Who Phoebe is
Phoebe belongs to the country world of Arden, where several kinds of love meet and become tangled. Her pride contrasts with the devotion of Silvius, who adores her despite her scorn. Their unequal affection shows love as worship on one side and rejection on the other.
Phoebe and the others in the story
Phoebe's feelings take a different direction when she falls for Ganymede, the identity Rosalind adopts while dressed as a young man. Phoebe's attraction adds another misunderstanding to a forest already full of lovers and mistaken identity.
Silvius longs for Phoebe, while Phoebe desires someone whose identity she does not understand. This makes her part of the play's gentle comedy about how love can make people foolish. Shakespeare laughs at the lovers while also showing how much they feel.
Questions
Who is Phoebe in As You Like It?
Phoebe is a proud shepherdess whose romantic entanglements form part of the comedy in Arden.
Does Phoebe love Silvius?
Phoebe scorns Silvius rather than returning the love he offers her.
Why does Phoebe's love for Ganymede cause confusion?
Ganymede is really Rosalind dressed as a young man, so Phoebe falls for a disguised identity.