As You Like It

Shakespeare drew the story for As You Like It from a story called “Rosalynde, Euphues’ Golden Legacy” written by Thomas Lodge and published in 1590. In Shakespeare’s version, Frederick has usurped the Duchy and exiled his older brother, referred to only as the Duke. The Duke’s daughter Rosalind has been permitted to remain at court because she is the closest friend of Frederick’s only child, Celia. Orlando, a young gentleman of the duchy who has fallen in love with Rosalind, is forced to flee his home after being persecuted by his older brother, Oliver. Frederick becomes angry and orders Rosalind to flee his court. Celia and Rosalind decide to flee together accompanied by the jester Touchstone, with Rosalind disguised as a young man.