Plot Line Revealed in Act 1 of Shakespeare’s As You Like It :: Shakespeare As You Like It Essays

The spread scene of Shakespeares As You Like It, in which there is nothing light hearted, is completely expositive and contrived but fulfilling its function of revealing the plot line to the audience. The point that Shakespeare uses this kind of dramatic technique in the first scene doubly shows that he wants to tiller the wickedness of Oliver perfectly clear. The action starts when Orlando, the jr. buddy decides to rebel against the oppression of his older brother, who is treating him like a common pheasant. He tells Oliver The spirit of my father, which I think is within me, begins to mutiny against this servitude. I will no longer endure it, yet I know no wise remedy how to avoid it. Orlandos complaints are completely justified, as Oliver is mean spirited and malicious in the treatment of Orlando, which the audience fag clearly see from this opening scene. Oliver appears cold and distant when he speaks with Orlando Now, sir, what make you here? -And this contrasts greatly with the sisterly bond between Rosalind and Celia. Orlando approaches Oliver with defiance and a confrontational attitude, arousing the audiences interest at this quarrel, and establishing his part assertive, honest and bold, a character that every audience will like and take an interest in. Oliver as well shows that he is adept in the wordplay matches the play holds. Orlando and Oliver exchange a good deal verbal sparring in the first scene, including when Orlando seizes his brother by the throat, Oliver exclaims, wilt thou lay hands on me, villain? Orlando picks up the base meaning of these words, that he is a person of ignorable birth and replies, I am no villain I am the younger son of Sir Rowland de Boys he was my father, and is thrice a villain that says such a father begot villains. Shakespeare uses an perverted device to portray information to the audience by using the two quarrelling brothers. In Olivers soliloquy we can almost anticipate that he is planning somethin g against Orlando I hope I shall see an end of him The opening scene begins with conflict and tension, which arouses interest in the audience. It also presents us with rigid character interactions and strong feelings jealousy, hatred and wickedness, all of which are appealing for anyone honoring the play. The theme of injustice also entices the audience and the fact that Oliver is planning against his younger brother is particularly interesting.