As You Like It : Summary

Plot Summary

Conflict Between Oliver and Orlando: The play begins with a fight between Orlando and his brother Oliver. After their father, Sir Rowland de Boys passed away, most of the family property went to Oliver. Oliver wants to keep it all to himself. This makes Orlando angry, and he asks his brother how he could treat him so unfairly. They argue, and Orlando leaves in frustration.

Duke Senior’s Exile: At that moment, Charles arrives to meet Oliver. Charles tells Oliver that Duke Senior has been exiled to the Forest of Arden by his younger brother, Duke Frederick. Frederick has taken control of the kingdom. However, Frederick has not exiled Duke Senior’s daughter, Rosalind, because Frederick’s daughter, Celia, is very close to Rosalind. Celia cannot live without Rosalind.

The Wrestling Match: Charles also tells Oliver that he has a wrestling match with Orlando the next day. He warns Oliver that if Orlando participates in the match, he will be seriously hurt or even killed by Charles. Secretly, Oliver also wishes that Orlando dies during the match. This way, Oliver can keep all the family property to himself. To make sure this happens, Oliver lies to Charles. He tells him that Orlando is determined to defeat Charles in the match.

Meanwhile, Rosalind is sad because her father, Duke Senior, was banished from the kingdom. Celia comforts her friend and tries to cheer her up. A servant arrives and tells them about the wrestling match. He says that Charles, a dangerous professional wrestler, has already injured his first three opponents badly. During the match, Orlando surprises everyone by defeating Charles. At first, Duke Frederick is kind to Orlando. But when he learns Orlando’s identity, he becomes angry and leaves. The reason for Frederick’s anger is that Orlando’s late father, Sir Rowland de Boys, was once Duke Frederick’s enemy.

Rosalind’s Exile Order: After the wrestling match, Rosalind gives Orlando a necklace as a prize for his victory. Celia teases Rosalind by saying that she might have fallen in love with Orlando. At that moment, Celia’s father, Duke Frederick, enters and orders Rosalind to leave the kingdom immediately. He gives her ten days to leave and threatens her with death if she disobeys. This makes Rosalind very sad, but Celia comforts her and says they will leave the kingdom together.

Disguises and Journey to the Forest of Arden: To avoid danger, the two friends decide to disguise themselves. Rosalind dresses as a boy and takes the name “Ganymede.” Celia dresses as a simple farm girl and calls herself “Aliena.” They take Touchstone, the court jester, with them. Together, they leave for the Forest of Arden, where Duke Senior is living in exile.

Duke Senior’s Life in Exile: When Duke Senior was exiled to the forest, a group of his loyal friends joined him. Despite their situation, they live happily in the forest. They are enjoying a peaceful and simple life.

Duke Frederick’s Search for Celia: Meanwhile, Duke Frederick discovers that his daughter Celia has run away with Rosalind. He suspects that Rosalind is with Orlando and that Celia has joined them. Angry, Frederick calls Oliver and blames him. He orders Oliver to find his brother Orlando and bring him back. If Oliver fails, he will lose his wealth and status. Left with no choice, Oliver sets out to search for his brother in the forest.

Orlando’s Arrival in the Forest of Arden: Orlando, realizing that his brother Oliver is trying to kill him, escapes to the Forest of Arden. He takes his loyal servant, Adam, with him. While searching for food, Orlando comes before Duke Senior and his group. Mistaking them for wild men, he behaves rudely and demands food for himself and Adam. However, Duke Senior speaks to him kindly and offers him food. Orlando realizes his mistake and feels grateful for Duke Senior’s kindness.

Rosalind’s Arrival in the Forest of Arden: Rosalind, Celia, and Touchstone also arrive in the forest. They rent a place to stay from two shepherds. As they settle into their new life, Orlando starts expressing his love for Rosalind by writing poems for her. He writes them on trees throughout the forest.

Rosalind Finds Orlando’s Poems: One day, Rosalind and Celia come across the poems Orlando has written for Rosalind. They wonder who in the forest could be writing such poems. Soon, Celia meets Orlando by chance and recognizes him. However, Orlando does not recognize them because of their disguises. They invite Orlando to their cottage and talk to him about his love for Rosalind. Orlando openly shares his feelings for her. Over time, Orlando frequently visits their cottage. It deepens the connection between the characters.

