Summarized as you like it notes

 Title Relevance
o The play, “As You Like It,” is believed to have been named based on the
audience’s preference for lighthearted comedies with joyful endings.
o This title is significant as it helps readers better understand the events
of the story.
 Genre
o The genre of the story is Pastoral Comedy.
o This genre typically includes elements such as happy marriages in a
forest, courts, sheep, shepherds, and laughter.
Characters and Characterization
Rosalind
 Daughter of Duke Senior.
 Independent, strong-willed, good-hearted, and clever.
 Uses her trip to the Forest of Arden to take control of her destiny.
 Disguises herself as Ganymede to tutor her beloved Orlando in love.
 Aware of the foolishness of romantic love but delighted to be in love.

Orlando
 Youngest son of Sir Rowland de Bois and younger brother of Oliver.
 Neglected by his brother and lacks the education of a gentleman.
 Proves his potential in a victorious battle with Charles.
 Cares for the ageing Adam in the Forest of Arden.
 Risks his life to save Oliver from a hungry lioness.

Duke Senior
 Father of Rosalind and rightful ruler of the dukedom.
 Lives in exile in the Forest of Arden with several loyal men.
 Content in the forest, where he learns from nature.
 Kind and fair-minded ruler.
Celia
 Daughter of Duke Frederick and Rosalind’s dearest friend.
 Follows Rosalind into exile and disguises herself as a shepherdess named
Aliena.
 Has a caring heart and intense emotions.
 Quickly dedicates herself to Oliver, whom she marries at the play’s conclusion.
 Duke Frederick

Brother of Duke Senior and usurper of his throne.

 Banishes his niece, Rosalind, from court without reason.
 Changes his ways, dedicates himself to a religious life, and returns the crown
to his brother.

Oliver
 Oldest son of Sir Rowland de Bois and sole inheritor of the de Bois estate.
 Dislikes his brother, Orlando, and admits to hating him without cause.
 Almost killed by a lioness in the Forest of Arden, but Orlando saves his life.
 Inspired to become a better, more loving person by Orlando’s act of kindness.
 Falls in love with the disguised Celia, proving his change.

Sir Rowland de Bois

 Father of Oliver and Orlando, friend of Duke Senior, and enemy of Duke
Frederick.
 Upon his death, much of his estate was handed over to Oliver according to the
custom of primogeniture.

Discuss the relationship between Roslind and Celia.

 They are cousins and share a close, best-friend-like relationship.

 They care deeply for each other.
 When Duke Frederick banishes Rosalind from the court, Celia shows her
loyalty by choosing to be banished with Rosalind, as she can’t survive without
her.
 They leave Duke Frederick’s kingdom together and head toward the Forest of
Arden.
Discuss the contrast between Orlando and Oliver.
  They are brothers and the sons of Sir Rowland de Bois.
 Oliver, the older brother, is often jealous of Orlando and does not follow their
father’s wishes.
 Their relationship improves when Orlando saves Oliver’s life from a hungry
lioness.
 Oliver’s character changes as he feels grateful for Orlando’s actions and
ashamed of his past behaviour.
 They forgive each other and move on with their lives.

Themes found in As You Like It

 Romantic Love
o Seen between Rosalind and Orlando, where kind words of
encouragement in a wrestling match lead to mutual love.
o Also seen between Oliver and Celia, who fall in love at first sight after
hearing of Oliver’s change in character. They decide to get married in
the Forest of Arden.
 Disguise
o Both girls, Rosalind and Celia, disguise themselves as male figures to
ward off any potential thieves on their journey to the forest.
o Rosalind pretends to be a young man named Ganymede, and Celia
pretends to be a young maiden named Aliena. They pretend to be
siblings.
 Greed and Power
o This theme sets the entire plot for the story.
o Duke Frederick, desiring to rule the dukedom, banishes his brother into
the forest.
o Oliver, greedy for their father’s kingdom, mistreats his brother because
he dislikes him.

