# Scene III explained — As You Like It

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

## What happens

Duke Frederick banishes Rosalind from court, and Celia vows to go with her. They devise a plan to flee to the Forest of Arden, with Rosalind disguising herself as a man named Ganymede and Celia as Aliena. They decide to take Touchstone along for comfort.

## Themes in this chapter

### Disguise and Deception

Rosalind and Celia adopt male and humble disguises to navigate the forest safely.

### Gender and Power

Rosalind's plan to dress as a man highlights the limitations placed on women and the power of male presentation.

### Love and Marriage

Rosalind's love for Orlando is revealed as a driving force behind her emotional turmoil.

## Character check-ins

### Rosalind

Banished by Duke Frederick; decides to disguise as Ganymede for safety.

### Celia

Refuses to be separated from Rosalind; chooses the alias Aliena and plans their flight.

### Duke Frederick

Banishes Rosalind from court, accusing her of treason by association.

### Touchstone

Mentioned as the clownish fool they plan to bring along for comfort.

## Key lines

> Beauty provoketh thieves sooner than gold.

Attractive appearance attracts criminals more readily than money does.

_Rosalind expresses concern about the dangers of traveling as beautiful women._

> I’ll put myself in poor and mean attire And with a kind of umber smirch my face; The like do you: so shall we pass along And never stir assailants.

I will dress in shabby clothes and darken my face with makeup; you do the same, so we can travel without attracting attackers.

_Celia proposes a disguise to avoid danger during their flight._

> Were it not better, Because that I am more than common tall, That I did suit me all points like a man?

Wouldn't it be better, since I am unusually tall, to dress completely as a man?

_Rosalind suggests a male disguise to enhance their safety._

## Links

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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/as_you_like_it_se/chapters