Oliver’s Arrival in the Forest of Arden: While searching for his brother in the forest, Oliver encounters a lion that attacks him. Orlando sees this and, despite their past conflicts, saves his brother from the lion. During the fight, Orlando gets injured. He gives Oliver a blood-stained handkerchief and asks him to deliver a message to Rosalind, saying he will not be able to visit her that day due to his injuries.

Oliver and Celia’s Love: After visiting Rosalind and delivering the message, Oliver admits to Orlando that he has fallen in love with Celia. He expresses his desire to marry her. Hearing about Orlando’s injury, both Rosalind and Celia hurry to meet him. During their conversation, Oliver and Celia decide that they will get married the next day.

Rosalind Tests Orlando’s Love: Rosalind, still in disguise, decides to test Orlando’s love for her. She challenges him in various ways to prove his feelings. At one point, she tells Orlando that she knows magic and can use it to bring Rosalind to him. Orlando agrees and asks her to bring Rosalind. Meanwhile, Duke Senior hears about a mysterious magician who plans to bring Rosalind. He arrives at the scene where Rosalind and Celia finally reveal their true identities.

Duke Frederick’s Change of Heart: News arrives that Duke Frederick is coming toward the forest with an army to attack Duke Senior and his followers. However, on his way, he meets a holy hermit who convinces him to abandon his plans. Frederick rejects his evil ways, restores all the land and power to Duke Senior, and retires to a life of peace.

Happy Ending: In the forest, amidst all the joy and surprises, Rosalind marries Orlando, and Celia marries Oliver. The play ends with a happy celebration. This marks the conclusion of As You Like It with a cheerful and satisfying ending.

 

Detailed Summary

 

Act- 1

“Conflict, Exile, and New Beginnings”

Scene -1: “Orlando’s Struggles Against Oliver”

In Oliver de Boys’ orchard, Orlando complains to Adam, an old servant. He says his brother Oliver has treated him unfairly. Their father’s will said Oliver must teach Orlando how to be a gentleman. Oliver has done this for their other brother, Jaques de Boys, but not for Orlando. Instead, Orlando has been kept at home like a servant.

Oliver enters, and Orlando faces him. Orlando says that he has been deceived. He has started a rebellion against this slavery. He demands proper education and treatment or his inheritance of one thousand crowns. They argue, and Orlando grabs Oliver. Oliver dismisses him angrily and says he will get part of what he wants. He also insults Adam, calling him an “old dog,” and tells him to leave with Orlando.

Orlando and Adam leave. Dennis, Oliver’s servant, enters with a piece of news. He says Charles, the Duke’s wrestler, is at the door. Oliver meets Charles, and they talk about events at the court. The old Duke has been banished by his younger brother, Duke Frederick. The old Duke now lives in the Forest of Arden with some loyal followers. They live like Robin Hood and enjoy a carefree life. The old Duke’s daughter, Rosalind, has stayed at the court with her close friend, Celia. Celia is Duke Frederick’s daughter.

Charles says there will be wrestling matches at court the next day. He has heard that Orlando plans to fight him in disguise. Charles does not want to hurt Orlando but says he must defend his honor. Oliver lies to Charles and says Orlando is dangerous and will try to kill him. He tells Charles to harm Orlando during the fight. Charles agrees and leaves. When Oliver is alone, he says he hates Orlando deeply. He hopes the wrestling match will end Orlando’s life. He plans to push Orlando into the fight.

Scene -2:  “The Wrestling Match and Love at First Sight”

Celia and Rosalind are talking on the lawn by the Duke’s palace. Celia tries to cheer up Rosalind. Rosalind says she is sad because her father was exiled. Touchstone, the clown, joins them. He jokes with them and says Duke Frederick has called Celia. Le Beau, a courtier, arrives with news. He says a wrestling contest is about to start. Charles, the wrestler, has already beaten three challengers. He broke their ribs and nearly killed them.

Duke Frederick, Charles, Orlando, and others arrive. The Duke tells Celia and Rosalind to stop Orlando from fighting. He warns that Orlando will be hurt. They try, but Orlando refuses. He says no one will miss him if he dies. To everyone’s surprise, Orlando wins. Charles is carried away, badly hurt.

The Duke asks Orlando’s name. When he hears Orlando is the son of Sir Rowland de Boys, he gets angry. Sir Rowland de Boys was his old enemy. The Duke says he would have liked the fight better if Orlando came from another family. Celia, Rosalind, and Orlando are left together. Rosalind gives Orlando her necklace as a reward for his bravery. They feel instant love for each other (Love at First Sight). Orlando is enchanted by Rosalind’s charm.

