As You Like It is a comedy by William Shakespeare, written around 1599 and first printed in the First Folio of 1623. Rosalind, banished from the court, flees to the Forest of Arden disguised as a young man and meets Orlando, who is in love with her. The play contains the famous speech on the seven ages of man.
The story
Duke Frederick has usurped his brother's throne. The old duke lives in exile in the Forest of Arden with his loyal lords. Rosalind, his daughter, is later banished too.
Disguised as a youth named Ganymede, she teaches Orlando how to woo her, without his recognizing her. The play ends with four marriages.
Court and country
The play contrasts the corrupt court with the simple life of the forest, while gently mocking the idealized pastoral world.
The melancholy Jaques and the clown Touchstone comment ironically on love and human folly.
Rosalind
Rosalind has more lines than any other female character in Shakespeare. Her wit, warmth and intelligence dominate the play.
In Shakespeare's time, the part was played by a boy actor playing a woman disguised as a man, adding a further layer of play.
Anecdotes
The Globe
The play was probably written for the newly built Globe Theatre, whose motto, according to tradition, is echoed in the speech comparing the world to a stage.
Arden
The Forest of Arden recalls both the Ardennes of the play's source, a romance by Thomas Lodge, and the Forest of Arden in Warwickshire, where Shakespeare's mother's family came from.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Rosalind?
The banished daughter of the old duke, who disguises herself as a young man.
Where is most of the play set?
In the Forest of Arden.
What famous speech does the play contain?
The speech on the seven ages of man, spoken by Jaques.