“As You Like It” is the only play of Shakespeare that I have actually seen on stage in a little theatre in Saxony. I was quite fascinated by this modern staging and therefore I decided that this play would be it for me. I really fell for Rosalind when I watched the play and so I will dedicate my research paper to her. To my mind, Rosalind is a very complex character and she is represented very humanlike, with deep insights into her soul, feelings and thoughts. She is a very sympathetic heroine which makes it easy to feel for and also with her. In the following chapter I will try to analyse her in three different ways. First I will have a closer look at the other characters trying to find out how they characterise Rosalind in their speeches and what they think of her. It will be interesting to see, in what way their opinions differ from each other or of course in what way they are similar. The second part will deal with Rosalind herself. As she is the main character, she does have to say quite a lot of things, be that wise, comical or emotional speeches. I will try to pick the most important ones and see what they reveal about Rosalind’s inner feelings and her character of course. The third and last part is about Rosalind’s non-verbal behaviour. I will try to find out something about her attitude towards other people and of course what all her actions tell us about herself. I will also try to find out some forboding things and the reasons for her doing. In my conclusion I will combine all my findings and sum them up so that there will be a (hopefully) complete picture of Rosalind’s character at the end.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Rosalind’s Character
2.1. Rosalind described by other characters
2.2. Rosalind as she describes herself
2.3. Explicit description by Rosalind
3. Conclusion
4. Bibliography
Research Objectives and Themes
This academic paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the character of Rosalind in William Shakespeare's play "As You Like It," exploring her complexity, emotional depth, and development throughout the narrative. By examining how she is perceived by others, how she expresses herself, and how her non-verbal behavior reveals her inner nature, the author seeks to construct a complete picture of the play's heroine.
- The characterization of Rosalind through the perspectives of other figures in the play.
- Rosalind’s self-expression, emotional intelligence, and witty repartee.
- The significance of Rosalind’s disguise as Ganymede and her non-verbal behavior.
- The evolution of Rosalind’s character and her role as the "prime mover" of the plot.
Excerpt from the Book
2.1. Rosalind In The Words Of Others
The first thing we learn about Rosalind, is something which is hidden in the words of Celia: “I praythee, Rosalind, sweet my coz, be merry.” (I, ii, 1). This introductory sentence let us know, that they both are related to each other, that they are in fact cousins, and that Rosalind is sad for some reasons, which are specified later in the text. It also tells us, that they both must have a close and sisterly relationship as Celia addresses Rosalind very kindly and gentle. This supposition is confirmed in the dialogue between the two cousins that follows that quotation and also in all the other scenes and acts, where the two of them appear, e.g. in I, iii, 68ff (Celia to her father, the new Duke):
If she be a traitor, Why so am I: we still have slept together, Rose at an instant, learn’d, play’d, eat together; And wheresoe’er we went, like Juno’s swans, Still we went coupled and inseparable.
Later on in the same scene Celia tells her dad, that she “cannot live out of her [Rosalind’s] company” (I, iii, 82) and she says to Rosalind: “Know’st thou not the Duke Hath banishe’d me, his daughter?” (I, iii, 90f). That also shows, that they are truly inseparable and that Celia thinks very highly of Rosalind. This attitude really seems to infect the audience/reader immediately and Rosalind becomes a very special heroine right from the start.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: The author explains the personal motivation for choosing the play and outlines the methodology for analyzing Rosalind’s character through the views of others, her own speech, and her actions.
2. Rosalind’s Character: This chapter provides a detailed examination of the heroine, focusing on how her reputation is constructed by others, her personal expressions, and the implications of her non-verbal behavior.
2.1. Rosalind described by other characters: This section investigates how various characters perceive Rosalind, noting that she is generally held in high regard and is seen as noble and charming, even by those who are considered antagonists.
2.2. Rosalind as she describes herself: The analysis shifts to Rosalind’s own words, demonstrating her wit, her vulnerability, and her evolving emotional state as the narrative progresses.
2.3. Explicit description by Rosalind: This section covers the behavioral aspects of the character, particularly her role as a leader and the strategic advantages she gains while disguised as Ganymede.
3. Conclusion: The paper synthesizes the findings, characterizing Rosalind as a complex, human-like, and highly influential figure who serves as the central force of the comedy.
4. Bibliography: A list of academic sources and editions used to support the research on Shakespeare’s play.
Keywords
William Shakespeare, As You Like It, Rosalind, character analysis, literature, comedy, Ganymede, Orlando, Celia, Elizabethan drama, heroine, disguise, characterization, gender roles, literary criticism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this paper?
The paper is primarily dedicated to analyzing the character of Rosalind in Shakespeare’s "As You Like It," exploring her personality, relationships, and development.
What are the main thematic areas covered in the analysis?
The themes include the perception of Rosalind by other characters, her own verbal expressions, her non-verbal behavior, and the strategic use of her disguise as Ganymede.
What is the primary goal of this research?
The goal is to provide a complete picture of Rosalind as a complex, multi-faceted heroine who evolves throughout the play.
Which methodology is used to evaluate Rosalind?
The author uses a three-fold approach: analyzing how others describe her, how she characterizes herself through her speech, and what her non-verbal actions reveal about her personality.
What is covered in the main body of the work?
The main body investigates specific scenes and dialogues, such as the relationship with Celia, the interaction with Orlando, and the significance of her disguise in moving the plot forward.
Which keywords best characterize this academic work?
The work is characterized by terms such as Shakespeare, Rosalind, character analysis, literature, and comedy.
Why does the author consider Rosalind a "prime mover" of the plot?
Rosalind is considered the prime mover because she actively influences the plot's development, especially through her disguise and her matchmaking efforts in the forest.
How does the author interpret Rosalind's behavior towards her father?
The author notes a surprising lack of visible excitement in Rosalind when she encounters her father, suggesting it might be an attempt to not hurt Celia's feelings or that her focus is entirely consumed by her love for Orlando.
- Quote paper
- Saskia Paasch (Author), 2004, The Character of Rosalind in Shakespeare's 'As You Like It', Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/32513
