Consider “As You Like It” as a Romantic Comedy.
As You Like It is a notable literary work by William Shakespeare. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of As You Like It.
Answer
Consider “As You Like It” as a romantic comedy.
Or, Find out the romantic elements to evaluate “As You Like It” as a romantic comedy.
“As You Like It” (1623) is a classic romantic comedy by William Shakespeare (1564-1616). It is considered a romantic comedy on several grounds. A large number of romantic and comic elements, such as youthful love, romantic setting, comic situations, humorous dialogue, and witty remarks, are used in this play.
Youthful Love: One of the central themes of the play is love. The romance between Rosalind and Orlando is the main focus of the play. They fall in love at first sight. They are both romantic and emotional. The love between Celia and Oliver is also a romantic affair. They, too, fall in love at first sight.
Romantic Setting: A romantic atmosphere has been presented at the Forest of Arden. All the characters visit this romantic place and make romantic love to each other. Rosalind and Celia find their love here. This romantic setting helps them to make love. Rosalind is interested to know about Orlando in the Forest of Arden. Then we find Orlando in the Forest of Arden composing verses and hanging those on the trees in the forest.
Hang there my verses,
In witness of my love.
Comic Situations: As a romantic comedy, “As You Like It” is known for its several comic situations. Shakespeare’s puns and wordplay add to the play’s humor and charm. Most of the events are related to comedy. The disguised shape of Rosalind and Celia is humorous.
Witty Remarks: The play is full of witty remarks. Rosalind may be Shakespeare’s wittiest heroine. She thinks that no one has truly died for love. No man has ever died for love. She says love is not so pure, sincere, and real passion as men make so much fuss about it.
Men have died from time to time
And worms have eaten them, but not for love
Celia also delivers witty dialogue when Rosalind asks about the person who writes romantic verses on trees. Touchstone is also a witty character. Another and the best witty remark of Rosalind makes us laugh,
Men are April when they woo,
December when they wed.
Humor and Wit: “As You Like It” is known for its witty and humorous dialogues, often delivered through wordplay, puns, and clever repartee. Characters like Rosalind, Touchstone, and Jaques are particularly adept at using humor to comment on the human condition and the absurdities of love. Touchstone, the court jester, provides comic relief throughout the play with his sharp wit and satirical observations. The humor in the play not only entertains the audience but also underscores the lighthearted and playful nature of the romantic comedy genre.
Come, woo me, woo me, for now, I am in a
Holiday humor and like enough to consent.
Resolution and Celebration of Love: Like all good romantic comedies, “As You Like It” concludes with the resolution of the various love stories. In the final act, the characters gather in the forest, and their true identities are revealed. Rosalind reveals herself as Ganymede, and Orlando and Rosalind are reunited. Celia and Oliver, Touchstone and Audrey, and other couples also find happiness. The play ends with multiple marriages. It symbolizes the fulfillment of romantic desires and the promise of a harmonious future. This resolution and celebration of love are essential elements of the romantic comedy. It leaves the audience with joy and satisfaction.
In termination, “As You Like It” fulfills the main criteria of a romantic comedy. We find all the features of romantic comedy presented in this play. It is a proper mixture of romantic and comic elements as well.