Tuesday, September 4, 2012
"As You Like It": Blurring the Lines of Traditional Family Ties
While reading Act I of William Shakespeare's "As You Like It," I was surprised by the lack of traditional familial relationships between the characters. Celia and Rosalind's relationship is unlike the family ties we are accustomed to now-a-days. For example, the two sleep in the same bed and profess their love for each other. On the other end of the relationship spectrum, Oliver and Orlando's brotherly relationship is anything but loving. The elder denies the younger an education, and Oliver verbally addresses his desire for Orlando to be dead. The relationship the brothers have is more similar to that shared between mortal enemies than family. I am curious as to how the relationships will develop throughout the duration of the play.
1 comment:
It seems that this also goes to show how identity can define a person. These individuals seem to allow their family history define them. I believe it is a good thing that Orlando is wrestling against Charles in order to allow himself to be his own person. Along with that, I am intrigued to see how Rosalind and Celia's adventure will ensue. It is all a matter of choice and opinion I suppose.
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