Shakespeares As You Like It - The Transformation of Rosalind :: Shakespeare As You Like It Essays

As You deal It  The Transformation of Rosalind                    Many characters undergo a change in William Shakespe ars play, As You Like It.  Duke Senior goes from being a member of a court to being a member of a forest.  Orlando changes from a bitter younger brother to a love-sick young man. But the most obvious transformation undergone, is done by Rosalind.  Her change from woman to man, not only alters her mood, candor, and gender, but allows her to be the master of ceremonies.         Celia and Rosalind are fairly happy in the court of Celias father, Duke Frederick.  However, much to her surprise, the Duke banishes Rosalind from his court.  Celia, not allowing her beloved cousin to go it alone, concludes to accompany her to where ever she  may roam.  They decide to search out Rosalinds father, Duke Senior, in the forest of Arden.&nb sp Before they depart, Rosalind decides that for both her and Celias safety, she will dress herself as a man, saying,                   Were it not better,                 Because that I am more than common tall,                 That I did suit me all points like a man?                 A gallant curtal ax upon my thigh,                 A boar gig in my hand, and- in my hear                 Lie there what hidden womans fear there will-                 Well have a swashing and a martial outside,               &n bsp As many other mannish cowards have                 That do outface it with their semblances.                 (13 ll. 112-120)   At first glance, this transformation is a mere change of clothes and the addendum of weapons, but it goes much deeper.         To Rosalind, the taking on of a mans appearance requires certain things.  She believes that while dressed as a man, she cannot bring bewilder to the image of a man.  A good example of this is in Act 2, Scene 4, where she says, I could find in my heart to disgrace my mans/ apparel and to cry like a woman but I must comfort/ the weaker