they are happily reunited.

Scene 3: Silvius and Phebe arrive, with Phebe still rejecting Silvius. However, when she sees Ganymede (Rosalind) and Aliena (Celia) she falls in love with Ganymede instead. Ganymede promises to help her, but only if she agrees to marry Silvius.

Scene 4: Touchstone, Audrey, and William arrive, and Touchstone and Audrey decide to get married. William also expresses his desire to marry Audrey, but is ultimately persuaded to give her up.

Scene 5: The various couples all come together for a mass wedding ceremony presided over by Hymen, the god of marriage. The Duke and his court are also in attendance. The play ends with several of the characters expressing their happiness and contentment, and Jaques departing with the Duke's court.

Theme in Shakespeare's As You Like It 

Shakespeare's "As You Like It" is a play that explores several themes. Here are some of the major themes in the play:

Love and Romance: The play explores the different facets of love and romance, including unrequited love, forced marriage, and the struggle to find true love.

Nature: The play features several scenes set in the forest of Arden, which is portrayed as a place of freedom, liberation, and self-discovery. The characters' interactions with nature reflect their inner states of mind and emotions.

Gender Roles: The play questions traditional gender roles and expectations, particularly in the character of Rosalind, who disguises herself as a man to navigate the world more freely.

Identity: The play explores the theme of identity, as characters struggle to find their true selves and shed their social masks. This is reflected in the use of disguises and mistaken identities throughout the play.

Social Class: The play also addresses issues of social class, particularly in the contrast between court life and life in the forest. The characters' experiences in these two different environments reveal the limitations and privileges associated with social status.

Friendship: The play features several strong friendships, particularly between Rosalind and Celia, as well as between the exiled courtiers in the forest. These friendships provide emotional support and companionship in a world of uncertainty and change.

Folly and Wisdom: The play contrasts the foolishness of some characters with the wisdom of others, particularly in the character of Jaques, who serves as a moral guide and commentator on the action.

Appearance vs. Reality: The play explores the theme of appearance vs. reality, particularly in the use of disguises and mistaken identities. The characters' perceptions of each other are often challenged, revealing the truth behind their social masks.

FAQs on Shakespeare's As You Like IT

What is As You Like It by Shakespeare?

As You Like It is a pastoral comedy play written by William Shakespeare, which was first performed in 1599 or 1600.

What is the plot of As You Like It?

The play is about Rosalind, who flees persecution in her uncle's court, accompanied by her cousin Celia, to find safety and eventually love in the Forest of Arden.

Why is As You Like It important?

As You Like It is considered one of Shakespeare's greatest comedies, with themes of love, exile, and mistaken identity. It has also been influential in literature, theater, and popular culture.

What are some key characters in As You Like It?

The main characters in As You Like It include Rosalind, Celia, Orlando, Duke Frederick, Duke Senior, and Touchstone.