As You Like It Hero

As You Like It: Exploring the Elusive Hero in Shakespeare's Pastoral Comedy

Shakespeare's As You Like It, a pastoral comedy brimming with wit, romance, and philosophical musings, presents a unique challenge to readers and critics alike: identifying its central hero. Unlike tragedies with their clearly defined protagonists grappling with monumental flaws, As You Like It offers a more nuanced and arguably polyphonic approach to heroism. This article delves into the complexities of heroism within the play, examining various characters and their claims to the title, ultimately arguing that the play's strength lies not in a single heroic figure, but in the collective journey towards self-discovery and reconciliation.

Rosalind: The Unconventional Heroine

Rosalind, the witty and quick-witted daughter of the banished Duke Senior, is often considered the closest the play has to a central protagonist. Her intelligence, resilience, and capacity for disguise propel the plot forward. She cleverly navigates the treacherous court of Duke Frederick, masking her identity as Ganymede to protect herself and her cousin Celia. Rosalind's intelligence is not merely cleverness; it's a tool for survival and self-preservation in a world where female agency is severely limited. Her disguise allows her to experience a freedom unavailable to her in her true identity, granting her agency and control over her own narrative.

However, labelling Rosalind as the sole hero diminishes the contributions of other characters. While her resourcefulness and wit are undeniable strengths, her heroic actions are often motivated by romantic love and the desire for social restoration. Her manipulation of Orlando and the other characters, although often humorous, raises questions about her methods. Is deception a heroic quality, or a morally grey area? The play doesn't offer easy answers, suggesting that Rosalind's heroism, like that of other characters, is multifaceted and complex. Her journey is one of self-discovery, where her wit and intelligence become tools for navigating both romantic and social complexities, but it's not devoid of flaws or morally ambiguous choices.

Orlando: The Noble but Naive Hero

Orlando, the son of Sir Rowland de Boys, represents a different type of hero – the noble but somewhat naive romantic. His strength lies in his unwavering love for Rosalind and his inherent goodness. He's often portrayed as a victim of circumstance, subjected to the cruelties of his brother, Oliver. Orlando's strength is physical and emotional – his wrestling prowess symbolizes his inherent nobility, and his perseverance in the face of adversity displays his resilience.

However, Orlando’s journey is less about agency and more about transformation. He’s passive in many respects, relying on others, particularly Rosalind in her guise as Ganymede, for guidance and emotional support. His emotional dependence and vulnerability, though realistic, limit his claim to the title of a traditional, self-sufficient hero. His heroic qualities are displayed more through his inherent goodness and his capacity for growth and change rather than through decisive actions he initiates himself.

Duke Senior: The Wise and Forgiving Father Figure

Duke Senior, banished from his rightful dukedom, embodies a different kind of heroism: the acceptance of adversity and the cultivation of inner peace. He finds solace in the Forest of Arden, building a community based on love, friendship, and harmony with nature. His leadership in the forest isn't forceful; it’s based on his wisdom, his generous spirit, and his ability to inspire loyalty and contentment.

Duke Senior’s heroism lies in his resilience and his ability to create a haven of peace amidst the turmoil of the court. He doesn't actively fight for his restoration, choosing instead to find contentment in his exile. His ultimate triumph is less about reclaiming his dukedom and more about demonstrating the power of inner strength and resilience in the face of adversity. His wisdom and acceptance serve as a quiet but potent force for good within the play.

Touchstone: The Cynical Observer and Unexpected Source of Wisdom

Touchstone, the clown, is a fascinating character who challenges the conventional notion of heroism. While he's not a physically powerful or emotionally driven figure, his sharp wit and cynical observations offer a different kind of heroism: the courage to speak truth to power. His role is that of a social commentator, his jests often highlighting the follies of the court and the artificiality of social conventions.

Touchstone’s cynicism, however, is tempered by his unexpected capacity for genuine affection and his pragmatic approach to life. He acts as a foil to the romantic idealism of Orlando and Rosalind, offering a contrasting perspective that adds layers of depth to the play's exploration of love and happiness. His wisdom, though delivered through sarcasm and wit, offers a grounded perspective amidst the romantic idealism of the forest. He represents a different form of heroism – the intellectual courage to challenge societal norms and offer a unique lens through which to view the world.

Celia: The Loyal Friend and Unsung Heroine

Celia, Rosalind’s cousin and loyal companion, often gets overlooked in discussions of heroism. Her unwavering loyalty to Rosalind, her willingness to sacrifice her own comfort and safety for her cousin, and her ability to maintain a positive spirit even amidst adversity, contribute significantly to the play's positive outcome. She is not the central driving force of the plot, but her support and companionship are crucial to Rosalind’s journey.

Celia’s heroism is quieter and less flamboyant than Rosalind's. She is a steadfast friend and a source of unwavering support, which arguably contributes more to the collective well-being and resolution of the play than any individual act of daring or manipulation.

The Forest of Arden: A Symbol of Collective Heroism

The Forest of Arden itself can be seen as a symbol of collective heroism. It's a refuge from the corrupt court, a space where exiled characters find freedom, self-discovery, and ultimately, reconciliation. The community forged within the forest, based on mutual respect, love, and shared experiences, is a testament to the power of human connection and the collective triumph over adversity.

The transformation of the characters within this idyllic setting highlights the power of nature, community, and self-reflection in fostering personal growth and societal harmony. The forest acts as a catalyst for the positive change experienced by many of the characters, underscoring the notion of collaborative growth and shared accomplishment.

Conclusion: A Chorus of Heroes

As You Like It ultimately avoids the trope of a single, dominant hero. Instead, it presents a chorus of characters, each contributing to the play's overall theme of self-discovery, reconciliation, and the celebration of love and friendship. Rosalind's wit, Orlando's nobility, Duke Senior's wisdom, Touchstone's cynicism, and Celia's loyalty all play essential roles in the play's resolution. The Forest of Arden itself acts as a catalyst for this collective heroism, providing a space for transformation and the forging of a more harmonious community.

The play's enduring appeal lies in its exploration of the multifaceted nature of heroism, suggesting that true heroism isn't confined to individual acts of grandeur but can be found in resilience, loyalty, wisdom, and the capacity for self-reflection and growth, collectively contributing to a more positive and harmonious world. It's this collective heroism that makes As You Like It a truly remarkable and enduring work of art. The absence of a singular hero allows the audience to engage with the various characters and their struggles, making the play’s message of self-discovery and the importance of human connection more profound and relatable.