Evaluation of William Shakespeare's As You Like It as a Romantic Comedy.

Evaluation of William Shakespeare's As You Like It as a Romantic Comedy

William Shakespeare's “As You Like It” is a perfect example of a romantic comedy. "As You Like It" is considered a romantic comedy for several reasons. The play is characterized by its themes of love, humor and wit, Pastoral Setting, disguises and mistaken identities, and happy ending, etc. Here's a justification for "As You Like It" as a romantic comedy. It combines love, humor, and happy endings with a light-hearted tone. The play explores themes of love, identity, and nature.

 

1. Love and Romance:

Love is the central theme of the play. The story revolves around multiple love stories, especially between Rosalind and Orlando. Their love relationship shows the playful and irrational nature of love. The lovers face challenges but end up happily united. Rosalind says-

"Love is merely a madness" (Act 3, Scene 2).

 2. Humor and Wit:

The play, As You Like It, is filled with humor through witty dialogues, mistaken identities, and funny characters like Touchstone, the clown. His speech showcases the clever humor of the play. As we find-

"The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool" (Act 5, Scene 1)

 3. Pastoral Setting:

Pastoral Setting is a vital characteristic of a Romantic Comedy. The setting of As You Like It is Pastoral. The Forest of Arden is a peaceful, natural setting that allows characters to explore themselves freely. Duke Senior’s remarks highlight the simple and healing life away from the court. As we see- `

"Sweet are the uses of adversity" (Act 2, Scene 1),

 4. Disguises and Mistaken Identities:

Disguises and mistaken identities are another two important characteristics of a Romantic Comedy.  Rosalind disguises herself as a man named Ganymede which creates a series of comic misunderstandings. This disguise allows her to explore themes of love and gender roles from a unique perspective. Through her interactions, particularly with Orlando, the play examines the nature of romantic relationships. For instance, Rosalind says as Ganymede-

"Love is merely a madness." (Act III, Scene ii)

 5. Happy Ending:

Happy Ending is another important characteristics of a Romantic Comedy. In William Shakespeare's “As You Like It” all conflicts are resolved by the end, leading to a joyful conclusion marked by multiple marriages. This fulfills the hallmark of Shakespearean romantic comedies. The play ends with the marriages of Rosalind and Orlando, Celia and Oliver, and other couples. Rosalind says-

"To you I give myself, for I am yours." (Act V, Scene iv)

 In conclusion, it can be said that these elements collectively justify "As You Like It" as a romantic comedy which blends love, humor, and a pastoral setting to create a timeless and enjoyable play. As You Like It celebrates love, laughter, and life. It teaches that love can be silly and unpredictable but is always rewarding. With its humor, romance, and happy ending, it remains a timeless romantic comedy.