As You Like It · Chapter
Scene I explained
Duke Senior, exiled in the Forest of Arden, reflects on the sweetness of a life free from courtly pomp and flattery, finding value in adversity.
What happens
Duke Senior, exiled in the Forest of Arden, reflects on the sweetness of a life free from courtly pomp and flattery, finding value in adversity. He and his followers discuss the melancholy Jaques, who moralizes over a wounded stag, criticizing the usurpation of nature by humans. Duke Senior expresses a desire to engage with Jaques in his contemplative mood.
Themes in this chapter
Court vs. Country
Duke Senior contrasts the 'painted pomp' and 'envious court' with the freedom and sincerity of life in the forest.
Melancholy and Philosophy
Jaques' melancholic moralizing over the wounded stag exemplifies philosophical reflection on suffering and human usurpation.
Characters to notice
- Duke Senior
Duke Senior leads his exiled companions in the Forest of Arden, praising the natural life and expressing a wish to converse with Jaques.
- Amiens
Amiens accompanies Duke Senior and comments on the Duke's ability to find sweetness in fortune's stubbornness.
- Jaques
Jaques is described as melancholy, moralizing over a wounded stag and criticizing the usurpation of nature.
Key passages
“Sweet are the uses of adversity, Which, like the toad, ugly and venomous, Wears yet a precious jewel in his head;”
Adversity has sweet benefits, like a toad that is ugly and poisonous but carries a precious jewel in its head.
Duke Senior expresses that hardship contains hidden value.
“Thus most invectively he pierceth through The body of the country, city, court, Yea, and of this our life, swearing that we Are mere usurpers, tyrants and what’s worse, To fright the animals and to kill them up In their assign’d and native dwelling-place.”
Jaques bitterly criticizes the country, city, court, and all of human life, accusing us of being usurpers and tyrants who frighten and kill animals in their natural homes.
The First Lord reports Jaques' harsh condemnation of human encroachment on nature.