As You Like It

Definition

As You Like It is a pastoral comedy written by William Shakespeare that explores themes of love, identity, and the contrast between court life and rural life. Set in the Forest of Arden, it presents a world where characters escape societal constraints and discover their true selves. This play highlights the fluidity of love and relationships, often blurring the lines between gender roles and social norms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. As You Like It is one of Shakespeare's most popular comedies, known for its witty dialogue and memorable characters.
2. The character Rosalind is notable for being one of Shakespeare's strongest female leads, who demonstrates intelligence and agency throughout the play.
3. The Forest of Arden serves as a symbol of freedom and transformation, contrasting with the rigid structure of court life.
4. The play features several romantic pairings, ultimately leading to multiple marriages, showcasing the theme of love in its various forms.
5. Themes of exile and belonging are prevalent, as many characters are banished from court and find solace in the forest, reflecting their inner struggles.

Review Questions

• How does 'As You Like It' challenge traditional gender roles through its characters?
  • 'As You Like It' challenges traditional gender roles primarily through the character of Rosalind, who disguises herself as a young man named Ganymede. This cross-dressing allows her to navigate the male-dominated world while maintaining her autonomy. Additionally, other characters also engage in disguise and role reversal, which questions societal norms and invites the audience to consider the fluidity of gender identity.
• In what ways does 'As You Like It' contrast rural life in the Forest of Arden with life at court?
  • 'As You Like It' contrasts rural life with court life by depicting the forest as a place of freedom, naturalness, and personal discovery. In contrast, the court symbolizes oppression, political intrigue, and social constraints. Characters escaping to the forest find authenticity and connection with nature, while those at court often experience jealousy and deception. This juxtaposition emphasizes the play's themes of love, identity, and self-realization.
• Evaluate how 'As You Like It' reflects societal changes during the English Renaissance regarding love and identity.
  • 'As You Like It' reflects societal changes during the English Renaissance by challenging conventional notions of love and identity through its portrayal of diverse relationships and fluid gender roles. The play's embrace of romantic love in various forms—platonic, familial, and sexual—mirrors Renaissance ideals that began to question rigid social hierarchies. Furthermore, characters like Rosalind embody a shift towards recognizing individual agency and personal choice in matters of love, signaling a move away from more traditional, transactional views on relationships.

Related terms

Pastoral Literature: A literary genre that idealizes rural life and the simplicity of nature, often contrasting it with the corruption of urban society.

Cross-Dressing: A theme present in the play where characters disguise themselves as the opposite gender, allowing for exploration of identity and social roles.

Theatrical Performance: The art of acting out a story in front of an audience, significant in understanding how Shakespeare's works were presented during the English Renaissance.