As You Like It
What is As You Like It about?
In a French duchy, the old Duke has been usurped by his younger brother, Frederick. A young man named Orlando is mistreated by his elder brother, against their dead father’s wishes. Rosalind, the old Duke’s daughter, has been allowed to remain in court only because she is the closest friend of Celia, Duke Frederick’s daughter. When Rosalind is banished from court, she flees to the Forest of Arden with Celia and Touchstone, the court fool; meanwhile, Orlando also escapes to the forest, fleeing his brother. In the Forest of Arden, the old Duke holds court with exiled supporters, including the melancholy Jaques. There, Rosalind disguises herself as Ganymede and offers advice to a group of would-be lovers: Orlando, who has taken to posting love poems dedicated to Rosalind on trees, and Silvius and Phebe, two young shepherds. Shakespeare is thought to have written As You Like It around 1599; while stylistic analysis has not conclusively established its place in the canon, it was certainly completed by August 1600 and was published in the First Folio in 1623. There are no certain dates of performance until the 17th century, but it may have been performed in 1599 or 1603. The play includes a number of Shakespeare’s most famous speeches, including Jaques’ monologue, “All the world’s a stage.” This Standard Ebooks edition is based on William George Clark and William Aldis Wright’s 1887 Victoria edition, which is taken from the Globe edition.
Main themes in As You Like It
Nature versus court
The theme of nature versus court weaves through As You Like It, adding depth to its narrative.
Love and courtship
Love and courtship emerges as a defining element in As You Like It, shaping character development.
Identity and disguise
The theme of identity and disguise weaves through As You Like It, adding depth to its narrative.
Time and mortality
As You Like It thoughtfully explores time and mortality through its central conflicts.
Why As You Like It is still relevant today
As You Like It celebrates pastoral escape and the liberating possibilities of the forest, where characters can remake themselves. Rosalind, disguised as a boy teaching Orlando to woo, is one of Shakespeare's most appealing heroines—witty, wise, and in control. The play's famous speeches, including "All the world's a stage" and reflections on time, have entered common culture.
More by this author
Frequently Asked Questions
What is As You Like It about?
Rosalind, banished by her uncle, flees to the Forest of Arden disguised as a boy, accompanied by her cousin Celia. There she encounters Orlando, who loves her, and in disguise teaches him to woo properly before revealing herself for a happy ending.
What does All the world's a stage mean?
Jaques' famous speech compares life to a play with seven ages, from infant to old age. It suggests humans merely perform roles assigned by fate, and life's apparent significance is theatrical illusion. The melancholy reflection contrasts with the play's romantic comedy.
Who is Rosalind in As You Like It?
Rosalind is the play's protagonist, intelligent and resourceful. Disguised as the boy Ganymede, she controls the action, testing Orlando's love while exploring gender roles. She has more lines than any other Shakespeare heroine.
What is the Forest of Arden?
The Forest of Arden is a pastoral refuge from court corruption where characters find freedom and self-knowledge. It may reference the real Arden forest in Warwickshire or Shakespeare's mother's maiden name, Mary Arden.