As Celia and Rosalind are left, Le Beau warns Orlando. He says the Duke is angry and advises Orlando to leave quickly. Le Beau also says that the Duke dislikes Rosalind because people pity her and praise her. Orlando decides to leave. He will escape both the “tyrant Duke” and his “tyrant brother.”

Scene -3: “Rosalind’s Banishment and the Plan to Escape”

In the palace, Rosalind tells Celia she loves Orlando. She asks Celia to like him, too, for her sake. Their talk is interrupted by Duke Frederick’s angry entrance. He tells Rosalind she is banished. She must leave the palace in ten days. If she comes within twenty miles of the court, she will be killed.

Rosalind protests, saying she is not a traitor. Celia requests her father, but he refuses to change his mind. He repeats his threat and leaves. Celia decides to go with Rosalind. She suggests they join Rosalind’s father in the Forest of Arden.

They fear the dangers of the journey, so they plan to disguise themselves. Rosalind will dress as a boy and call herself “Ganymede.” Celia will dress as a farm girl and use the name “Aliena.” Celia also decides to bring Touchstone, the court fool (jester), with them. Being excited, the two friends prepare their jewels and money for the trip.

 

Act -2

“Life in the Forest and New Beginnings”

Scene -1: “Duke Senior’s Pastoral Life and Jaques’ Melancholy”

In the Forest of Arden, Duke Senior enjoys a simple, pastoral life. He says he finds lessons and goodness in nature:

“Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks,

Sermons in stones, and good in every thing.” 

As they prepare to hunt, he feels sad about killing deer in their home. His mood shifts when the First Lord tells him about Jaques. Jaques lies by a stream. He feels sad about a wounded deer. He reflects deeply on its fate. The Duke finds Jaques’ sadness amusing. He asks to be taken to Jaques because he enjoys friendly debates with him.

Scene -2: “Duke Frederick’s Search for the Missing Trio” (Celia, Rosalind, and Touchstone)

In this scene, Duke Frederick learns that Celia, Rosalind, and Touchstone are missing. A lord tells him the cousins were heard praising Orlando. He suggests they might be with him. Duke Frederick orders that Orlando be found. If Orlando is not found, he demands that Oliver be brought instead.

Scene -3: “Orlando’s Escape with Adam”

When Orlando returns home, he meets Adam. Adam warns him that news of his wrestling victory has spread. He says Oliver plans to burn Orlando’s room that night. If that fails, Oliver will try to kill him another way. Adam begs Orlando to leave immediately. Orlando says he has no way to survive. Adam offers him his life savings of five hundred crowns. He also asks to join Orlando as his servant. Orlando praises Adam’s loyalty. They quickly leave together.

Scene -4: “Arrivals in the Forest and a New Home”

Orlando and Adam left for the Forest of Arden. Rosalind, Celia, and Touchstone are already there. Rosalind is dressed as a young man. The three travelers are tired from their journey. They stop to rest. A young shepherd, Silvius, enters. He talks to his friend Corin about his unrequited love for Phoebe. Silvius becomes so upset that he suddenly runs off, crying, “O Phoebe, Phoebe, Phoebe!”

Touchstone speaks to Corin in a mocking tone, but Rosalind steps in politely. She asks Corin for food and shelter. Corin explains he is only a servant and cannot help. He says his landlord plans to sell his cottage, flock, and land to Silvius. However, Silvius is too distracted by Phoebe to care about the purchase. Rosalind commissions Corin to buy the property for her and Celia. She offers Corin better wages so that Corin can stay and work as their shepherd.

Scene -5: “Songs and Jaques’ Cynicism”

Amiens, Jaques, and some lords of Duke Senior are in another part of the forest. Amiens sings a song while the others join in. He asks them to set up a meal under the trees. Jaques says he has avoided the Duke all day because the Duke argues too much. He adds a cynical verse to Amiens’ song, then lies down to rest. Amiens leaves to find the Duke.

Scene -6: “Orlando’s Care for Adam in the Forest”

In this scene, the Duke and his men are preparing a meal. However, in this scene, Orlando and Adam have no food as they walk through the forest. Adam, weak from hunger, says he cannot go on. Orlando promises to help him find shelter first and then food.

