As You Like It : Themes
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.
Themes
Love: Love is the main theme in As You Like It. The play shows romantic love, family love, and friendship love. Rosalind and Orlando’s Romantic love grows throughout the story, even as Rosalind tests him. Celia’s Sisterly love for Rosalind is strong. She leaves her father to stay with her cousin. After being saved from the lion, Oliver changes and shows Brotherly love to Orlando. The play also shows silly love, like Touchstone’s feelings for Audrey.
Betrayal: As You Like It highlights acts of betrayal in both families. Duke Frederick betrays his brother, Duke Senior. He takes his throne and banishes him to the Forest of Arden. He later betrays his niece, Rosalind. He banished her without cause. Similarly, Oliver betrays his younger brother, Orlando. He denies him his inheritance and plots to kill him.
Exile: Exile is a key theme in As You Like It. Duke Senior is exiled to the Forest of Arden by his brother, Duke Frederick. Instead of feeling sad, Duke Senior and his followers enjoy the freedom of the forest. Rosalind is also exiled by Duke Frederick. She finds safety and freedom in the forest. Orlando escapes to the forest to avoid his brother Oliver’s plans to harm him. In exile, characters grow, find love, and discover happiness.
Disguise: Rosalind dresses as a boy named Ganymede to hide in the Forest of Arden. This disguise lets her test Orlando’s love without fear. Celia also takes on a new identity as Aliena to avoid danger. Disguises create humor and confusion in the play. When the true identities are revealed, misunderstandings are resolved, and relationships grow stronger.
Family and Forgiveness: The play highlights the struggles and bonds of family. Orlando and Oliver begin with hatred, but Orlando saves Oliver. This leads to forgiveness. Rosalind and her father, Duke Senior, are separated because of Duke Frederick’s actions. Celia, despite being Frederick’s daughter, stays loyal to Rosalind. The theme of family ties is fixed when Frederick repents, and Duke Senior regains his place. The story shows that forgiveness can heal broken families.
(Forest of Arden/Rural Life) Nature vs. Court Life (City Life): The play contrasts life in the court and life in the Forest of Arden. The court is full of power struggles, lies, and danger, as seen in Duke Frederick’s rule. In the forest, life is simple, peaceful, and free. Duke Senior and his followers enjoy the natural beauty and freedom in exile. The forest also allows characters like Rosalind and Orlando to grow and find happiness.