Importance and Purpose of the Forest of Arden:

 A symbol of freedom.
  It’s a place where there are no rules or rulers, creating a safe and loving
environment.
 It allows characters to change their actions, such as Oliver, who changes his
heart after Orlando saves him from a lioness.
 Reunites Rosalind with her father, Duke Senior.
 Duke Frederick changes his negative ways after feeling ashamed of banishing
his niece and losing his daughter. He spends the rest of his days in a religious
house.
 The forest is the setting for two weddings: Rosalind and Orlando, and Oliver
and Celia. It allows both couples to get married freely without judgment.

How was the Forest of Arden different from the other settings in the story?
 Forest of Arden vs. Court and Dukedom
o The court and the dukedom are places of rules, power struggles, and
deceit.
o The Forest of Arden is a place of freedom and transformation.
o Characters can escape societal constraints and discover their true
selves in the forest.
o The forest allows characters like Oliver and Duke Frederick to undergo
significant character transformations.
o The Forest of Arden is depicted as a place of natural beauty and
simplicity, contrasting with the political complexities and artificiality of
court life.
o The forest provides a backdrop for the exploration of various themes
such as love, disguise, and the tension between courtly sophistication
and natural simplicity.
o The Forest of Arden serves as a crucial setting in “As You Like It,”
providing a space for characters to grow, transform, and experience life
away from the confines of the court.

More notes on the difference between the Forest of Arden and the other settings in
the story:
 1. Court vs. Forest:
 Court Setting: The court, specifically Duke Frederick's domain, is
depicted as a place of power struggles, deceit, and oppression. It's
characterized by hierarchy, strict rules, and the usurpation of Duke
Senior's rightful place.
 Forest of Arden: In contrast, the Forest of Arden is portrayed as a place
of freedom and liberation. It stands as an escape from the rigid
confines of the court, allowing characters to explore their true selves,
form genuine connections, and experience personal growth.
2. Nature and Freedom:
 Court: The court setting is associated with confinement, artificiality,
and manipulation. Characters are bound by societal expectations and
power dynamics.
 Forest of Arden: The forest represents a natural, unregulated space
where characters are free from societal constraints. It fosters personal
introspection, transformation, and the opportunity for characters to
embrace their true desires and emotions.
3. Character Development:
 Court Setting: Characters like Duke Frederick and Oliver exhibit
negative traits such as cruelty, greed, and manipulation. The court
environment amplifies their negative qualities.
 Forest of Arden: The forest facilitates significant character
development. It serves as a catalyst for change, prompting characters
like Duke Frederick and Oliver to undergo transformative experiences
that lead to redemption and reconciliation.
4. Relationship Dynamics:
 Court: Relationships at court are often influenced by power struggles
and artificiality. For instance, Duke Frederick's banishment of Rosalind
disrupts familial bonds.
 Forest of Arden: In the forest, relationships are genuine and
unencumbered by societal norms. Rosalind and Orlando's love
blossoms in this natural setting, free from the constraints of courtly
expectations.
1. Freedom and Liberation:
  The Forest of Arden is portrayed as a place of liberation from the constraints
of courtly life. It's a sanctuary where characters can escape societal norms,
allowing for personal growth and self-discovery.
 In contrast, the court and other urban settings are depicted as restrictive,
filled with power struggles and the rigid expectations of social hierarchy.

2. Nature and Tranquillity:

 Arden is described as a serene and idyllic natural environment. It provides a
peaceful backdrop for characters to reflect, relax, and explore their emotions
freely.
 Conversely, the court and other city environments are associated with chaos,
political intrigue, and a lack of authenticity.

3. Transformation and Redemption:

 The Forest of Arden serves as a catalyst for transformation and redemption
for several characters. It allows them to confront their flaws, reconcile
differences, and undergo positive personal changes.
 Other settings, particularly the court, are linked to negative behaviours, power
struggles, and flawed actions.

3. Symbolism of Change:
 Arden symbolizes a place of personal renewal and change. Characters like
Duke Frederick, Oliver, and others experience shifts in their attitudes and
behaviours, leading to personal growth.
 Meanwhile, the court symbolizes stagnation, where characters are trapped in
their negative traits and behaviours.