Scene -7: “Orlando’s Arrival and Jaques’ Seven Ages of Man”

Duke Senior, Rosalind’s father, is looking for Jaques and finds him. Jaques happily talks about meeting Touchstone. He says he wishes he were a “fool” wearing a motley coat. As a fool, he could speak freely and criticize the world’s wrongs. Duke Senior reminds Jaques of his reckless past. He says he is not suited to judge others.

Their talk is interrupted when Orlando enters with his sword drawn. He shouts for them to stop eating, even though the meal has barely started. This creates a moment of humor. The Duke greets Orlando kindly and calms him. Orlando apologizes, puts away his sword, and asks the Duke to wait for him to bring Adam. He leaves to bring him.

While waiting, Jaques delivers his famous speech on the seven ages of man. It begins with the lines, “All the world’s a stage, / And all the men and women merely players.” The speech describes life as having seven stages:

• The infant: crying in the nurse’s arms.

• The schoolboy: weeping, carrying his bag, and slowly going to school.

• The lover: sighing deeply and writing poems to his beloved.

• The soldier: swearing oaths, growing a beard, and seeking honor even in danger.

• The judge: with a round belly, serious eyes, and wise sayings.

• The old man: weak, wearing loose clothes, and speaking in a thin voice.
• The senile elder: losing all senses and abilities, returning to “childishness.”

Jaques’ cynicism is clear. Orlando returns, carrying Adam. They begin eating as Amiens sings, “Blow, blow, thou winter wind.” After the song, Duke Senior warmly welcomes Orlando. He realizes he is Sir Rowland’s son. He also welcomes Adam. The scene ends on a happy note, with the group heading together to the Duke’s cave.

 

Act -3

“Love and Confusion in the Forest”

Scene -1: “Duke Frederick’s Ultimatum to Oliver”

At court, Duke Frederick threatens Oliver. He demands that Oliver bring back Orlando, “dead or alive,” within a year. If Oliver fails, he will lose his wealth and be banished. Frederick warns Oliver not to return to his land. Oliver swears, “I never loved my brother in my life,” Frederick angrily replies, “More villain thou,” and orders his men to escort Oliver out of the palace.

Scene -2: “Orlando’s Love Poems and Ganymede’s Cure”

Orlando is dealing with his love for Rosalind. He spends his time hanging love poems on trees and carving her name into their trunks. As the scene begins, he is about to decorate more trees when Corin and Touchstone arrive. They start talking about life in the country versus life in court. Rosalind, still disguised as Ganymede, enters while reading one of Orlando’s poems aloud. The poem says, “From the east to western Inde / No jewel is like Rosalind.” Touchstone mocks the poem by making up his silly verse.

Celia joins them, reading another of Orlando’s poems. She tells Corin and Touchstone to leave. Celia then hints to Rosalind that she knows who wrote the poems. Rosalind eagerly asks for the name. Celia says it is likely Orlando. She describes seeing him lying under a tree, dressed as a forester, looking like a “dropped acorn.”  At that moment, Orlando and Jaques enter. They joke with each other. They call each other “Signior Love” and “Monsieur Melancholy.” After some witty banter, Jaques leaves.

Rosalind, still pretending to be Ganymede, talks to Orlando. Orlando does not realize he is speaking to the real Rosalind. She playfully teases him about love, time, and the youth who carve “Rosalind” into trees. Orlando admits that he is that lovesick man. Ganymede offers to “cure” him. The plan is for Orlando to visit Ganymede’s cottage daily and pretend Ganymede is Rosalind.

Ganymede promises to show Orlando how foolish women are by acting like a moody flirt. Ganymede will pretend to love Orlando, then reject him, cry for him, and then insult him. Orlando agrees to the cure. Ganymede tells him to stop calling him “good youth” and instead call him “Rosalind.” Orlando happily agrees to play along.

Scene -3: “Touchstone’s Unconventional Courtship”

In the Forest of Arden, there are fewer romantic lovers like Touchstone and Audrey. Touchstone, with his wit, has wooed Audrey, a simple and dull-witted country girl. They rush to meet Sir Oliver Martext, the local vicar, to get married. Jaques follows them, amused by the odd pair. When Sir Oliver arrives, they realize no one is there to give the bride away. Jaques offers to do it but suggests they find a proper priest instead. He says Sir Oliver is unfit and would marry them carelessly, like joining pieces of wood.

Touchstone secretly agrees, thinking a casual marriage will make it easier to leave Audrey later if needed. He decides to find someone proper for the ceremony. Touchstone, Audrey, and Jaques leave together. They sing happily while Sir Oliver is left behind, puzzled.

