‘As You Like It’ by William Shakespeare

 

‘As You Like It’ by William Shakespeare (Play)

William Shakespeare (baptized April 26, 1564, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England—died April 23, 1616, Stratford-upon-Avon) is the poet, dramatist, and actor often called the English national poet. He is considered by many to be the greatest dramatist of all time.

Shakespeare occupies a position unique in world literature. Other poets, such as Homer and Dante, and novelists, such as Leo Tolstoy and Charles Dickens, have transcended national barriers, but no writer’s living reputation can compare to that of Shakespeare, whose plays, written in the late 16th and early 17th centuries for a small repertory theatre, are now performed and read more often and in more countries than ever before. The prophecy of his great contemporary, the poet and dramatist Ben Jonson, that Shakespeare “was not of an age, but for all time,” has been fulfilled.

He is a writer of great intellectual rapidity, perceptiveness, and poetic power. Other writers have had these qualities, but with Shakespeare the keenness of mind was applied not to abstruse or remote subjects but to human beings and their complete range of emotions and conflicts. 

Other writers have applied their keenness of mind in this way, but Shakespeare is astonishingly clever with words and images, so that his mental energy, when applied to intelligible human situations, finds full and memorable expression, convincing and imaginatively stimulating. As if this were not enough, the art form into which his creative energies went was not remote and bookish but involved the vivid stage impersonation of human beings, commanding sympathy and inviting vicarious participation. 

Thus, Shakespeare’s merits can survive translation into other languages and into cultures remote from that of Elizabethan England.

As You Like It stands out as a delightful and enduring comedy that has captivated audiences for centuries. This play, written around 1599-1600, is a testament to the Bard's unparalleled ability to craft intricate plots, develop multifaceted characters, and weave together themes of love, identity, and the human condition.

At its core, As You Like It is a story of transformation, where the characters find themselves uprooted from the constraints of courtly life and thrust into the idyllic Forest of Arden. Within this natural setting, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, grappling with questions of love, gender, and the meaning of true happiness.

The play's captivating narrative begins with the exiled Duke Senior, who has taken refuge in the Forest of Arden alongside his loyal followers, having been usurped by his brother, Duke Frederick. Meanwhile, Duke Senior's niece, Rosalind, is also banished from the court by her uncle, Duke Frederick, who is threatened by her popularity and charm.

Rosalind, accompanied by her cousin Celia and the court jester Touchstone, flees to the Forest of Arden, where she disguises herself as a young man named Ganymede. In the forest, Rosalind encounters Orlando, a young nobleman who has also been forced to take refuge there after a conflict with his older brother, Oliver.

The stage is now set for a delightful web of romantic entanglements. Rosalind, in her male disguise, offers to "cure" Orlando of his love for her, unaware that he is, in fact, pining for her true self. This clever ruse allows Rosalind to observe and guide Orlando's love, leading to a series of comical misunderstandings and heartwarming moments.

One of the most captivating aspects of As You Like It is its exploration of profound themes that resonate with audiences across time and cultures. The Forest of Arden serves as a central motif in the play, representing a space of refuge and transformation. 

In contrast to the rigid and corrupt world of the court, the forest symbolizes a place of freedom, where the characters can shed their societal constraints and reconnect with their true selves. This pastoral setting allows for a deeper exploration of themes such as nature, simplicity, and the pursuit of happiness.

The play's exploration of identity and gender is a testament to Shakespeare's innovative and progressive approach to these topics. Rosalind's disguise as the male Ganymede not only adds to the comedic elements of the play but also allows for a nuanced examination of gender roles and the fluidity of identity. This theme is further explored through the character of Phebe, who falls in love with Ganymede, unaware of Rosalind's true identity.

Alongside the central love story, the play introduces a rich tapestry of supporting characters, each with their own unique journeys and perspectives. From the melancholic Jaques, who delivers the famous "All the world's a stage" soliloquy, to the rustic shepherds Silvius and Phebe, As You Like It is a masterful exploration of the human experience in all its complexity.