More notes on As You Like It:

Plot Summary: The story revolves around Rosalind, the daughter of an exiled duke,
who falls in love with Orlando, the youngest son of the late Sir Rowland de Boys. Due
to political rivalry, Rosalind's father, Duke Senior, has been banished to the Forest of
Arden by his younger brother, Duke Frederick, who usurps his position.
Orlando, mistreated by his older brother Oliver, decides to seek his fortune at the
Duke's court. There, he falls in love with Rosalind at first sight during a wrestling
match. Rosalind is also taken by him, but their happiness is short-lived as Duke
Frederick, threatened by Rosalind's popularity and fearing her connection to his
exiled brother, banishes her from the court.
Rosalind, accompanied by her cousin Celia (Duke Frederick's daughter), disguises
herself as a young man named Ganymede, while Celia adopts the disguise of a
shepherdess named Aliena. They flee to the Forest of Arden, where they meet
various characters, including the melancholic Jaques, who philosophizes about life
and nature.
Orlando, distressed by Rosalind's absence, hangs love poems on the trees. Rosalind,
in her disguise as Ganymede, meets Orlando and offers to cure him of his
lovesickness by pretending to be Rosalind and allowing him to woo her as if she were
the woman he loves.
Meanwhile, a shepherd named Silvius pines for the disdainful Phoebe, who becomes
enamored with "Ganymede." However, when she sees Silvius's genuine love for her,
Phoebe eventually falls for him.
Eventually, all the characters end up in the forest. Oliver, who had once sought to
harm Orlando, is himself saved by him from a lioness. This act of kindness leads to
Oliver's change of heart, and he reconciles with his brother. He also falls in love with
Celia and they decide to marry.
In the end, Rosalind reveals her true identity and reunites with her father, Duke
Senior. She marries Orlando, and other couples—Touchstone and Audrey, Silvius and
Phoebe—also find happiness together. The play concludes with celebrations and
festivities.
Themes:
1. Love and Romance: The play explores various facets of love, from infatuation
and courtship to deeper connections and eventual unions.
2. Disguise and Identity: Disguises and mistaken identities drive much of the
comedy and allow characters to freely express themselves.
3. Nature and Reconciliation: The Forest of Arden symbolizes a place of
transformation and reconciliation, where characters find themselves and their
true desires.
Key Characters:
 Rosalind: The witty and intelligent protagonist, disguises herself as Ganymede.
 Orlando: A nobleman who falls in love with Rosalind.
  Celia: Rosalind's cousin, who accompanies her and assumes the disguise of
Aliena.
 Duke Senior: Rosalind's father, exiled by his brother, Duke Frederick.
 Duke Frederick: Rosalind's uncle, who banishes her from court.
 Jaques: A melancholic lord who philosophizes about life.
 Oliver: Orlando's brother, who initially mistreats him but later undergoes a
change of heart.
 Phoebe and Silvius: Shepherd and shepherdess entangled in a complex love
affair.
 Touchstone: A witty court jester.

Act 1:
 Setting: The play begins at the court of Duke Frederick, where Rosalind, the
daughter of Duke Senior, has been raised alongside Celia, Duke Frederick's
daughter.
 Conflict: Rosalind falls in love with Orlando, who is mistreated by his jealous
brother, Oliver.
 Events: Rosalind is banished from the court by Duke Frederick, who feels
threatened by her popularity. Celia accompanies her into the Forest of Arden,
disguised as Ganymede (Rosalind) and Aliena (Celia).
Act 2:
 Setting Change: In the Forest of Arden, Rosalind, disguised as Ganymede,
meets Orlando, who is also there to escape his brother's hostility.
 Plot Development: Rosalind tests Orlando's love by engaging with him as
Ganymede, counseling him on how to win Rosalind's heart.
Act 3:
 Romantic Confusion: Touchstone, the court jester, falls in love with Audrey, a
shepherdess. Additionally, Silvius loves Phoebe, who in turn falls for
Ganymede (Rosalind in disguise).
 Rosalind's Interactions: Through the guise of Ganymede, Rosalind interacts
with different characters, creating comedic and confusing situations.
Act 4:
 Revelations: Rosalind decides to reveal her true identity to Orlando, while
Oliver, Orlando's brother, undergoes a change of heart and falls in love with
Aliena (Celia in disguise).
 Multiple Reunions: Rosalind reveals herself to Orlando, Celia reveals her true
identity to Rosalind, and various characters discover the true nature of others'
disguises.
Act 5:
 Resolutions: Duke Frederick, who had banished Duke Senior, undergoes a
change of heart. He restores the dukedom to Duke Senior and gives his
blessing to Rosalind and Orlando's marriage.
 Happy Endings: Multiple couples—Rosalind and Orlando, Celia and Oliver,
Touchstone and Audrey, Silvius and Phoebe—all find happiness and prepare
for marriages.
Notes:
 Themes: Love, disguise, nature vs. court life, reconciliation, and the
transformative power of love.
 Characters: Rosalind, Orlando, Celia, Duke Senior, Duke Frederick,
Touchstone, Audrey, Silvius, Phoebe, Oliver.
 Humour and Wit: Shakespeare weaves humour through wordplay, mistaken
identities, and witty dialogues, adding depth to the play's comedic elements.