Scene -4: “Rosalind’s Worry and Silvius’ Love Pageant”

The scene begins with Rosalind near tears. She is sitting in the forest with Celia, upset because Orlando missed their first meeting for the “love cure.” Celia teases Rosalind about Orlando’s unreliability but suggests he is likely busy helping Duke Senior, Rosalind’s father.

Rosalind admits she met her father in the forest, but he did not recognize her disguised. She is not too worried about her father’s situation. Her thoughts are consumed by Orlando. Corin arrives and lightens the mood. He invites them to watch Silvius court the dismissive Phoebe, providing a “pageant” of love for entertainment.

Scene -5: “Phoebe’s Rejection and Fascination with Ganymede”

Rosalind, Celia, and Corin secretly watch Silvius begging for Phoebe’s love. Phoebe rejects him harshly. She warns him to stay away. She shows no interest, but Silvius insists she will understand his pain when she falls in love. Phoebe refuses to listen. Rosalind suddenly interrupts and scolds Phoebe for treating Silvius so poorly. She bluntly advises Phoebe to accept his love, saying, “Sell when you can; you are not for all markets.”

Unexpectedly, Phoebe becomes fascinated by Rosalind, who is disguised as Ganymede. She finds the “young man” charming and commanding. After Rosalind and the others leave, Phoebe is left alone with Silvius. She wonders about Ganymede’s cottage, torn between being attracted to him and angry at his sharp words. Since Ganymede is gone, Phoebe agrees to stay with Silvius for now because he passionately speaks of love. Together, they decide to write a mocking letter to Ganymede as revenge for his boldness.

 

Act -4

“Love Lessons, Hunts, and Heroic Acts”

Scene -1: “Ganymede’s Love Lesson and Rosalind’s Lovesickness”

Celia listens as Rosalind (disguised as Ganymede) and Jaques argue about his sadness. Jaques says it’s “good to be sad and say nothing.” Rosalind jokes that if someone is sad and silent, they might as well “be a post.” Orlando finally arrives, late for his appointment. Jaques says goodbye and leaves. Ganymede scolds Orlando for being late but then lovingly invites him to pretend Ganymede is Rosalind. Ganymede promises to act like Rosalind. She teases and taunts Orlando to teach him about love and women. 

Orlando says he must leave to attend Duke Senior at dinner but promises to return at two o’clock. After he leaves, Celia teases Rosalind. She accuses her of criticizing women unfairly. She jokes that Rosalind should have her disguise (“doublet and hose”) pulled off to reveal how love has made her foolish. Rosalind admits that she is lovesick. She says her love for Orlando drives her mad, and she cannot bear being away from him. She decides to find a place to sit and sigh until Orlando comes back. Celia, tired of it all, decides to take a nap.

Scene -2: “The Hunter’s Trophy and Jaques’ Song”

Some of Duke Senior’s followers have been hunting, and one has killed a deer. Jaques suggests they present the hunter to the Duke as if he were a “Roman conqueror.” They carry the deer as a trophy and sing the song, “What shall he have that kill’d the deer?”

Scene -3: “Phoebe’s Letter, Orlando’s Heroism, and Rosalind’s Fainting”

It is past two o’clock, and Orlando has not come to meet Ganymede. Instead, Silvius arrives with a letter from Phoebe to Ganymede. Rosalind jokes that the letter must be full of insults and accuses Silvius of writing it himself because it looks like a “man’s invention and his hand.” But when she reads it aloud, even Silvius realizes it is a love poem addressed to Ganymede. Rosalind gives Silvius a message for Phoebe: “if she loves me [Ganymede], I charge her to love thee; if she will not, I will never have her unless thou entreat for her.”

A stranger appears next. It is Oliver who brings a bloody handkerchief from Orlando as a token. Oliver explains that Orlando found him sleeping under an oak tree. A snake had coiled around Oliver’s neck but slid away when Orlando appeared. Nearby, a lioness waited to attack Oliver when he woke up.

Orlando debated whether to save Oliver or let him die. In the end, he fought the lioness and killed it. When Oliver woke up and saw his brother risking his life for him, his hatred turned to love. The brothers reconciled and went to Duke Senior’s camp. Orlando, however, was injured by the lioness, and his arm was torn. The handkerchief is used to bind his wound, and Oliver brings it to Ganymede.

