Great Books/Reading As You Like It

As You Like It is a pastoral comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written in 1599. The play explores themes of love, identity, and the nature of happiness, set against the backdrop of the Forest of Arden.

First Folio

Synopsis:

Act 1: The play opens in the court of Duke Frederick, who has usurped the dukedom from his brother, Duke Senior. Duke Senior now lives in exile in the Forest of Arden with his loyal followers. Duke Senior's daughter, Rosalind, remains at court with her cousin and close friend, Celia, Duke Frederick's daughter.

Orlando, a young nobleman, is unhappy with his lot as his older brother, Oliver, mistreats him and denies him his rightful inheritance. Orlando decides to prove himself by participating in a wrestling match against the court wrestler, Charles. Despite the odds, Orlando wins the match and catches the eye of Rosalind, who falls in love with him.

However, Duke Frederick becomes suspicious of Rosalind and banishes her from the court. Celia, unwilling to be separated from her cousin, decides to accompany her. They disguise themselves for safety—Rosalind as a young man named Ganymede and Celia as a shepherdess named Aliena—and set off for the Forest of Arden, accompanied by the court jester, Touchstone.

Act 2: In the Forest of Arden, Duke Senior and his followers live a contented, rustic life. Orlando, fleeing from his brother's plots to kill him, also heads to the forest, accompanied by his faithful old servant, Adam.

Rosalind (as Ganymede) and Celia (as Aliena) arrive in the forest and buy a small cottage and some sheep from shepherds Corin and Silvius. Rosalind encounters Orlando, who is now living in the forest and pining for her. However, he does not recognize her in her disguise. Rosalind, as Ganymede, decides to test Orlando's love for her by offering to "cure" him of his lovesickness by pretending to be Rosalind and allowing Orlando to woo "him."

Act 3: Orlando and Ganymede engage in a series of playful, romantic exchanges. Meanwhile, Touchstone begins a comical courtship with Audrey, a simple country girl, and Silvius continues to pursue the disdainful Phoebe, who falls in love with Ganymede.

Act 4: As the characters interact in the forest, several romantic entanglements arise. Rosalind (as Ganymede) helps Silvius win Phoebe's affection and continues to test Orlando's devotion. The true nature of each character is revealed through their actions and interactions in the idyllic setting of the forest.

Act 5: The play moves towards its resolution with multiple weddings. Rosalind, still disguised as Ganymede, promises to resolve all romantic conflicts. In a dramatic revelation, she discards her male disguise and reveals herself as Rosalind, reuniting with Orlando. Phoebe, realizing she cannot marry Ganymede, agrees to marry Silvius. Touchstone marries Audrey, and Celia marries Oliver, who has reformed his ways and come to the forest seeking forgiveness.

The play concludes with a joyful celebration of love and reconciliation. Duke Frederick, who had come to the forest with an army to capture his brother, experiences a miraculous conversion and decides to restore Duke Senior to his rightful position.

"As You Like It" ends on a harmonious note, celebrating the pastoral ideal and the transformative power of love and forgiveness.

Assignment

Obtain a copy of the book. Several versions are available from Wikisource, and it is also available from several libraries listed in Worldcat.

Read the book. Study the book.

Write an essay on one of the following topics:

In a Great Books University curriculum, discussion questions for "As You Like It" by William Shakespeare might include the following:

1. Themes of Disguise and Identity:
   • How do the disguises in "As You Like It" contribute to the development of the characters and the plot? Discuss the significance of Rosalind's disguise as Ganymede and its impact on her relationship with Orlando.
   • How does the use of disguise explore themes of gender and identity? What does the play suggest about the fluidity of identity?
2. Pastoral Setting:
   • How does the Forest of Arden function as a setting in contrast to the court? What qualities of the pastoral life are idealized in the play?
   • Discuss the role of nature in the characters' transformation and self-discovery. How does the forest serve as a space for reflection and change?
3. Romantic Relationships:
   • Analyze the different romantic relationships in the play (Rosalind and Orlando, Celia and Oliver, Touchstone and Audrey, Silvius and Phoebe). How do these relationships reflect different aspects of love?
   • How does Shakespeare portray the complexities and challenges of love through these relationships? What lessons about love are conveyed through the characters' experiences?
4. Role of Women:
   • How are female characters like Rosalind and Celia portrayed in the play? In what ways do they exhibit agency and influence over the events of the story?
   • Discuss Rosalind's role as both a woman and as Ganymede. How does she navigate and subvert traditional gender roles?
5. Foolishness and Wisdom:
   • Examine the character of Touchstone and his role as the fool. How does his humor and wit contribute to the play's exploration of wisdom and folly?
   • How do other characters, such as Jaques and Duke Senior, provide different perspectives on what it means to be wise or foolish?
6. Social Hierarchy and Class:
   • How does "As You Like It" address issues of social hierarchy and class? What commentary does the play offer on the distinctions between nobility and commoners?
   • How do characters like Orlando and Touchstone navigate their social positions, and what does this reveal about the play's treatment of social mobility?
7. Role of Melancholy:
   • Discuss the character of Jaques and his melancholic disposition. How does his outlook contrast with the other characters in the forest?
   • What role does Jaques' melancholy play in the broader themes of the play? How does it contribute to the exploration of happiness and fulfillment?
8. Resolution and Reconciliation:
   • Analyze the play's resolution and the various reconciliations that occur. How are conflicts resolved, and what message does the play convey about forgiveness and harmony?
   • How does the transformation of Duke Frederick and the return to the court alter the dynamics established in the forest?
9. Role of Performance and Playfulness:
   • How does the play engage with the theme of performance, both within the context of the characters' actions and as a work of theater?
   • What is the significance of the playful elements in the play, such as the use of wit, wordplay, and role-playing?
10. Historical and Cultural Context:
    • Place "As You Like It" within its historical and cultural context. How do the social and political issues of Shakespeare's time influence the themes and characters in the play?
    • How does the play reflect or critique the norms and values of Elizabethan society?

These questions are designed to encourage students to delve deeply into the text, exploring its themes, characters, and cultural significance while fostering critical thinking and discussion.