As You Like It

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Comment on Shakespeare’s Use of Disguise in “As You Like It.”

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Comment on Shakespeare’s use of disguise in “As You Like It.”

William Shakespeare’s (1564-1616) use of disguise is crucial in his plays, especially in “As You Like It” (1623). In this play, disguise is significant because it helps characters escape danger, explore love, and express themselves more freely.

Escape Danger: Duke Frederick suddenly banishes Rosalind from his court. Rosalind disguises herself as a young man named “Ganymede” to start her adventure into the Forest of Arden. As a man, she feels safer and stronger. As she says to Celia: 

“In my heart

Lie there what hidden woman's fear there will,

We'll have a swashing and a martial outside.”

This means her male appearance will allow her to move freely without fear in the forest—strong and bold as men. Her cousin, Celia, also disguises herself as a poor woman named “Aliena”. This disguise allows her to live freely. Hence, disguise is a matte
r of safety and freedom in the play.

Testing Love: In the Forest of Arden, Rosalind meets Orlando whom she loves.  Through disguise, Shakespeare creates a funny experiment in love in the play. Her disguise (as Ganymede) allows her to test Orlando’s love for her. She pretends to be a "love doctor". She tests the sincerity of his feelings for her. She even teaches Orlando how to be a better partner.

Interesting Subplot: Shakespeare’s disguise has created an interesting subplot in this play. Phoebe, a shepherdess falls in love with Ganymede. She does not know Ganymede is actually a woman. Phoebe also rejects Silvius’ sincere love. She also sends Silvius to deliver a love letter to Ganymede. Ganymede warns Phoebe,

“I pray you, do not fall in love with me.”
This situation makes the audience burst out in laughter.

Again, when characters come into the Forest of Arden, they put off their mask/disguise of wealth and status of courtly life. Here they get the chance to live as real people. In the forest, they can roam as they please.

In conclusion, through disguise, characters escape their problems and learn more about themselves.

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