 Characters
o Rosalind: The daughter of Duke Senior. She is independent minded,
strong-willed, good-hearted, and clever.
o Orlando: The youngest son of Sir Rowland de Bois and younger brother
of Oliver. He is an attractive young man who has been neglected by his
brother.
o Duke Senior: The father of Rosalind and the rightful ruler of the
dukedom in which the play is set.
o Celia: The daughter of Duke Frederick and Rosalind’s dearest friend.
o Duke Frederick: The brother of Duke Senior and usurper of his throne.
 o Oliver: The oldest son of Sir Rowland de Bois and sole inheritor of the
de Bois estate.
 Plot
o The story begins with Orlando, the youngest son of Sir Rowland de
Bois, being treated harshly by his eldest brother, Oliver.
o Duke Frederick has recently deposed his brother, Duke Senior, as head
of the court. But he allowed Senior’s daughter, Rosalind, to remain, and
she and Celia, the new Duke’s daughter, watch the wrestling
competition.
o During the match, Rosalind falls in love with Orlando, who beats
Charles. Rosalind gives Orlando a chain to wear; in turn, he is overcome
with love.
o Shortly after, Orlando is warned of his brother’s plot against him and
seeks refuge in the Forest of Arden.
o At the same time, and seemingly without cause, Duke Frederick
banishes Rosalind. She decides to seek shelter in the Forest of Arden
with Celia. They both disguise themselves: Rosalind as the young man
Ganymede and Celia as his shepherdess sister Aliena.
o In the Forest of Arden, the weary cousins happen upon Silvius, a
lovesick shepherd.
o Ganymede and Aliena find verses addressed to Rosalind hung on the
forest branches by Orlando. Ganymede finds Orlando and proposes to
cure Orlando of his love.
o To do this, Orlando will woo Ganymede as if he were Rosalind (even
though "he" really is . . . Rosalind). Orlando consents and visits
Ganymede/Rosalind every day for his lessons.
o In the meantime, the shepherdess Phoebe has fallen for Ganymede
while the shepherd Silvius still pursues her.
o Furthermore, Touchstone, the court fool, has dazzled a country girl,
Audrey, with his courtly manners. Audrey deserts her young suitor,
William, for him.
o Rosalind reveals she is a girl and marries Orlando during a group
wedding at the end of the play.
 Themes
 o Romantic Love: This theme is seen between Rosalind and Orlando,
where her kind words of encouragement in the wrestling match made
him fall hopelessly in love.
o Disguise: Both girls, decide to disguise themselves as male figures in
the story to run off any thieves they may meet along the way to the
forest.
o Greed and Power: This theme is important as it sets the entire plot for
the story. It is because Duke Frederick wanted to rule the dukedom, he
banished his brother into the forest.
 Setting
o The story is set in a dukedom and the Forest of Arden. The Forest of
Arden represents a refuge from the conflicts of the court and the
dukedom. It’s a place where characters can escape societal constraints
and discover their true selves.