As You Like It is a pastoral comedy by William Shakespeare that was most likely written around 1598–1600. True to tradition of pastorals, the play involves exiles from urban or court life who flee to the refuge of the countryside, where they explore societal perceptions and realities. As You Like It examines questions that include court versus country, realism versus romance, reason versus mindlessness, nature versus fortune, expectations of male behavior versus those of female behavior, and those who are born into nobility versus those who acquire their social standing.

Summary

Read one-minute Sparklet summaries, the detailed scene-by-scene Summary & Analysis, or the Full Play Summary of As You Like It.

Characters

See a complete list of the characters in As You Like It and in-depth analyses of Rosalind, Orlando, and Jaques.

Literary Devices

Here's where you will find analysis of the key themes, motifs, and symbols in As You Like It.

Deeper Study

Go further in your study of As You Like It with background information about William Shakespeare and the play, as well as mini essays on important topics.