In this video, I’ll summarize the plot of As You Like It in about four minutes and give you an analysis of the story.
1. Courtly Conflicts
The play begins at the court of Duke Frederick, who has usurped the throne from his older brother, Duke Senior, and exiled him to the Forest of Arden. Meanwhile, Orlando, a young nobleman, is mistreated by his older brother, Oliver, who denies him his inheritance and proper education. Orlando proves his worth by defeating the champion wrestler, Charles, in a match. This victory attracts the attention of Rosalind, Duke Senior’s daughter, who is still allowed at court because she is the close friend of Duke Frederick’s daughter, Celia. However, shortly after, Duke Frederick banishes Rosalind out of jealousy. Celia refuses to abandon her cousin, and together, they flee to the Forest of Arden, with Rosalind disguising herself as a young man named Ganymede for safety.
2. Life in the Forest
Rosalind, Celia, and the court fool, Touchstone, arrive in the Forest of Arden, where they encounter different characters, including Duke Senior and his loyal followers. Meanwhile, Orlando, also forced to flee after his brother plots against him, wanders into the forest, pining for Rosalind. Unaware of her disguise, he leaves love poems dedicated to her on trees. Rosalind, now living as Ganymede, finds Orlando and decides to test his love by offering to “cure” him of his infatuation. She instructs him to woo her as if she were Rosalind, unknowingly allowing them to grow closer.
3. Comic Encounters
As the story unfolds, multiple romantic subplots develop. Touchstone courts a simple shepherdess, Audrey, but his affections are mostly for amusement. Meanwhile, the lovesick shepherd Silvius pines for the disdainful Phoebe, who instead falls for Ganymede, unaware that he is actually Rosalind. Rosalind, amused by the situation, decides to play along, promising Phoebe that “Ganymede” will marry her if she fails to win Silvius’ love. Meanwhile, Orlando’s growing devotion proves his sincerity, and Rosalind, still in disguise, begins planning how to reveal her identity.
4. Family Reunions
In the forest, Orlando heroically saves his wicked brother Oliver from a lion, leading to Oliver’s sudden change of heart. He repents for his past cruelty and falls in love with Celia. The two quickly decide to marry. Meanwhile, Orlando, unaware of Ganymede’s true identity, confides in “him” about his love for Rosalind. Seeing that he is truly devoted, Rosalind promises that “Ganymede” will produce Rosalind the next day for him to marry. At the same time, Duke Frederick, after attempting to invade the forest, has a sudden change of heart and decides to become a hermit, allowing Duke Senior to reclaim his rightful position.
5. The Happy Ending
With all misunderstandings resolved, Rosalind reveals her true identity, and she and Orlando are finally able to be together. Similarly, Phoebe, realizing that Ganymede is actually a woman, agrees to marry Silvius instead. The play ends with four marriages—Rosalind and Orlando, Celia and Oliver, Phoebe and Silvius, and even the comic pairing of Touchstone and Audrey. Duke Senior is restored to power, and harmony is restored. The play concludes with Rosalind addressing the audience, delivering an epilogue that invites the audience to enjoy the story’s message of love, transformation, and joy.
Theme 1: Love and Its Many Forms
One of the central themes of As You Like It is the different types of love—romantic, platonic, and even self-love. The play explores love’s many expressions, from Orlando and Rosalind’s passionate devotion to Silvius’ unrequited suffering for Phoebe. The playful nature of Rosalind’s disguise allows Shakespeare to examine gender roles and the performative aspects of love. Meanwhile, the love between cousins Rosalind and Celia emphasizes loyalty and deep friendship. Through these relationships, Shakespeare celebrates love in all its forms while also poking fun at its excesses.
Theme 2: Nature vs. Civilization
The contrast between the corrupt court and the idyllic Forest of Arden highlights the theme of nature versus civilization. While the court is filled with betrayal, jealousy, and political ambition, the forest represents freedom, transformation, and self-discovery. Characters who enter the forest change for the better—Oliver repents, Duke Senior embraces a simpler life, and Rosalind gains the confidence to control her fate. However, the play does not suggest that nature is perfect, as seen in the hardships of rural life, but rather that it provides a space for renewal and self-exploration. Ultimately, the return to civilization at the end suggests that harmony can be restored when people carry the lessons of nature back with them.