As You Like It, Act 1, Scene 2 summary
Act 1, Scene 2 of 23 · 10 min to read the scene
In Act 1, Scene 2, Rosalind and Celia try to discourage Orlando from wrestling Charles, but he wins and draws Rosalind’s affection. His identity as Sir Rowland de Boys’s son displeases Duke Frederick, and Le Beau warns Orlando to leave while revealing the Duke’s growing hostility toward Rosalind.
What happens
- Celia comforts Rosalind over her father’s banishment and promises to restore what her own father takes from him.
- Touchstone jokes about empty oaths, and Le Beau reports that Charles badly injures three brothers in wrestling.
- Rosalind and Celia urge Orlando to withdraw, but he insists on wrestling and throws Charles to the ground.
- Duke Frederick reacts coldly when Orlando names his father, Sir Rowland de Boys.
- Rosalind gives Orlando a chain and hints at her affection, leaving him unable to answer her.
- Le Beau urges Orlando to leave and explains the Duke’s hostility toward Rosalind.
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In this scene
What to notice
Rosalind hints that Orlando wins her affection as well as the match. Her language links his physical victory with her emotional surrender.
Quick check
Why does Duke Frederick react coldly after Orlando wins?
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