As You Like It by William Shakespeare | Summary, Analysis and Themes 

00:11 - As You Like it; 01:14 - Characters; 03:42 - Summary As You Like It; 11:40 - Themes;
As You Like It was first staged in 1603. Just like A Midsummer Night's Dream, it is a romantic comedy-drama by William Shakespeare with a happy ending. This drama includes a malcontent character, the melancholic Jacques who offers many memorable philosophical speeches including All The World's a Stage. The main character of this play is Rosalind who disguises as a man Ganymede. Other characters include Celia, Rosalind's cousin, Duke Senior, Rosalind's father, Duke Frederick, Celia's Father, and Orlando, Rosalind's lover. Oliver is Orlando's elder brother who mistreats him and wants to grab his portion of wealth. Phebe and Silvius are shepherds living in the Forest of Arden where Duke Senior and his faithful courtiers decide to live after being exiled by Duke Frederick who usurps Duke Senior's Duchy.
The main theme of this drama is love and how love can lead humans towards their betterment and the betterment of the whole society. It is directly opposite to the tragic comedy Romeo and Juliet that we have already discussed. Another jester in this drama is Touchstone who accompanies Rosalind and Celia when Celia decides to go with Rosalind to the Forest of Arden after she is banished by Duke Frederick. Rosalind disguises herself as a man Ganymede while Celia disguises as a poor shepherdess Aliena.
The other theme is the malleability of human nature and how humans change. In the forest of Arden, Oliver changes to a better person and decides to improve his behavior and relationship with Orlando. Rosalind also becomes a confidant and able leader as Ganymede. When Duke Frederick reaches the Forest of Arden to attack Duke Senior and to get Celia back, he also feels a change of heart after meeting an old monk. Instead of attacking Duke Senior, he decides to give the Duchy back to him while he himself becomes a hermit.
In the end, Rosalind is married to Orlando, Celia marries Oliver, Touchstone marries Audrey and Phebe marries Silvius.
Geroge Bernard Shaw suggested that Shakespeare produced this play only for commercial purpose and to win the vote of the audience, he produced it in a manner the audience will like and hence, the title was chosen As You Like It. We will continue to discuss History of English literature, stay connected with the Discourse. Thanks and regards!