Shakespeare: As You Like It

"As You Like It" is bar none, one of Shakespeare's VERY best works. It is probably the most poetic of the comedies and contains perhaps as many famous quotations as any other of his plays. Rosalind is perhaps his greatest female character and this work, along with the equally (or even more) brilliant "Midsummer Night's Dream," is the best example of Shakespeare's theme of the "dream world" vs. the "real" world. This play, especially the scenes in the forest, is a celebration of language and the power of the freedom of the imagination. It consequently can be read as a criticism of the "real world," here represented by Duke Ferdinand's court. Like many of the other comedies, Shakespeare is mocking the "ideal" which many in his society would have praised. Though this play deals with some pretty dark themes (which of his plays doesn't?) it is a light-hearted and fully enjoyable read!

As You Like It has many qualities to attract readers and audiences. Rosalind is one of the great heroines of all romantic literature. The play has more outstanding speeches than almost any other that has ever been written. Astonishing plot complications are quickly resolved in the simplest possible way, reflecting a playwright's tour de force. The Forest of Arden appears as a character in creating a magical atmosphere whereby all perceptions change, and all are healed. Right wins out, especially in drawing on good character . . . even from formerly badly behaving people. And for those who love marriages, this book has one of the most impressive ceremonies of all time in literature. Humans have never looked nobler in the end than in this play. Yet the play also abounds with some of the greatest lines of Shakespeare's fools that cause all of us to see that humility is more called for than pride or ambition. Certainly, As You Like It will make you feel the presence of an unmatched genius, that should inspire even the most arrogant to feel humbled in the Bard's presence. My recommendation is that you first see a performance (whether in person, or on a recording). If that's not possible, try for an audio. Many outstanding actors have been taped. After you have the sights and sounds of the play firmly in mind, then read the play. You'll find that your earlier experiences will unlock more of the play's depths, imagery and pleasures for you. Where in life is being true to your word very important? How can you improve your life by being more reliable in this way?

As You Like It boasts one of Shakespeare's most vivid, romantic, and just plain fun heroines, Rosalind. She breaks all the rules and then makes up her own; she fools her true love into wooing her while he is absolutely unaware of who she is. Then there's Jaques. Melancholy, cynical, yet hysterical in his own way; pay special attention to his "All the world's a stage" speech at the end of Act III. And don't forget Touchstone, the fool...I don't want to give the plot away. There are so many surprises, so many unexpected twists-- this is one of Shakespeare's more complicated (if not deeper) plays. If at all possible, try to see at least one performance of it. The one I most recently saw had the entire audience in stitches from the first act to the final, multiple weddings and all.

Suggested by my Shakespeare coach for its comprehensiveness, this book does not disappoint. Covering the issues of text and context, its all here. If anyone reading this knows where to find used copies of the other plays, or even what there exact titles are, please e-mail me the info.

The conciousness of being the actor and the viewer at the same time is deeply rooted in Shakespearian`s characters. His forest of Arden from "As You Like It" can be the Renaissance counterpart of our modern world in wchich people play their roles often in diguise - the feature-symbol in the play.