William Shakespeare
THEMES OF THE PLAYS
AS YOU LIKE IT
Sweet are the uses of adversity,
Which, like the toad, ugly and venomous, Wears yet a precious jewel in his head.
ACT 2, SCENE I
Oliver, older brother of Orlando, has kept him out of his share of their father's estate and otherwise mistreated him. Now he plots to have him killed in a bout with a professional wrestler. The match is to take place before Frederick, a usurper, who has banished his brother, the Duke. Frederick's daughter, Celia, has persuaded her father to permit the Duke's daughter, Rosalind, to remain as her companion. When Orlando comes to wrestle, Rosalind tries to persuade him to avoid the match, as he is much too young for such a struggle. He insists, however, and is the victor. Unexpectedly, Frederick orders Rosalind to leave his house, accusing her of treachery. She decides to disguise herself as a man, and Celia determinedly announces she will leave with her, smirching her face and pretending to be a humble peasant girl.
A faithful servant warns Orlando that his brother, disappointed at the failure of his plot, is more than ever determined to destroy Orlando, and together they escape to the Forest of Arden. Rosalind and Celia are also wandering in this forest, where the banished Duke has his humble abode. Orlando stumbles upon the Duke's retreat, and is welcomed, as the Duke and his father were firm friends.
Orlando encounters Rosalind, still in man's attire, in the forest. She learns of his love for Rosalind, and promises to produce that lady if he will pretend she is a maid and show how he makes love. There is much sport, and romance, and singing, and a bit of adventure when Orlando saves his brother, the wicked Oliver, from a lion.
The regenerated Oliver seeks his brother's pardon, falls in love with and is accepted by Celia, and Rosalind finally appears to Orlando in her own guise. To complete the happiness of all, the usurper Frederick repents, enters a religious institution, and the Duke is restored to his dominion.