# Scene I explained — As You Like It

> Chapter companion for As You Like It by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Orlando complains to Adam about his mistreatment by his elder brother Oliver, who denies him education and inheritance. Oliver confronts Orlando, and after a heated exchange, Oliver plots with the wrestler Charles to harm Orlando in the upcoming wrestling match.

## Themes in this chapter

### Brotherly Conflict and Reconciliation

Orlando and Oliver's bitter quarrel over inheritance and education sets the stage for future reconciliation.

### Fortune and Nature

Orlando laments that nature's gifts are undermined by his brother's denial of proper upbringing, highlighting the tension between innate worth and social fortune.

## Character check-ins

### Orlando

Complains to Adam about his brother's neglect and confronts Oliver, asserting his rights as a gentleman.

### Adam

Loyal servant who listens to Orlando's grievances and tries to mediate between the brothers.

### Oliver

Orlando's elder brother who denies him education and plots with Charles to harm him.

### Charles

The duke's wrestler who informs Oliver of Orlando's intention to wrestle and agrees to injure him.

### Dennis

Oliver's servant who announces Charles's arrival.

## Key lines

> As I remember, Adam, it was upon this fashion bequeathed me by will but poor a thousand crowns, and, as thou sayest, charged my brother, on his blessing, to breed me well: and there begins my sadness.

Orlando recalls that his father's will left him only a small inheritance and instructed Oliver to provide him a good upbringing, which is the source of his unhappiness.

_Orlando's opening speech establishes his grievance and the central conflict of the scene._

> I am no villain; I am the youngest son of Sir Rowland de Boys; he was my father, and he is thrice a villain that says such a father begot villains.

Orlando defends his honor, asserting his noble lineage and rejecting Oliver's insult.

_Orlando's defiance underscores his pride and the theme of brotherly conflict._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/as_you_like_it_se/chapters/act-i-scene-i
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/as_you_like_it_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/as_you_like_it_se/chapters