Exploring the Significance of 'As You Like It' in Shakespeare’s Play Corpus

Will Shakespeare's 'As You Like It' holds a special place in his extensive and varied corpus. It is one of the mature comedies, alongside 'Twelfth Night' and 'Much Ado About Nothing,' written during a period of significant creativity and power in Shakespeare's career. This period saw the creation of some of his most iconic works, including 'Julius Caesar,' 'Hamlet,' and 'Henry V.' 'As You Like It' is often argued to be one of the high points in Shakespeare's playwriting, alongside his later romances.

Understanding 'As You Like It'

'As You Like It' is one of the sweeter and less 'edgy' comedies in Shakespeare's repertoire. It sets the pastoral realm of the forest of Arden against the intrigues of court life, with the intrigue even occasionally spilling over into the idyllic forest. This play is one of the last of Shakespeare's sweet, hopeful comedies, marking a shift towards more complex themes in his later works.

One of the most famous and frequently misinterpreted passages from 'As You Like It' is the "Seven Ages of Man" speech. While this speech is often extracted from its dramatic context and treated as an independent poem, it is crucial to remember that it is deeply embedded within the play. This famous speech showcases the humanistic and philosophical nature of Shakespeare's comedies, reflecting on the human experience and the stages of life.

The Significance of 'As You Like It'

The significance of 'As You Like It' in Shakespeare's play corpus is multifaceted. It is a superb play that explores themes of identity, role-playing, and the artificiality of identity. However, the play does not explore these themes with the same depth and bitterness as 'Hamlet' and 'King Lear.' The resolutions in 'As You Like It' do not bring the same level of exploration into the consequences and bitter outcomes of such identities as seen in the tragedies and late romances.

Many argue that 'As You Like It' is the last 'innocent' play in Shakespeare's corpus, yet whether any play by Shakespeare can truly be considered wholly innocent is open to debate. This play demonstrates a lighter side of Shakespeare's talent, making it accessible and appealing to a wide audience while still maintaining his signature literary depth.

Comedy in Shakespeare's Canon

It is interesting to consider the place of comedies in the canon of a playwright known for both tragedies and historical dramas. Comedies often serve as a counterbalance, providing the audience with lighter fare and a different type of emotional satisfaction. However, even in comedy, Shakespeare's innate ability to delve into complex human experiences and themes remains.

Shakespeare's comedies, like 'As You Like It,' are unique in the way they blend humor, romance, and philosophical musings. Works such as 'As You Like It' offer a respite from the heavy themes found in the tragedies and historical dramas, allowing the audience to enjoy a more lighthearted and optimistic outlook on human nature.

In conclusion, 'As You Like It' stands as a testament to Shakespeare's versatile and profound mastery of the English language and human nature. Its significance in the corpus of Shakespeare's works cannot be understated, as it not only stands as a beloved and accessible comedy but also reflects the deeper human experiences that Shakespeare explored in all of his dramas.

Keywords: As You Like It, Shakespeare, Elizabethan Comedy