Welcome to the Presentation Ceremony Presentation For MM Shariful Karim Chairman & Associate Professor Department of English Dean, Faculty of Arts and Humanities Comilla University Presented By: Monir Hossen Id: 0900152 Hebjur Rahaman Id: 0900153 Muhammad Munir Uddin 0900140

Welcometo Department of English Comilla University

As You Like It By William Shakespeare

Presented By: MM Shariful Karim Chairman & Associate ProfessorDepartment of English Dean, Faculty of Arts and Humanities Comilla University Email: karimshariful@gmail.com E

Introduction: William Shakespeare is one of the greatest dramatists ofthe world. He is considered as a master of art and his artof characterization is truly unique that no other dramatist in the word has achieved such high position in world literature.He has a keen observation of life and he portrayed hischaracters which is more lively and efficient in all ages. He is not of his own age but he is of all ages. As You Like It is truly a fantastic Pastoral Comedy of William Shakespeare where the rural and courtly setting are past together.

Biography of William Shakespeare Name: William ShakespeareOccupation: Poet, Playwright, Philosopher. Birth Date: April 23, 1564Death Date: April 23, 1616Education: King's New SchoolPlace of Birth: Stratford-upon-Avon, United KingdomPlace of Death: Stratford-upon-Avon, United KingdomNickname: "Bard of Avon "Swan of Avon "The BardWorks: Poem (154 Sonnets) & Drama: 37 Plays

William Shakespeare( 1564-1616)

Elizabethan Era Features of the Era Queen Elizabeth Elizabethan period is the golden age of literature.This is the age of renaissance in Europe. There two groups in ReligionProtestants and Catholics Anglicanism establishing Emphasis on humanity University wits writes under this era.

Original Identity of As You Like ItFull title: As You Like It Author : William ShakespeareType of work : PlayGenre: Pastoral Romantic Comedy Language : EnglishWritten : in 1599Performed : Wilton House in 1603Published : First Folio, 1623 Age : The Renaissance

Major Characters of the Play Rosalind is the heroine and protagonist of the play As You Like It by William Shakespeare. She is the beautiful daughter of the exiled Duke Senior and niece to his usurping brother Duke Frederick. Her father is banished from the kingdom which breaks her heart. She then meets Orlando, one of her father's friends' son and falls in love with him. After angering her uncle, she leaves his court for exile in the Forest of Arden. Disguised as a shepherd named Ganymede, Rosalind lives with her sweet and devoted cousin, Celia (who is disguised as Ganymede's sister, Aliena), and Duke Frederick's fool Touchstone. Eventually, Rosalind is reunited with her father and married to her faithful lover, Orlando. Rosalind is one of Shakespeare's most recognized heroines. Admired for her intelligence, quick wit, and beauty, Rosalind is a vital character in "As You Like It." Most commonly seen next to her beloved cousin Celia, Rosalind is also a faithful friend, leader, and schemer. She stays true to her family and friends throughout the entire story, no matter how dangerous the consequences. Rosalind dominates the stage. Her true decision-making skills can be seen in the last scene of Act V (5) where she has to present herself as Rosalind to her father and to Orlando, but at the same time change Phebe's opinion to marry Silvius. She is the main character of the play who extracts the clarity of important traits in other characters.

Continued Orlando- The youngest son of Sir Rowland de Bois and younger brother of Oliver. Orlando is an attractive young man who, under his brothers neglectful care, has languished without a gentlemans education or training. Regardless, he considers himself to have great potential, and his victorious battle with Charles proves him right. Orlando cares for the aging Adam in the Forest of Ardenne and later risks his life to save Oliver from a hungry lioness, proving himself a proper gentleman. He is a fitting hero for the play and, though he proves no match for her wit or poetry, the most obvious romantic match for Rosalind.

Duke Senior- The father of Rosalind and the rightful ruler of the dukedom in which the play is set. Having been banished by his usurping brother, Frederick, Duke Senior now lives in exile in the Forest of Ardenne with a number of loyal men, including Lord Amiens and Jaques. We have the sense that Senior did not put up much of a fight to keep his dukedom, for he seems to make the most of whatever life gives him. Content in the forest, where he claims to learn as much from stones and brooks as he would in a church or library, Duke Senior proves himself to be a kind and fair-minded ruler.

