English Reading Skills Passage – 8
___ is a notable literary work by ___. 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 ___.
Answer
Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
As You Like It is one of William Shakespeare’s most famous comedies. The play is set in a magical forest called the Forest of Arden, where characters escape their troubles and discover love, friendship, and self-identity. The story revolves around Rosalind, the brave and intelligent daughter of Duke Senior, who has been exiled by his brother, Duke Frederick.
Rosalind disguises herself as a young man named Ganymede to escape persecution and live freely in the forest. Accompanied by her cousin Celia and a court clown named Touchstone, she embarks on a journey that changes her life. In the forest, Rosalind meets Orlando, a nobleman she secretly loves. Orlando, unaware of her true identity, seeks advice from Ganymede about how to win Rosalind’s heart. This creates humorous and heartfelt moments.
The play explores themes of love, loyalty, and forgiveness. The Forest of Arden serves as a magical space where characters confront their weaknesses and grow stronger. Love appears in many forms: romantic love between Rosalind and Orlando, playful love between Touchstone and Audrey, and the brotherly love that is ultimately restored between Duke Senior and Duke Frederick.
By the end of the play, all misunderstandings are resolved, and the characters find happiness. Rosalind reveals her true identity, and she and Orlando are married. The play concludes with a joyful celebration, showing that love and forgiveness can overcome even the greatest obstacles.
1. Answer any ten of the following questions: (1×10=10)
(a) Where is the play As You Like It set?
(b) Who is Rosalind, and why does she disguise herself?
(c) How does Orlando meet Rosalind in the forest?
(d) What themes are explored in As You Like It?
(e) How does the play end?
Write down the meaning of the following words in English and make your own sentences with them:
(f) Disguise (g) Persecution (h) Forgiveness
Change the following sentences as directed:
(i) Rosalind disguises herself to escape persecution. (Make it complex)
(j) All misunderstandings are resolved by the end of the play. (Make it active)
(k) The Forest of Arden serves as a magical space. (Make it passive)
Solution
(a) The play As You Like It is set in the Forest of Arden.
(b) Rosalind is Duke Senior’s daughter. She disguises herself to escape persecution and live freely in the forest.
(c) Orlando meets Rosalind in the forest while she is disguised as Ganymede.
(d) The play explores the themes of love, loyalty, forgiveness, and self-discovery.
(e) The play ends with Rosalind revealing her identity, marrying Orlando, and a joyful celebration.
(f) Meaning: To hide one’s identity by changing appearance.
Sentence: Rosalind wore a disguise to live safely in the forest.
(g) Meaning: Harsh treatment, especially because of beliefs or identity.
Sentence: Rosalind fled the court to escape persecution.
(h) Meaning: Letting go of anger or resentment.
Sentence: The brothers showed forgiveness and reunited happily.
(i) Rosalind disguises herself because she wants to escape persecution.
(j) The characters resolve all misunderstandings by the end of the play.
(k) A magical space is served by the Forest of Arden. (Grammatically correct but awkward)
A magical space is created by the Forest of Arden. (Natural)