As You Like It. William Shakespeare. First Published (1599). Genre: Classic, Play.
First Line: Orlando: "As I remember, Adam, it was upon this fashion: bequeathed me by will but poor a thousand crowns, and, as thou sayest, charged my brother, on his blessing, to breed me well: and there begins my sadness."
Summary: Duke Senior has been banished by his younger brother, Frederick. Duke Senior's daughter, Rosalind, stayed with her cousin at her uncle's court. Duke Frederick hosts a wrestling match between his wrestler, who never loses, and a young man named Orlando. Rosalind and Celia are there to witness the match. This time the Duke's wrestler doesn't win, but is bested by Orlando. Rosalind becomes favorably disposed towards Orlando, which angers her uncle to the point that he banishes her from his court.
Rosalind and Celia take to the forest in disguise. Rosalind as a man and Celia as his brother. They soon learn that Orlando has also taken to the forest after escaping the evil designs of his brother, Oliver. As Rosalind and Celia encounter Orlando, Rosalind uses her disguise to test Orlando's affections for her.
My thoughts: This was a fun read! I found this easier to read and understand than some of the other Shakespeare I have read. It was easy to keep the characters straight - even when one was dressed as someone else. I think this would be a good place to start if you are new to Shakespeare.
Quotes:
"Do you not know I am a woman? When I think, I must speak."
"I could find in my heart to disgrace my man's apparel and to cry like a woman; but I must comfort the weaker vessel, as doublet and hose ought to show itself courageous to petticoat."
"All the world's a stage and all the men and women merely players: They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being seven ages."
Jacques: "By my troth. I was seeking for a fool when I found you."
Orlando: "He is drowned in the brook: look but in, and you shall see him."
Jacques: "There I shall see mine own figure."
Orlando: "Which I take to be either a fool or a cipher."
Wrestling? How interesting.
ReplyDeleteYes! The Duke has a man who wrestles for him - who knew!
DeleteGreat choice of reading. There are many films of As You Like It as well. They include some amazing stars, like Laurence Olivier (1936) or Helen Mirren (1978). Maggie Smith was in a stage version as a young Shakespearian actress too -- I'd love to have seen that!
ReplyDeletebest... mae at maefood.blogspot.com
I would love to see the Maggie Smith version too! Thanks for the recommendations!
DeleteI had originally planned the read (or listen to) The Winter's Tale this month. I've only read a dozen or so Shakespearean plays. Glad to know As You Like It is easy to understand.
ReplyDeleteI read The Winter's Tale last year and that was a good experience too. But I did get confused as to some of the characters.
DeleteShakespeare reads are tough. I watched "Midsummer's Night" in the park in the summer and I felt Like I got a gist of it but don't quote me on it. It's great to see Shakespeare outdoors though.thanks for returning to my blog @theglobaldig.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteWe have a local theatre that hosts a Shakespeare camp for middle school through high school aged students. My kids participated when they were that age. I always felt like I understood the production better if I was familiar with the play before seeing it. I would love to try Shakespeare in the park sometime.
DeleteSounds good. It's been a long time since I read one of Shakespeare's books. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I should check it out.
ReplyDeleteIt was easier to read than I expected. I enjoyed it!
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