Jaques- A faithful lord who accompanies Duke Senior into exile in the Forest of Ardenne. Jaques is an example of a stock figure in Elizabethan comedy, the man possessed of a hopelessly melancholy disposition. Much like a referee in a football game, he stands on the sidelines, watching and judging the actions of the other characters without ever fully participating. Given his inability to participate in life, it is fitting that Jaques alone refuses to follow Duke Senior and the other courtiers back to court, and instead resolves to assume a solitary and contemplative life in a monastery.

ContinuedCelia- The daughter of Duke Frederick and Rosalinds dearest friend. Celias devotion to Rosalind is unmatched, as evidenced by her decision to follow her cousin into exile. To make the trip, Celia assumes the disguise of a simple shepherdess and calls herself Aliena. As elucidated by her extreme love of Rosalind and her immediate devotion to Oliver, whom she marries at the end of the play, Celia possesses a loving heart, but is prone to deep, almost excessive emotions. Duke Frederick- The brother of Duke Senior and usurper of his throne. Duke Fredericks cruel nature and volatile temper are displayed when he banishes his niece, Rosalind, from court without reason. That Celia, his own daughter, cannot mitigate his unfounded anger demonstrates the intensity of the dukes hatefulness. Frederick mounts an army against his exiled brother but aborts his vengeful mission after he meets an old religious man on the road to the Forest of Ardenne. He immediately changes his ways, dedicating himself to a monastic life and returning the crown to his brother, thus testifying to the ease and elegance with which humans can sometimes change for the better. Touchstone- A clown in Duke Fredericks court who accompanies Rosalind and Celia in their flight to Ardenne. Although Touchstones job, as fool, is to criticize the behavior and point out the folly of those around him, Touchstone fails to do so with even a fraction of Rosalinds grace. Next to his mistress, the clown seems hopelessly vulgar and narrow-minded. Almost every line he speaks echoes with bawdy innuendo.

Continued Oliver- The oldest son of Sir Rowland de Bois and sole inheritor of the de Bois estate. Oliver is a loveless young man who begrudges his brother, Orlando, a gentlemans education. He admits to hating Orlando without cause or reason and goes to great lengths to ensure his brothers downfall. When Duke Frederick employs Oliver to find his missing brother, Oliver finds himself living in despair in the Forest of Ardenne, where Orlando saves his life. This display of undeserved generosity prompts Oliver to change himself into a better, more loving person. His transformation is evidenced by his love for the disguised Celia, whom he takes to be a simple shepherdess. Silvius- A young, suffering shepherd, who is desperately in love with the disdainful Phoebe. Conforming to the model of Petrarchan love, Silvius prostrates himself before a woman who refuses to return his affections. In the end, however, he wins the object of his desire. Phoebe- A young shepherdess, who disdains the affections of Silvius. She falls in love with Ganymede, who is really Rosalind in disguise, but Rosalind tricks Phoebe into marrying Silvius. Lord Amiens- A faithful lord who accompanies Duke Senior into exile in the Forest of Ardenne. Lord Amiens is rather jolly and loves to sing. Charles- A professional wrestler in Duke Fredericks court. Charles demonstrates both his caring nature and his political savvy when he asks Oliver to intercede in his upcoming fight with Orlando: he does not want to injure the young man and thereby lose favor among the nobles who support him. Charless concern for Orlando proves unwarranted when Orlando beats him senseless.

A short overview of the Play

Duke Senior, banished and usurped by his brother, Duke Frederick, now lives in the Forest of Arden, with his noblemen. Seniors daughter Rosalind has been allowed to remain at court with Fredericks daughter Celia, but she suddenly incurs Fredericks displeasure, and is banished. Celia decides to run away with her, and they leave for Arden with Rosalind disguised as a man, and accompanied by Touchstone, a clown. Rosalind changes her name to Ganymede, and Celia to Aliena.

Before they leave, Rosalind falls in love with one of the sons of Rowland De BoysOrlando, who is ruled and hated by his elder brother, Oliver. Orlando foils Olivers plan to have him killed in a match against the Dukes chief wrestler, Charles, by defeating the champion.

