Next up on on tour of Shakespeare’s works is the widely popular “As You Like It”. If you want to read it before we talk about it, I suggest the Folgers edition. The play is one of Shakespeare’s most easy to understand and follow so just about any edition will do.
You want to watch for:
Themes of love, loyalty, and distrust.
How social norms and niceties give way to baser needs when the setting switches from the court to the forest of Arden.
How gender plays a role in moving the plot along, and the effects of preconceived ideas on gender roles are used.
Here you will find Shakespeare’s famous “Seven Ages of Man” speech.
It’s a fun play, but gives serious thought to the role of women as it pertains to their ability say and be what they want. Though all the women in this play are hyper-aware they are depended on men, they struggle to find their own voice and ultimately get what they want on their own terms.
Get ready! This weekend will be as you like it.
The View From Sari's World 