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.
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
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the use of symbolism in William Shakespeare's "As You Like It," specifically focusing on the dichotomy between the court and the Forest of Arden. The research aims to demonstrate that the forest functions not merely as a physical setting, but as a symbolic space for introspection, self-knowledge, and the restoration of human warmth.
- The symbolic contrast between the corrupt court and the restorative Forest of Arden.
- The representation of the Forest of Arden as a journey into the self.
- Analysis of natural and worldly symbols, including clothing and physical appearance.
- Exploration of different facets of love as a central thematic element.
- The role of the forest in redefining moral standards and character transformation.
Excerpt from the Book
The description of the court and its predominating mood
In order to find a satisfactory answer to the question ‘What is The Forest Of Arden?’, it is to my mind necessary to find out what it is not. It is certainly not the court, on the contrary, it is everything but the court. But hold on, is this really true? Is the court really the opposite of the forest? I suppose that it is not as easy as that, especially as, in the end, nobody stays in the forest and the whole lot of let me call them ‘excursionists’ return to the court, except of course those in need of morality, that is Duke Frederik, and Jaques whose position in life is not established and who succumbs to his melancholy and depressions. I think that the relationship between court and forest is not of contrary but rather of alternate and complementary character. The forest can render what slowly but surly gets lost at court after some time: harmony and contentment. Instead, there are now discontent, envy, mistrust and malevolence. These bad qualities that gradually come to light tend to destroy the natural order ordained by God.
Summary of Chapters
I Introduction: The author outlines the scope of the paper, emphasizing the symbolic significance of the Forest of Arden as a space for love and self-discovery rather than just a literal location.
II Scenery and setting in As You Like It: This chapter analyzes the opposing atmospheres of the wicked court and the restorative forest, framing the forest as a catalyst for moral re-evaluation.
III Concrete symbols in the play and their meaning: The author details specific symbolic elements including nature metaphors, the various expressions of love, and worldly markers like clothing to illustrate the characters' development.
IV Conclusion: The paper concludes that the forest serves as an subjective experience, leaving the ultimate meaning of the play open to individual interpretation.
Keywords
Symbolism, As You Like It, William Shakespeare, Forest of Arden, Court, Introspection, Self-knowledge, Pastoral, Love, Imagery, Metaphor, Character transformation, Renaissance drama.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research focuses on analyzing the symbolic function of settings and objects in William Shakespeare's play "As You Like It," specifically how the forest acts as a catalyst for character growth.
What are the main thematic fields explored?
The main themes include the dichotomy between the court and the forest, the nature of pastoral existence, the portrayal of various forms of love, and the function of social status symbols.
What is the central research question?
The work attempts to answer "What is the Forest of Arden?" by examining whether it represents a concrete physical space or a symbolic state of mind.
Which scientific approach is utilized?
The author employs literary analysis and critical interpretation, referencing Shakespearean scholarship to support the investigation into symbolic imagery.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body treats the comparison between the courtly and forest settings, the symbolic weight of clothing and hands, and the nuanced analysis of love relationships throughout the play.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include symbolism, Forest of Arden, introspection, pastoral, social status, and Shakespearean comedy.
How does the author interpret the character of Jaques?
The author views Jaques as a melancholy figure who stands apart from the other characters, often serving as a cynical observer who struggles with his own disposition.
What is the author's conclusion regarding the play's title?
The author concludes that the title "As You Like It" reflects the play's totality and the fact that the Forest of Arden provides a subjective experience that differs for every reader.
- Quote paper
- Benjamin Foitzik (Author), 2000, Symbolism in William Shakespeare's As You Like It, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/12127