Orlando is then advised by Le Beau to leave the court, and he flees to Arden with his old servant Adam. They are starving when they encounter Duke Senior, who takes them in, delighted to discover that Orlando is the son of his old friend Sir Rowland.

Rosalind and Celia observe two shepherds, Corin and Silvius, talking, and learn of Silviuss love for Phebe, a shepherdess. They buy pastures and herd from them, and decide to live as shepherds. Touchstone spends much time in the company of Audrey, a country wench who is loved by William, eventually wooing her himself. Jaques, a melancholy nobleman of Duke Seniors company, becomes fascinated by Touchstone, and spends much time talking to him.

Continued

Orlando leaves love messages for Rosalind all over the forest, which she in due course sees. When the two girls meet Orlando again, Ganymede persuades Orlandoto treat him as his Rosalind, so that he may practise wooing. Frederick, believing Celia and Rosalind to have fled with Orlando, sends Oliver after his brother, threatening to take the De Boys lands if Oliver returns without him.

Oliver is saved from a lion by Orlando, and the two brothers are reconciled. Oliver relates the story to the two girls, and falls in love with Celia. Phebe has fallen for Ganymede, which causes some confusion until Rosalind reveals herself. Phebe then agrees to marry Silvius. Rosalind is reunited with her father, and marries Orlando. Oliver marries Celia. Touchstone marries Audrey.

The third son of Sir Rowland, Jaques, arrives to announce that Frederick had intended to invade the forest with an army, but on his way he met a religious man who converted him from his harsh ways, and he has now begun a religious life. Jaques decides to join him. Duke Senior has his lands and crown restored.

Historical Background

The era when Shakespeare was born.Before the age of Elizabethan drama, plays were mainly based on religious themes. However, people demanded, Elizabethan dramas were based on secular issues.Elizabethan Drama refers to the plays which were produced during the reign of queen Elizabeth in England.The opening of several good sized play houses was responsible for this increased patronage . the largest and most famous of which was the Globe Theatre (1599), home to many of Shakespeare's work.The most popular types of Elizabethan plays were histories of Englands rulers..

Critical analysis of the Play This play has a great significant critical response of the audience of the world. Still now many researchers are trying to find out the authentic view of William Shakespeare in his writings. Here in this play he shows his excellence in portraying the characters full of imagination and love for nature. Moreover, the duel setting and the characters are really unique innovation of William Shakespeare He has tried to show the real scenario of the present society by the play As You Like It.

Act I: Scene II Tis true, for those that she makes fair,She scarce makes honest; These that she makes honest,She makes very ill- favouredly. Act I: Scene II

(Here Celia complains to Rosalind about ladys misfortune)

Act I: Scene III We still slept togetherRose at an instant, learnd, playd, eat together,And wheresoer we went, like Junos swans,Still we went coupled and inseparable. (Act I: Scene III) Here Celia speaks to her Father Duke Frederick

Act II: Scene IV Alas, poor shepherd, searching of the wound I have by hard adventure found mine own. Act II: Scene IV

(Spoken by Rosalind in the forest of Arden about her own love in the presence of Celia and Touchstone )

Act II: Scene ISweet are the uses of adversity.Which like the toad, ugly and venomous Wears yet a precious jewel in his head.(Duke Seniors speech)

Act II: Scene VII "All the world 's a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; And one manin his timeplays many parts." (Act II, Scene VII)

Act II: Scene VIIBlow, blow, thou winter wind,Thou art not so unkindAs mans ingratitude. (Act II, Scene VII)

Act III: Scene II Love is merely a madness, and I tell you,Dissolves as well a dark houseand a whip as madmen do. Act III: Scene II (Spoken by Rosalind to Orlando)

Act V: Scene II"The fooldoth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool". (Act V, Scene II)

Act IV: Scene I"Can one desire too much of a good thing? (Act IV, Scene I)

Pastoral Romantic Comedy

A literary work (as a poem or play) dealing with shepherds or rural life in ausually artificial manner and typically drawing a contrast between the innocence and serenity of the simple life and the misery and corruption of city and especially court life Pastoral, a popular Renaissance literary genre, influenced a number of Shakespeare's works. The pastoral genre depicts an idealized vision of a simpler, rural life and a longing for a lost world of innocence. The pastoral mode was an integral part of the Renaissance debate between the virtues of the active versus the contemplative life, often expressed as the opposition of negotium, involvement in business, civic, and social life, and otium, ease or idleness.

