As You Like It

"As You Like It" by William Shakespeare is a play from the late 16th century that falls under the genre of romantic comedy. The narrative explores themes of love, identity, and the contrast between court life and pastoral life. It primarily revolves around Rosalind, the daughter of a banished duke, who disguises herself as a young man in the Forest of Arden, where she encounters various characters, including her love interest, Orlando. The opening of the play introduces us to the familial tensions between Orlando and his older brother, Oliver, who mistreats him and keeps him from receiving a noble upbringing. Orlando expresses his frustration, feeling like a mistreated servant rather than a respected son. We also learn about the upcoming wrestling match between Orlando and a seasoned wrestler, Charles, and how Oliver wishes to prevent Orlando from competing. Meanwhile, in the court, we meet Rosalind and her cousin Celia, discussing their close friendship and Rosalind's sorrows over her banished father. The stage is set for their eventual escape to the Forest of Arden, where love and comedy intertwine in their quest for happiness and identity. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet and actor. He is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon". His extant works, including collaborations, consist of some 39 plays, 154 sonnets, three long narrative poems and a few other verses, some of uncertain authorship. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. Shakespeare remains arguably the most influential writer in the English language, and his works continue to be studied and reinterpreted.