As You Like It - D.A.Q (Part -I)

As You Like It

William Shakespeare

Descriptive Answers type Questions & Answers

D.A.Q. (Part – I)

1. How did the Forest of Arden play an instrumental role in the happy reunion of the suffering souls in the story ‘As you Like It’?

Answer: As You Like It may be treated as a story of happy reunion after a period of sad separation. Here we have some suffering souls. Two great families break. Lust for power and jealousy bring about the breakage. The oppressed are out to seek a soothing shelter where they can unburden their sorrows. The Forest of Arden seems to welcome them. Its woody labyrinth not merely serves them as an ideal hide-out but also offers them a seclusion to take both the sweet and the sour of life with a calm resignation.

The Forest of Arden is the ultimate destination of both the oppressed and the oppressor. Here comes the old Duke first. He is compelled to live here. With him come some of his followers. Very soon his daughter and niece enter here. Rosalind appears there to meet his father. Celia just accompanies her. Then comes Orlando. He is driven from the house.

A few days later Oliver visits the forest. His intention is to kill Orlando. Two brothers meet. But what a meeting! Orlando risks his own life and saves Oliver. Oliver is no more a tyrant. He is repentant. A reunion between brothers takes place. The old Duke meets his daughter. It is a reunion of father and daughter. Then Rosalind and Orlando and Celia and Oliver are united in love and marriage. The wedding-lock brings the happy reunion of two pairs of lovers.

Finally comes off the reunion of the Old Duke and Duke Frederick. It is not on the stage. It happens off the stage. Still it is an unseen reunion. And the readers relish. Thus, the Forest of Arden with its charming pastoral set-up helps its visitors forget and forgive all and celebrates the occasion of reunion with much revelry and joy.

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