As You Like It is a pastoral comedy by William Shakespeare believed to have been written in 1599. It follows its heroine Rosalind as she flees persecution in her uncle s court, accompanied by her cousin Celia to find safety and, eventually, love, in the Forest of Arden. In the forest, they encounter a variety of memorable characters, notably the melancholy traveller Jaques who speaks many of Shakespeare s most famous speeches (such as All the world s a stage , too much of a good thing and A fool! A fool! I met a fool in the forest ). Jaques provides a sharp contrast to the other characters in the play, always observing and disputing the hardships of life in the country. The play remains a favourite among audiences and has been adapted for radio, film, and musical theatre. Here is a high-quality summary of the play, in a clear and practical format, as a help for study and an accessible way to discover Shakespeare s work.