Oliver apologizes for Orlando’s absence. He explains that Orlando refers to Ganymede “in sport” as Rosalind. Hearing this, Ganymede faints. When Rosalind regains herself, she insists that the fainting was just an act — a reaction to her “Rosalind” persona. However, she is not very convincing.

 

Act – 5

“Love, Weddings, and a Joyful Farewell”

Scene -1: “Touchstone’s Wit and William’s Defeat”

The scene opens with Audrey upset about her delayed marriage. She complains, “Faith, the priest [Oliver Martext] was good enough,” but Touchstone changes the topic. He mentions a young man in the forest who claims Audrey as his own.

That young man, William, enters. When Touchstone asks, “Art thou wise?” William confidently replies, “Ay, Sir, I have a pretty wit.” Touchstone responds by quoting, “The fool doth think he is wise,” and confuses William with clever wordplay. William, overwhelmed, quietly leaves. Corin then arrives with a message that Aliena and Ganymede are looking for Touchstone.

Scene -2: “Oliver and Aliena’s Wedding Plan and Ganymede’s Promise”

Oliver has fallen in love with Aliena at first sight. He tells Orlando that she has agreed to marry him. Oliver vows to give Orlando their father’s house and all its income. He plans to live as a shepherd for the rest of his life. Orlando approves, and the wedding is set for the next day.

Rosalind, still disguised as Ganymede, arrives and talks about Oliver and Aliena’s quick romance, saying they “no sooner looked but they loved.” Orlando admits he feels sad because he does not have Rosalind. Ganymede promises to use magic to bring Rosalind to him. Ganymede says, “If you do love Rosalind so near the heart as your gesture cries it out, when your brother marries Aliena, [then] shall you marry her [Rosalind],”

Phoebe and Silvius join the group. Phoebe declares her love for Ganymede. Silvius declares his love for Phoebe. Ganymede says he loves no woman, and Orlando longs for Rosalind. Ganymede ensures them that all will be married the next day and asks them to meet then.

Scene -3: “Touchstone’s Wedding Eve and the Pages’ Song”

Touchstone tells his beloved, “Tomorrow is the joyful day, Audrey, tomorrow will we be married.” Two of the Duke’s servants entertain them by singing, “It was a lover and his lass.” After the song, Touchstone jokingly says, “God be wi’ you, and God mend your voices!”

Scene -4: “Revelations, Reconciliations, and the Wedding Celebration”

The wedding day has arrived. Duke Senior, Jaques, and the couples—Orlando and Rosalind (still disguised as Ganymede), Oliver and Celia (as Aliena), and Phoebe and Silvius—are all present. Rosalind gets Phoebe to promise that if she does not marry Ganymede, she will marry Silvius instead. Rosalind then says she will fix all the confusion and leaves with Celia, promising to “make these doubts all even.”

While they are gone, Touchstone and Audrey arrive. Touchstone entertains everyone with a story about avoiding a duel through “a lie seven times removed,” which stops short of the “Lie Direct.” Suddenly, Rosalind and Celia reappear, dressed as themselves. Soft music plays as they are led by a young man dressed as Hymen, the god of marriage. Hymen sings a “wedlock-hymn,” and the couples join hands. Duke Senior joyfully welcomes his daughter and niece back while Phoebe gives her love to Silvius.

Another surprise follows. Jaques de Boys, the second son of Sir Rowland de Boys, arrives with news. Duke Frederick had gathered an army to attack his brother but was stopped by a religious hermit at the forest’s edge. The hermit converted Frederick, who abandoned his plans, gave up his crown, and restored Duke Senior and the exiled lords to their lands.

Duke Senior warmly welcomes Jaques de Boys and invites everyone to join in the “rustic revelry.” However, Jaques declines and decides to join Duke Frederick and the hermit. After bidding farewell to Duke Senior, Orlando, Oliver, Silvius, and Touchstone, Jaques leaves. The play ends with a joyous dance.

Act 5: Epilogue: “Rosalind’s Playful Farewell to the Audience”

In the Epilogue, Rosalind says that it is unusual for a woman to give the epilogue. She says that a good play does not need an epilogue, but an epilogue can make it even better. She also says that since she is not dressed like a beggar, she will not beg the audience for approval to give the epilogue.

Her task is to “charm” the audience. Therefore, Rosalind tells the women to enjoy the play as much as they like, based on the love they feel for men. She says the same to the men, and jokes that if she were a woman, she would kiss everyone in the audience who seemed attractive and clean to her. She concludes by expressing the belief that the men she admires will applaud her as she says her farewell.