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As You Like It, Act 5, Scene 2 summary

Act 5, Scene 2 of 23 · 5 min to read the scene

In Act 5, Scene 2, Orlando approves Oliver's sudden marriage to Aliena but says he can no longer endure merely imagining his own happiness with Rosalind. Rosalind claims magical powers, promises to bring his beloved to him, and gathers conflicting lovers into a plan for marriages the next day.

What happens

  1. Oliver declares his love for Aliena and offers Orlando their father's house and income so he can remain a shepherd.
  2. Orlando consents to Oliver's wedding the next day and plans to invite the Duke and his followers.
  3. Orlando tells Rosalind that his brother's happiness deepens his own sadness, and he rejects further imaginary courtship.
  4. Rosalind claims knowledge of magic and promises that Orlando can marry Rosalind when Oliver marries Aliena.
  5. Phoebe complains about her exposed letter, while Silvius, Phoebe, and Orlando repeat declarations of their unreturned love.
  6. Rosalind gives conditional marriage promises and directs the lovers to meet together the next day; they agree.

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In this scene

RosalindOrlandoOliverDuke Senior

What to notice

Orlando refuses to continue accepting a substitute for his beloved. His insistence prompts Rosalind to offer a concrete wedding plan.

Quick check

What does Oliver offer Orlando when explaining his plan to marry Aliena?

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