As You Like It study guide

Rosalind

Her supposed love cure gives her room to test their relationship before she reveals herself and joins him in marriage.

Key scenes: 1.3, 3.2, 4.1, 5.4

Orlando

His care for the starving Adam shows generosity under pressure, and his story ends in recognition and marriage with Rosalind.

Key scenes: 1.1, 2.6, 3.2, 5.4

Celia

Celia chooses loyalty to her cousin Rosalind by accompanying her into exile in disguise. She also mocks Orlando's broken promise when Rosalind worries about him, and eventually joins Oliver in marriage.

Key scenes: 1.3, 3.4, 5.4

Oliver

His account of a rescue and rejection of his former self mark a change that leads toward marriage with Celia.

Key scenes: 1.1, 3.1, 4.3, 5.4

Duke Senior

Duke Senior is an exiled ruler who finds value in woodland hardship and welcomes Orlando with hospitality. His recognition of his daughter Rosalind and the restoration of his power bring exile toward a joyful close.

Key scenes: 2.1, 2.7, 5.4

Jaques

Jaques responds to a wounded deer with grief and accusations about human cruelty, and finds sadness even in song. His decision to seek religious instruction rather than join the final celebration keeps his outlook distinct.

Key scenes: 2.1, 2.5, 5.4

Touchstone

Touchstone uses jokes to challenge honor and supposedly wise behavior, but his own approach to marriage is also questionable.

Key scenes: 1.2, 3.3, 5.1, 5.3

Chosen loyalty

Celia's decision to share exile and Adam's offer of savings show loyalty expressed through practical sacrifice rather than reassuring words alone. Orlando's care for the starving Adam suggests that such devotion can be returned, making support a mutual responsibility.

Where it shows: scenes 1.3, 2.3, 2.6

Abuses of power

Oliver's treatment of Orlando and Frederick's banishment of Rosalind show authority serving hostility rather than protection. Frederick's later threats against Oliver suggest that possession of power offers no lasting safety when that power operates through suspicion and coercion.

Where it shows: scenes 1.1, 1.3, 3.1

Love and appearance

Rosalind's disguised courtship shows how an appearance can create space for testing love while also concealing crucial knowledge. Phoebe's attraction to her critic, followed by her acceptance of Silvius, suggests that desire can depend on mistaken perceptions.

Where it shows: scenes 3.2, 3.5, 5.4

Hardship and kindness

Duke Senior's praise of hardship does not remove the real hunger that brings Adam close to despair. Orlando's care and the welcome he receives show that the value of adversity lies partly in opportunities for kindness, not in suffering alone.

Where it shows: scenes 2.1, 2.6, 2.7

Travel disguises

Travel disguises first work as protection for Rosalind and Celia after banishment. Rosalind's later courtship suggests that concealment can also create freedom to explore feelings indirectly.

Scenes 1.3, 3.2

Toad and jewel

Duke Senior's toad and jewel image gives hardship an unpleasant outside and a valuable interior. It suggests that suffering and benefit can exist together.

Scene 2.1

Stag's tears

Its suffering suggests a troubling side to woodland life rather than an escape from all harm.

Scene 2.1

Celia, Scene 1.3. Celia speaks as she chooses to leave with Rosalind. Her description of departure as freedom shows how chosen loyalty can change the meaning of exile.

Duke Senior, Scene 2.1. Duke Senior speaks while finding benefits in woodland hardship. His comparison suggests that an experience can be painful or unattractive yet still contain something valuable.

Rosalind, Scene 3.2. Rosalind speaks in disguise as she proposes a cure for Orlando's love. The invitation shows how concealment lets her direct a courtship that appears to be only practice.

Oliver, Scene 4.3. Oliver speaks while explaining the rescue and Orlando's injury. His rejection of his former self presents change as a break with the person he has been.