SENIOR ENGLISH 243
Shakespeare in the World
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As You Like It
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READING #2 1.2-1.3
1.2
[In Celia’s wanting Rosalind to be happier, we get some more exposition about the banishment of Duke Senior, Rosalind’s
father, and the situation of Rosalind, along with the love that the two young women have for each other.]
1.
When Rosalind offers to change the subject, to “devise sports” (1.2.23-24), and asks Celia, “[W]hat think you of falling
in love” (24-25), how does Celia respond by making a pun with the word sport? And explain the direction she gives to
Rosalind about falling in love?
2.
The two women discuss Fortune, women, and Nature:
a. How are Fortune’s “benefits…mightily misplaced” (35)?
b.
How does Fortune “mistake…her gifts to women” (36)?
c.
Explain the difference, according to Rosalind, between Fortune and Nature. The discussion of Fortune lasts
until Celia addresses Touchstone; think through and discuss the importance of the difference.
[OPTIONAL/HONORS] “But if you swear by that that is naught, you are not forsworn” (75-76), says Touchstone, explaining
the knight swore on his honor about the pancakes and mustard. What’s he talking about?
3.
Work through the discussion between Celia and the fool Touchstone about foolishness and wisdom. What is the truth
Touchstone hits on that Celia acknowledges?
[OPTIONAL/HONORS] What does Duke Frederick ask of Celia and Rosalind when he says, “Speak to him ladies; see if you
can move him” (154-155)? (Who is him and why does he need to be moved?)
4.
In lines 176-186 (“I beseech you, punish me not with your hard thoughts”), Orlando makes the case to Celia and
Rosalind for not standing in his way of wrestling with Charles. What does his reasoning explain why he might have
chosen to wrestle Charles in the first place?
5.
Sir Rowland de Boys.
a. How does Duke Frederick respond to Orlando’s declaring himself to be “the youngest son of Sir Rowland de
Boys” (217-18)?
b.
6.
How should the audience use logic to view the character of Frederick—combined with Rosalind’s response to
the connection to Sir Rowland?
How is Orlando affected when Rosalind gives him a chain to wear as a reward and token of esteem? In addition, how is
the word overthrown doubly used by both Rosalind and Orlando for the audience’s benefit?
[OPTIONAL/HONORS] “Neither his daughter, if we judge by manners” (272). What more is said about Duke Frederick’s
character through this comment from his courtier, Le Beau?
[OPTIONAL/HONORS] Comment on the effect of the scene’s extra line—“But heavenly Rosalind!” (290)—after the couplet
that would normally complete it.
1.3
[OPTIONAL/HONORS] How does Rosalind joke when Celia asks her if she’s quiet because “all this [is] for [her] father”
(1.3.10)?
7.
Note the line that is also part of her response: “O, how full of briers is the working-day world!” (11-12). What is the
significance of this comment alongside the world of the forest that awaits them?
[OPTIONAL/HONORS] How does Celia reason that she “should hate” (31) Orlando?
8.
What could likely be the motivation for Duke Frederick’s sudden decision to banish Rosalind “from our court” (41)?
[Note the duke’s comment that impugns “all traitors”: “If their purgation did persist in words / They are as innocent as
grace itself” (55-57), remembering that one of Shakespeare’s greatest moments are his comments on the universal truths of
human experience.]
9.
Rosalind’s reasoning against the duke’s accusations of her treason (“I trust thee not” (58), says the duke) shows off her
rich intelligence. List two compelling points that she makes in her defense.
[Note Celia’s comment that implies that Duke Frederick’s usurping the throne was a long time ago: “I was too young at that
time” (74). How might this knowledge shape your view of Duke Senior’s banishment?]
[OPTIONAL/HONORS] Why does Duke Frederick call his daughter “a fool” (83 and 91) twice? (There are two reasons, the
first and the second.)
10. Explain Rosalind’s concern: “Beauty provoketh thieves sooner than gold” (116).
[OPTIONAL/HONORS] Look up the name Ganymede and quickly research his relationship with Jove/Jupiter, the king of the
gods. Why is this a significant name for Rosalind?
Passage of Interest
Look back at the questions and choose ONE question that you think represents the most interesting or significant moment of
the reading. Explain your reasoning.
OR choose ONE phrase or sentence from the reading that interests you for ANY reason and that you want to discuss with a
classmate, the teacher, or the entire class. Maybe it’s a line that you don’t understand. Write it down, along with the page
number and the explanation for your choosing it. FILL THE GIVEN LINES BELOW.