An improved, larger-format edition of the Cambridge School Shakespeare plays, extensively rewritten, expanded and produced in an attractive new design. The Rex Gibson active approach to classroom Shakespeare enables students to inhabit Shakespeare's imaginative world in accessible and creative ways, sharing Shakespeare's love of language, interest in character and sense of theatre. Substantially revised and extended, classroom activities are thematically organised in distinctive stagecraft, writing, language, characters and themes features. Expanded endnotes include extensive essay-writing guidance for 'As You Like It' and Shakespeare, and extended glossaries are aligned with the play text for easy reference. Includes rich, exciting colour photos of global performances of 'As You Like It'. Further support material available at www.cambridgeschoolshakespeare.com
This book is part of a book series called Cambridge School Shakespeare .
There are 216 pages in this book.
It is aimed at Young Adult readers. The term Young Adult (YA) is used for books which have the following characteristics: (1) aimed at ages 12-18 years, US grades 7-12, UK school years 8-15, (2) around 50-75k words long, (3) main character is aged 12-18 years, (4) topics include self-reflection, internal conflict vs external, analyzing life and its meaning, (5) point of view is often in the first person, and (6) swearing, violence, romance and sexuality are allowed.
This book was published in 2015 by Cambridge University Press .
Rene Weis is Professor of English at University College London and a distinguished editor and biographer of Shakespeare.
This book has the following chapters: Introduction; Photo gallery; List of characters; Act 1; Act 2; Act 3; Act 4; Act 5; Perspectives and themes; Contexts and sources; Characters; The language of As You Like It; As You Like It in performance; Writing about Shakespeare; Writing about As You Like It; Timeline; Acknowledgements.
This book contains the following story:
As You Like It
Shakespeare drew upon tales of Robin Hood for his play 'As you Like It.' Heroine Rosalind flees persecution from her uncles court and with her fellow exiles makes peace with the world, living out in the Forest of Dean.
"As You Like It" is a comedic play written by William Shakespeare, exploring themes of love, identity, and the complexities of human relationships.
Act 1: The play opens in the court of Duke Frederick, where Orlando, the younger son of Sir Rowland de Boys, is mistreated by his older brother, Oliver. Orlando decides to challenge his brother in a wrestling match to prove his worth. Meanwhile, Rosalind, the daughter of Duke Senior, has been banished from the court by her uncle Duke Frederick. Celia, Duke Frederick's daughter and Rosalind's cousin, decides to join her in exile.
Act 2: After defeating Charles, the court wrestler, Orlando catches the eye of Rosalind, who is disguised as a young man named Ganymede. Rosalind, along with Celia and Touchstone, the court jester, also goes into exile in the Forest of Arden. In the forest, they encounter shepherds, including Silvius, who pines for the love of the disdainful shepherdess Phoebe. Rosalind, disguised as Ganymede, offers to play the role of a love counselor for Silvius.
Act 3: Orlando, who is also in the forest, posts love poems for Rosalind on the trees, expressing his deep affection for her. Rosalind, disguised as Ganymede, decides to test Orlando's love for her by pretending to be Rosalind and engaging in role-playing and witty banter with him.
Act 4: Meanwhile, a group of exiled nobles, including Duke Senior, have found refuge in the Forest of Arden. Duke Senior's court becomes a haven for merriment and music. Rosalind continues her playful masquerade as Ganymede and manages to help others find love, including resolving the issues between Silvius, Phoebe, and her own feelings for Orlando.
Act 5: In the final act, all the characters converge in the forest, where misunderstandings and mistaken identities are resolved. Orlando and Rosalind's love is confirmed, and the couples are united in marriage. Duke Frederick, experiencing a change of heart, decides to restore his brother Duke Senior to the throne, making peace with his former enemies. The play concludes with a joyful celebration of love and reconciliation, as the characters prepare to return to the court for a life of happiness and harmony.
"As You Like It" is a delightful comedy that celebrates the transformative power of love and the joy of finding one's true identity. The play's exploration of gender roles and the nuances of human emotions, along with its witty wordplay and charming characters, make it one of Shakespeare's most beloved and lighthearted works.
This book features the following characters:
John Shakespeare
This book features the character John Shakespeare.
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was an English poet, playwright and actor. He wrote plays, sonnets and verse and is regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English Language. Son of a glove maker, he grew up in Stratford-upon-Avon. He married Anne Hathaway and had three children, though one died very young. Shakespeare left Stratford to pursue theatre in London, where he acted at the Globe Theatre, wrote and was part owner of a playing company called 'The Lord Chamberlein's Men' (later 'The King's Men').
Orlando
This book features Hale's character, Orlando.
Mary Arden
This book features the character Mary Arden.
Rosalind
This book features the character Rosalind.
Anne Hathaway
This book features the character Anne Hathaway.
