As You Like It

As You Like It

1. Describe in your own words the life of the Duke in the Forest of Arden.

Ans. ‘As You Like It’ starts with a great description of the life at the Forest of Arden. Being banished from his dukedom by his younger brother, the lawful Duke took a refuge in the Forest of Arden. There he along with his faithful followers spent a lazy and relaxing life. It was more enjoyable and relaxing than the life of a court. The more they spent the more they got accustomed to this lazy life. They eased away their time by watching the gambol of the forest-deer and repenting upon preying them for food. This leisurely life was rightly compared to the life of Robin Hood of England.

2. What were the lessons the Duke got from the Nature?

Ans. The Duke got a deep philosophy from the life in close contact with the nature.  To him chilling winds in winter days were true counselors. There is no flattery in it and mirrors the true bad condition. These are devoid of unkindness and ingratitude. Adversities have a beneficial role in our life. So according to him we should find tongues in trees, books in the flowing streams, sermons in stones and good in everything.

3. What was the reaction of the present Duke after the completion of the wrestling match?

Ans. The very first opening of the story deals with an uneven wrestling match between a practiced wrestler and an inexperienced young man, Orlando. But at last Orlando defeated his opponent in such a way that for some time he could not even walk. This victory of Orlando made everybody stunned. Even the Duke Fredrick was very pleased with the youth’s skill and courage. He was also eager to know his identity. But after knowing that Orlando was the son of Sir Rowland de Boys, a friend of the banished Duke, his first reaction turned upside down. He was displeased and wished him to be the son of someone else.

4. Sketch the character of Orlando.

Ans. Orlando is the protagonist of the story “As You Like It”. He was the youngest son of Sir Rowland De Boys. He was handsome, gentle, good mannered and courageous. Despite being ill-treated by his elder brother, Oliver, he grew to be a fine man. He defeated a practiced wrestler in the very beginning of the story. He was a romantic lover and did much thoughtless deed to win his love. He was very kind and generous man. The story was ended with the patching up of two brothers and his marriage with Rosalind.

5. “when all the persons were eagerly waiting for a miracle to happen....” ---- What was the miracle and how did it happen?

Ans. The ‘miracle’ refers to Ganymede’s claim that by her magical power she could bring Rosalind before them. It is nothing but a dramatic way to disclose of Rosalind’s disguise.

At the time of going to the Forest of Arden Rosalind disguised herself to be a country lad, named Ganymede. But at the end of the story when time came for reconciliation, she needed to come out of her camouflage. So she made a plan of ‘miracle’ which she said of learning from her uncle and going into the cottage she disclosed herself and married with Orlando.