As You Like It is about a young woman, Rosalind, who is forced to flee her home and seeks refuge in the Forest of Arden. Disguised as a man, she encounters a colorful cast of characters, including her beloved Orlando. The story unfolds with themes of love, disguise, and the contrasts between court and country life.
Table of Content
As You Like It Book Summary
Rosalind, the daughter of a banished Duke, is kept at her uncle's court where she falls in love with Orlando, who is also mistreated by his brother. Orlando flees to the Forest of Arden after a threat from his brother, and Rosalind is banished by her uncle. Along with her cousin Celia, they disguise themselves and escape to the forest. Rosalind, disguised as a young man named Ganymede, and Celia, as Aliena, explore the forest in search of Rosalind's father.
In the forest, they encounter various characters, including the cynical Jaques and the witty fool Touchstone. Rosalind, still disguised, meets Orlando and tests his love for her by counseling him on how to win Rosalind. They grow closer while Rosalind plays the part of Ganymede.
Meanwhile, Oliver, Orlando's brother, arrives in the forest and confesses his misdeeds to Orlando, who is injured by a lion. Oliver redeems himself by saving his brother, and they reconcile. He falls in love with Celia, and a double wedding is planned.
Rosalind, still in disguise, promises to marry Orlando in the forest, and the day of the wedding arrives with all the parties present. At the last moment, Rosalind reveals her true identity, and the various lovers' true feelings are disclosed.
Frederick, Rosalind's uncle, also has a change of heart and restores his brother to his dukedom. The exiled Duke returns to his former position, and they all journey back to the court, where the marriages are celebrated and the tranquility of the forest is contrasted with the artifice of the court.
The play ends with a dance and the characters reflecting on the transformative power of love and the beauty of the natural world.
As You Like It Quotes
- Love is merely a madness.
- All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players.
- The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool.
As You Like It Ending Explained
At the end of As You Like It, all the characters come together at the court, and the multiple love stories are resolved.
Rosalind, still disguised as Ganymede, orchestrates the revealing of her identity to Orlando, who is overjoyed. Celia and Oliver also decide to marry, strengthening the bond between the two families.
The play concludes with the union of the four couples and a dance, emphasizing the joy and harmony that love can bring, despite the complexities and challenges they faced in the Forest of Arden.
Characters in book As You Like It
- Rosalind: The main protagonist, clever, and resourceful, she is the daughter of the banished Duke and falls in love with Orlando.
- Orlando: A young gentleman of the kingdom who is in love with Rosalind.
- Celia: Rosalind's cousin and inseparable companion, she accompanies Rosalind to the Forest of Arden under the name Aliena.
- Touchstone: A court fool who accompanies Rosalind and Celia to the forest; he provides comic relief and serves as a commentator on life and love.
- Jaques: A melancholy lord who is one of the Duke's followers in the forest; he delivers the famous "All the world's a stage" speech.
Key Lessons
- The Power of Love: Genuine love has the ability to overcome obstacles and transform individuals and situations.
- Theatricality of Life: Life is akin to a play, with different stages and roles, and people are often playing parts.
- Importance of Reflection: Taking time to reflect on one's own life and actions can lead to greater self-awareness and change.
- Embracing Differences: Accepting the differences between people and situations can lead to personal growth and understanding.
- Nature's Influence: Immersion in nature can provide clarity and a contrast to the artificiality of life in the city or court.
My Personal Opinion
Is As You Like It worth reading? Absolutely! I found this to be a delightful and insightful exploration of love and human nature.
I was captivated by the play's clever interplay between court and country life, and the way it juxtaposes these two worlds. The Forest of Arden becomes a place of transformation and revelation, and I enjoyed how the characters discovered their true selves through their experiences.
On the downside, the play's complexity can be challenging for some readers, and the characters' quick resolutions may seem a bit too convenient. Nevertheless, I would recommend this book to those who appreciate classic literature and are interested in themes of love, identity, and the human condition.