Symbolism in William Shakespeare's As You Like It

Symbolism in William Shakespeare's As You Like It PDF

Author: Benjamin Foitzik

Publisher: GRIN Verlag

Published: 2003-04-05

Total Pages: 19

ISBN-13: 3638180956

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Seminar paper from the year 2000 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Literature, grade: 2+ (B), Technical University of Braunschweig (English Seminar), course: Shakespeare's Comedies, language: English, abstract: This is a paper on symbolism in Shakespeare’s As You Like It. I will especially emphasise the symbolic meaning or rather ‘allusion’ of The Forest Of Arden, and intend to go much further than to maintain that ‘The Forest Of Arden is an unreal place because there are and were no palm trees in England’. This is of course out of question and totally insignificant to the eventual aim of this paper. At first, I will examine the different representations of court and forest in the play, which is supposed to support the assertion that the courtiers have to leave the wicked court in order to find again what has gone lost there: love and human warmth. Thus, I want to show that the forest has to be seen as a feeling, a spirit of love and self-knowledge. Moreover, I am going to put forward concrete symbols in the play and their meaning in the context and with regard to the understanding of The Forest Of Arden. There is a wide range of different symbols, natural and worldly symbols, and of course symbols that are connected with love, which all contribute to the final message of the play, that is, that there is no clear message to it, which I hope I will be able to explain in this paper. On the whole, the question that has to be answered looks simple but is to my mind very intricate and distinct since it is far too complex in its deeper meaning: ‘What is The Forest Of Arden?’ I want to impart the idea that The Forest is not meant as a symbol of something, but rather as a feeling, an attitude towards life. Thus, it is neither symbolic of love nor forgiveness nor renewal, but rather impersonates those qualities. It is not symbol but representative and epitome of, which is much more intensive. However difficult an answer to the question above seems to be, answering it is unexpectedly easy, and this for one simple reason: everyone has to decide for him- or herself. I can only give suggestions, but what Arden means to oneself differs from person to person. Therefore, The Forest Of Arden is As You Like It.

Love in William Shakespeare's "As You Like It"

Love in William Shakespeare's

Author: Julie Dillenkofer

Publisher: GRIN Verlag

Published: 2015-08-24

Total Pages: 23

ISBN-13: 3668034842

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Seminar paper from the year 2015 in the subject Didactics for the subject English - Literature, Works, grade: 1,7, University of Heidelberg (Anglistisches Seminar), course: Literature & Film – Adapting Shakespeare for the Screen, language: English, abstract: William Shakespeare’s "As You Like It" portrays love and marriage in a comical, amusing manner. The play represents passionate love on the one hand, as well as disguised, blind and even manipulated love on the other hand. Love as a state of being is omnipresent throughout As You Like It. As the play’s major theme, love is illustrated essentially by eight characters who all marry at the end of the play. However, As You Like It cannot be interpreted as a typical love story. In fact, only one twosome, namely Rosalind and Orlando, illustrates a relationship of true love which ends in a happy, mutually agreeable marriage. By falling in love at first sight, they symbolize the typical Shakespearean romantic lovers whose love overcomes any obstacles. The other couples in the play, however, seem to pursue rather different goals. Audrey and Touchstone simply wish to act on their sexual desire, which they cleverly hide behind marriage in order to prevent any “Vorwurf der Unzucht” – a serious matter in Elizabethan times. Phoebe and Silvius are both in love, though not reciprocally. Silvius does love Phoebe; she, however, falls in love with Ganymede and is merely tricked into committing herself to Silvius. Celia and Oliver are simply following the lead of Rosalind and Orlando, but seem to strive for companionship rather than passion or true love. Shakespeare illustrates four different kinds of love in As You Like It in a humorous way. He demonstrates that love and marriage do not necessarily have to go hand in hand and adds comical aspects of love by turning some characters into fools. In this way, Shakespeare builds on the Elizabethan assumptions about love as a sickness, but still validates it as a valuable aspect of a happy marriage.

As You Like It by William Shakespeare (Book Analysis)

As You Like It by William Shakespeare (Book Analysis) PDF

Author: Bright Summaries

Publisher: BrightSummaries.com

Published: 2019-04-08

Total Pages: 23

ISBN-13: 2808018738

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Unlock the more straightforward side of As You Like It with this concise and insightful summary and analysis! This engaging summary presents an analysis of As You Like It by William Shakespeare, a pastoral comedy which stands out for its sparkling wit and amusing subversion of many of the tropes of the pastoral genre. In the play, numerous characters find themselves in the idyllic Forest of Arden: Duke Senior, whose rightful position has been usurped by his scheming brother; Rosalind, Duke Senior’s daughter, who has been forced to flee the court by her vengeful uncle; and Orlando, whose older brother bears a bitter grudge against him. Away from the vices of the court, love flourishes and the characters are able to leave the problems of the past behind and make a fresh start. As You Like It is one of the most loved comedies by William Shakespeare, who is widely considered to be one of the most influential writers in the history of the English language. Find out everything you need to know about As You Like It in a fraction of the time! This in-depth and informative reading guide brings you: • A complete plot summary • Character studies • Key themes and symbols • Questions for further reflection Why choose BrightSummaries.com? Available in print and digital format, our publications are designed to accompany you on your reading journey. The clear and concise style makes for easy understanding, providing the perfect opportunity to improve your literary knowledge in no time. See the very best of literature in a whole new light with BrightSummaries.com!

As You Like it

As You Like it PDF

Author: William Shakespeare

Publisher:

Published: 1972

Total Pages: 232

ISBN-13:

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St. Albans School presents the Oxford & Cambridge Shakespeare Company (by arrangement with Harold Shaw) in "As You Like It," by William Shakespeare, directed by Elijah Moshinsky, designed by Timothy O'Brien and Tazeena Firth, lighting by David Hersey, music by Henry Ward

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