Pastoral Romantic ComedyCommentary on pastoral in Shakespeare's dramatic works frequently involves references to writers who generated and developed the pastoral mode. These include the Greek poet Theocritus; the Latin poet Virgil; authors of the Italian Renaissance such as Sannazaro, Guarini, Tasso, and Mantuan; and English Renaissance pastoral writers, including Spenser, Greene, Lodge, and Sidney, whose Arcadia is considered to be one of the greatest pastorals.

Many critics argue that pastoral is a way of looking at life, art, and naturean attitude and a system of values rather than a set of formal literary conventions.

However, there is general agreement regarding the three-part structure of pastoral dramaflight or exile from the court or city, retreat to a rural setting, and return. The sojourn in the countryside supposedly provides an opportunity to gain new insights and perspectives, leading to personal education, growth, and renewal. Scholars have explored Shakespeare's use of this dramatic structure, and the evidence in his plays of pastoralism and anti-pastoralism, with particular reference to As You Like It, The Winter's Tale, and The Tempest.

Pastoral Romantic ComedyScholars who write about As You Like It generally agree that the play does not represent the Forest of Arden as a lost, golden world. There is, however, a range of opinions regarding whether this comedy is anti-pastoral or merely ambivalent about the literary pastoral tradition. Several critics assert that As You Like It challenges conventional literary pastoralism. Lindenbaum, for example, calls attention to the different views of pastoral expressed by disparate characters in the play. The critic also points out that Windsor is not like Sidney's Arcadiaa golden or green worldbut is instead a retreat that combines two traditions: pastoral as a place of innocence and pastoral as a celebration of sensual gratification.

Characteristics of Pastoral Romantic Comedy

The setting is in the pastoral forest of ArdenAdventure Shepherd life Disguise Co-incidents Different types of love imageries SimplicityLove affair Country life/Rural Life Rustic setting Nature imageries Lake and Rivers It is light- hearted and filled with jokes relevant to those times in order to grab the attention of audience.

Forest of Arden

Significance of the Forest Scene Materializing love in an ideal environment Development of the plot Utopia, Arcadia, Biblical Forest of Eden and Dreamland Changing the attitudes towards lifeCelebrating simple lifeDifferent from the life the court or City Maintenance of Harmony No problems of modern society Symbol of Fruitfulness Place of peace and happiness

Continued Place of Magical charms The forest life does not give us the solution to the problem but shows our existence. Because at the end of the play almost all the characters decide to comeback to the civilized world. Marriage is the symbol of regeneration and happy aspect of life

Rosalind

Character of Rosalind Fascinating character Adorable Wit and Wisdom (As she says- One inch of delay mere in a south sea of discovery) Bright, lively and Sympathetic Love at First sight Disguised as Ganymede Melancholic Quick thinking, Direct, high minded in her speech

Continued Bold in speaking Generous and kindEmotional Pretty and beautiful Romantic lover Highly admirable

Conclusion: In conclusion, we can say Shakespeares As You Like It inherits all the features of thePastoral Romance. But this play also shows something radically different of this tradition. One can easily trace out the Shakespeare's England in this play. He has skillfully shown that the forest of Robin Hood or Sydneys Arcadia can only be possible in literature but not in real sense. So, As You Like It is considered to be a romantic pastoral comedy, one of Shakespeare's most light-hearted plays. It is a romantic comedy in that it ends in multiple marriages: Rosalind and Orlando; Celia and Orlando's brother Oliver; the shepherd Silvius and the maid Phebe; and Touchstone and his milkmaid Audrey. It is pastoral because it extols the virtues of life in the country, in the peace of Nature, as opposed to the life of the courtier. Shakespeare's party of royals, banished to the Forest of Arden, surrounded by farms and happy, simple folk, discover that they are much happier in these simpler surroundings than they ever were at court. The pastoral was a kind of nostalgic, sentimentalrepresentation of country life that really did not reflect reality, but was set up to be a kind of ideal. Shakespeare plays with this ideal in As You Like It.

Thank You