As You Like It: Language and Writing

As You Like It: Language and Writing explores Shakespeare's best-known comedy, examining literary and theatrical contexts, language forms, and historical changes. It offers activities to enhance students' understanding and critical skills.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 03 June 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

As You Like It: Language and Writing delves into one of Shakespeare's renowned comedies, exploring the literary and theatrical contexts in which the playwright
playwright
was written. It examines in depth the various forms of language used in the play and considers how language and meaning have evolved over time, influenced by performances. Each chapter includes a Writing Matters section that offers suggestions for activities to further enhance students' understanding of the play. This comprehensive guide to Shakespeare's popular comedy equips students with the critical skills to analyze its language, structure, and themes and to expand and enrich their own responses to the play.

Shakespeare's As You Like It is a comedic masterpiece that delves into the complexities of love, loyalty, and identity. Set in the forest of Arden, the play revolves around the character of Rosalind, a young woman who disguises herself as a man to escape the persecution of her uncle, Duke Frederick. Rosalind's journey is filled with humor, romance, and adventure, as she navigates through a series of misunderstandings and conflicts with her love interest, Orlando, and her cousin, Celia.

One of the key themes of the play is the power of language and the way it can shape our perception of the world. Shakespeare uses a variety of linguistic devices to convey meaning and emotion, including puns, irony, and metaphor. For example, Rosalind's disguise as a man is a metaphor for her ability to transcend gender boundaries and challenge societal norms. Orlando's love for Rosalind is characterized by his use of poetic language, which reflects his love for nature and his appreciation for the beauty of the world.

Another theme of the play is the importance of identity and the way we perceive ourselves and others. Rosalind's journey of self-discovery is a testament to the power of identity and the way it can shape our relationships with others. Through her disguise as a man, Rosalind learns to appreciate the qualities that make her unique and valuable, and she begins to see herself as a worthy partner for Orlando. Orlando, on the other hand, is forced to confront his own identity and his perception of Rosalind when he falls in love with her disguised as a man.

The play also explores the complexities of love and the ways in which it can be both destructive and transformative. Rosalind's love for Orlando is characterized by its purity and simplicity, and it is a love that transcends social and gender boundaries. However, Orlando's love for Rosalind is complicated by his loyalty to his friend, Rosalind's cousin, Celia. Celia's love for Orlando is also complicated by her loyalty to her father, Duke Frederick, who has banished Rosalind from the court.

The play also explores the role of power and the abuse of power. Duke Frederick's abuse of his power over Rosalind and Celia is a testament to the destructive nature of power when it is used for personal gain. Rosalind's ability to challenge Duke Frederick's power and expose his hypocrisy is a testament to the transformative power of love and the ability of individuals to rise above their circumstances.

In conclusion, Shakespeare's As You Like It is a comedic masterpiece that explores the power of language, identity, love, loyalty, and power. Through its witty dialogue, complex characters, and thoughtful themes, the play offers a rich and nuanced exploration of human nature and the complexities of the human experience. Whether you are a student studying Shakespeare or a lover of literature, this play is a must-read for its timeless wisdom and its ability to inspire and challenge us.

Weight: 232g
Dimension: 138 x 217 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350120419