As you like it ------Title

As you like it

Title

Shakesperare’s titles are the high watermark of his talented genius. Consciously and unconsciously he gives the titles and gets the notes of crownage. While his tragedies get the names from the heroes, his comedies are the product of his fanciful mind and heart. His “Much Ado About nothing”, “Twelfth Night” or “What you will”, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, “Love’s Labour’s Lost”, “As you like it” are brightest jewels of his title framework. And now we see how “As you like it” is apt or not in the network of title gallery with the motion of thematic parodign.

Every writer seeks themes and titles from the varied fields. Here the title was probably suggested by a phrase in Lodge’s preface to his novel. The significance, of the title is apparent from the epilogue :

Every writer seeks themes and titles from the varied fields. Here the title was probably suggested by a pharase in Lodge’s preface to his novel. The significance, of the title is apparent from the epilogue :  

                              “I charge you, o women, for the love you bear to

                              Men, to like as much of this play as please

                              you; and I charge you, O men for the love you

                              Bear to women as ………..between you and the

                              Women the play may please.”

So, these words may remind us the magic choice of the title. The title is appropriate in the very core of the play. Here everyone gets the freedom to do as their likings and dislikings. A kind of moral note pervades the thesis. The Duke’s cheerfulness under adversity, oliver’s banishment order after orlando’s exit, the conversation of the unsurping Duke, the general triumph of love and reconciliation over revenge and hate-all are full of considerable moral import. Shakespeare gives freedom to everysphere of human life. He has not the special desire to teach mankind but this desire is fulfilled by the title he chooses. The moralist has the liberty to read and think as he will.

From the very beginning from the courts to the woods the characters like old Duke and his fallowers, Rosalind Celia, Touchstone – Trios, and Orlando —Adam mingle in the heart of forest of Arden. Rosalind and Celia leave the court’s travel of orden and security going—

                              ………….in content

                              To liberty and not to banishments . (I. (iii)

It is neither the careless golden world of the people’s imagination nor the ruffian world of Rosalind’s. we do indeed find contentment, but it has only been won by searching for new zeal—

……….tongues in trees, books in the running brooks,

Sermons in stones and good in everything. (II)

The sudden change of fortune, the repeatance of Oliver the conversion of Frederick to a religious life restoration of old duke’s rightful prosperity the spirit of adventure, the escapism, the disguishment are excellency in creating the love lorm romantic affair. Phebe’s eyes have power to an against Silvins as tyrants, butchers, murderers (III. V) but that is only because Silvins sees her in that way ; when she tries to entame Ganumede she is for Rosalind a tyrant who ‘exults’ in a power which only Silvins recognizes—

“This is not her glass, but you, that flatters she tells the youth—“

“And out of you she sees herself more proper

Than any of her lineaments can show her.”

Everyone becomes the citizen of love, romance and liberty. Everywhere there is the liberty to do and choose according to their charisma.

Gaiety and mirth, plenty of sweetness and sunny happiness are the touchstones of the play. Even the melancholy of Jaques is a study in “humour” and as such is intended to raise a laugh. The title seems to reflect this happy drift of the play which brings content to all. Everyone gets what he likes. The Duke gets his dukedom his lords get their  estates, the lovers get their lasses, and ‘nought goes ill’, as the proverb says.

So, shakespeare’s choice of title is the superb spontenaity of his literacy flavour “As you like it” pervades. Here “each acts as he pleases, every character according to its humour and caprice.” This humour and caprice of persons refreshes the fantastical character of the piece. Ulrici said that the title depends upon the characters and thinks that Shakespeare permits them in indulge in their own fancies  and to go wherever they please. So to conclude with Lodge’s words—

                              “To be brief gentlemen, room for a soldier and

                              a sailor, that gives you the fruits of his labours

                              he wrought in the ocean, where every line was

                              wet with a surge and every humourous passion

                              counterchecked with a storm. If you like it, so …..”

oh ! What an unification of lovers, brothers, ex and present Duke and nature’s festive freeness shower everywhere. And title is touchy and free to judge for everyone’s views.