This is a paper on symbolism in Shakespeare’s As You Like It. I will especially emphasise the symbolic meaning or rather ‘allusion’ of The Forest Of Arden, and intend to go much further than to maintain that ‘The Forest Of Arden is an unreal place because there are and were no palm trees in England’. This is of course out of question and totally insignificant to the eventual aim of this paper.
At first, I will examine the different representations of court and forest in the play, which is supposed to support the assertion that the courtiers have to leave the wicked court in order to find again what has gone lost there: love and human warmth. Thus, I want to show that the forest has to be seen as a feeling, a spirit of love and self-knowledge.
Moreover, I am going to put forward concrete symbols in the play and their meaning in the context and with regard to the understanding of The Forest Of Arden. There is a wide range of different symbols, natural and worldly symbols, and of course symbols that are connected with love, which all contribute to the final message of the play, that is, that there is no clear message to it, which I hope I will be able to explain in this paper.
On the whole, the question that has to be answered looks simple but is to my mind very intricate and distinct since it is far too complex in its deeper meaning: ‘What is The Forest Of Arden?’ I want to impart the idea that The Forest is not meant as a symbol of something, but rather as a feeling, an attitude towards life. Thus, it is neither symbolic of love nor forgiveness nor renewal, but rather impersonates those qualities. It is not symbol but representative and epitome of, which is much more intensive.
However difficult an answer to the question above seems to be, answering it is unexpectedly easy, and this for one simple reason: everyone has to decide for him- or herself. I can only give suggestions, but what Arden means to oneself differs from person to person. Therefore, The Forest Of Arden is As You Like It.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- I Introduction
- II Scenery and setting in As You Like It
- i) The description of the court and its predominating mood
- ii) The Forest of Arden and its message
- III Concrete symbols in the play and their meaning
- i) Symbols describing and opposing court and forest
- ii) Symbols of love
- iii) Worldly symbols
- IV Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The objective of this paper is to explore the symbolism in Shakespeare's "As You Like It," particularly focusing on the symbolic representation of the Forest of Arden. The paper aims to move beyond simplistic interpretations and delve into the deeper meaning and significance of the forest as a representation of feelings and attitudes towards life, rather than a mere symbol of specific concepts.
- The contrasting representations of court and forest as settings.
- The symbolic meaning and significance of the Forest of Arden.
- Concrete symbols within the play and their contextual meaning.
- The role of pastoral conventions in the play's symbolism.
- The absence of a traditional plot structure in favor of thematic exploration.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
I Introduction: This introductory chapter lays out the paper's central argument: that the Forest of Arden in Shakespeare's "As You Like It" should not be understood as a symbol representing specific concepts like love or forgiveness, but rather as an embodiment of those qualities. It argues that Arden represents a feeling, an attitude, or a state of being, and that its meaning is subjective and open to individual interpretation. The author intends to analyze the contrasting depictions of court and forest, examine concrete symbols within the play, and ultimately explore the multifaceted nature of Arden's symbolic representation.
II Scenery and setting in As You Like It: This chapter delves into the contrasting portrayal of the court and the Forest of Arden. The court is described as a place of discontent, envy, mistrust, and malevolence, where the natural order is disrupted. In contrast, the forest is presented as a haven, a place of refuge where harmony and contentment can be found. The chapter emphasizes that Shakespeare uses the characters' actions and qualities to highlight this contrast, subtly guiding the audience to perceive the court as an oppressive and the forest as a liberating space. The chapter also touches upon the pastoral element of the forest, highlighting the contrast between the courtly characters and the simpler, more harmonious pastoral life.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Shakespeare, As You Like It, Symbolism, Forest of Arden, Court, Pastoral, Love, Self-Knowledge, Contrast, Theme, Setting, Subjectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Deep Dive into Symbolism in Shakespeare's "As You Like It"
What is the overall objective of this academic paper?
The paper aims to analyze the symbolism in Shakespeare's "As You Like It," specifically focusing on the Forest of Arden. It moves beyond simplistic interpretations to explore the deeper meaning and significance of the forest as a representation of feelings and attitudes towards life, rather than just specific concepts.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the contrasting representations of court and forest as settings; the symbolic meaning and significance of the Forest of Arden; concrete symbols within the play and their contextual meaning; the role of pastoral conventions in the play's symbolism; and the absence of a traditional plot structure in favor of thematic exploration.
How does the paper describe the contrasting settings of the court and the Forest of Arden?
The court is depicted as a place of discontent, envy, mistrust, and malevolence, where the natural order is disrupted. In contrast, the Forest of Arden is presented as a haven, a place of refuge where harmony and contentment can be found. The characters' actions and qualities highlight this contrast.
What is the significance of the Forest of Arden according to the paper?
The Forest of Arden is not viewed as a symbol representing specific concepts like love or forgiveness. Instead, it's presented as an embodiment of those qualities – representing a feeling, an attitude, or a state of being, with its meaning open to individual interpretation.
What types of symbols are analyzed in the paper?
The paper analyzes various concrete symbols within the play, exploring their contextual meaning and how they contribute to the overall symbolic landscape. These include symbols describing and opposing court and forest, symbols of love, and worldly symbols.
What is the role of pastoral conventions in the play's symbolism?
The paper examines how the pastoral elements of the Forest of Arden contrast with the courtly setting and characters, further highlighting the play's thematic concerns.
What is unique about the play's structure in relation to its themes?
The paper notes the play's departure from a traditional plot structure, emphasizing its focus on thematic exploration over a linear narrative.
What are the key chapters and their respective focuses?
The paper is structured into four chapters: an introduction laying out the central argument; a chapter on the scenery and setting, contrasting court and forest; a chapter on concrete symbols and their meaning; and a concluding chapter.
What keywords best summarize the paper's content?
Keywords include Shakespeare, As You Like It, Symbolism, Forest of Arden, Court, Pastoral, Love, Self-Knowledge, Contrast, Theme, Setting, and Subjectivity.
- Quote paper
- Benjamin Foitzik (Author), 2000, Symbolism in William Shakespeare's As You Like It, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/12127
