Dear students, in this post we published William Shakespeare‘s As You Like It summary. It helps you in the time of quick revision before exam. Bengali Meaning of ‘As You Like It’ has already been published. Link of the Bengali Meaning of the text has been given at the last of the post. We hope it helps the students a lot.
As You Like It Summary
‘As You Like’ is one of the most famous comedies of William Shakespeare. The story mostly takes place in the Forest of Arden. The play begins with trouble in a noble family. Duke Senior, the rightful ruler, has been driven away from his kingdom by his younger brother, Duke Frederick. Duke Senior now lives peacefully in exile in the Forest of Arden with his faithful followers.
Meanwhile, at another noble household, young Orlando is being treated badly by his older brother, Oliver. Their father, Sir Rowland de Boys who is a friend of Duke Senior, has died. Oliver refuses to give Orlando a proper education or bring up with proper care. Orlando, however, grows up a strong, brave and fine man.
In Duke Frederick’s court lives Rosalind who is the daughter of Duke Senior. Even though her father has been banished, Duke Frederick allows her to stay in the court because she is a close friend of his own daughter, Celia. Rosalind meets Orlando when he competes with a professional wrestler in a wrestling match at the court. Orlando wins the match. Rosalind gives him her gold chain and both of them fall in love almost instantly. However, their happiness is short-lived. Duke Frederick suddenly is displeased with Rosalind and orders her to join her father in the forest.
Being a true friend, Celia decides to run away with Rosalind to help her in search of the banished Duke. As it would be unsafe for two young ladies to travel alone in rich attire, Rosalind disguises herself as a young man named Ganymede and Celia dresses as a poor woman named Aliena. They set out for the Forest of Arden together.
Orlando also escapes to the forest after learning that his brother Oliver is plotting to burn him alive in his chamber. He takes Adam as a companion. In the forest, Orlando carves Rosalind’s name on tree trunks and writing love poems about her. After a few days Rosalind, still disguised as Ganymede, meets Orlando and recognizes him as he is wearing the gold chain. Rosalind pretends that she can cure him of being in love by making him practice wooing her. Orlando does not realize that Ganymede is actually Rosalind.
Meanwhile, there is also a change of heart for Oliver who comes to the forest searching for his brother. In the forest Orlando saves Oliver’s life from a lioness. Oliver begged his mercy and they finally make peace. Oliver then falls in love with Celia, still disguised as Aliena.
The Forest of Arden becomes a place of transformation. People learn lessons about kindness, love, and forgiveness. Duke Frederick has a sudden change of heart after meeting a holy man and decides to give back the dukedom to his brother, Duke Senior.
In the end, all the disguises are revealed. Rosalind removes her “Ganymede” costume and shows Orlando who she really is. Oliver marries Celia. Orlando and Rosalind are joyfully united.
The play closes with multiple weddings, the return of peace, and the restoration of rightful leadership. Duke Senior returns to power, but everyone has learned that life in the forest — away from the greed and jealousy of the court — can be simple, free, and full of joy.
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