ESSAY ON LOVE IN AS YOU LIKE IT

 Love is a central theme in Shakespeare's play As You Like It. Throughout the play, various characters fall in and out of love, often due to the influences of the Forest of Arden.

ESSAY ON LOVE IN AS YOU LIKE IT

One of the most prominent examples of love in the play is the relationship between Rosalind and Orlando. At the beginning of the play, Orlando is infatuated with Rosalind, but she is not yet aware of his feelings. However, after spending time in the Forest of Arden, Rosalind begins to develop feelings for Orlando as well. Despite the obstacles that stand in their way, including the fact that Rosalind is disguised as a man, the two eventually confess their love for each other and get married.

Another example of love in the play is the relationship between Duke Senior and Jaques. Duke Senior, who has been banished from court and is living in the Forest of Arden, reflects on the idea of love and what it means to be truly happy. Jaques, on the other hand, is a cynical character who rejects the idea of love and instead focuses on the harsh realities of life. Despite their differences, the two men are able to find a common ground and form a strong bond.

The Forest of Arden also plays a significant role in the love lives of the other characters in the play. For example, Touchstone, a court jester, falls in love with a simple country girl named Audrey, despite their vastly different backgrounds. Similarly, Silvius, a shepherd, is in love with Phebe, a shepherdess, but she initially rejects him in favor of the disguised Rosalind. However, after Rosalind reveals her true identity, Phebe realizes that she truly loves Silvius and the two are able to be together.

Overall, love is a complex and ever-changing emotion in As You Like It. It can bring people together and help them overcome their differences, but it can also cause heartache and confusion. Ultimately, the play suggests that love, like the Forest of Arden, is a place where people can find solace and happiness, even in the midst of uncertainty and strife.