Scene II explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Court vs. Country

  Duke Frederick's tyrannical court contrasts with the freedom sought by the runaways in the Forest of Arden.

• Disguise and Deception

  The ladies' flight and concealment set the stage for their later disguises in the forest.

Characters to notice

• Duke Frederick

  Furious at the disappearance of Rosalind and Celia, he orders a search and demands Oliver be brought to him.

• Rosalind

  Mentioned as one of the runaways; her bed was found empty in the morning.

• Celia

  Mentioned as having fled with Rosalind; her gentlewoman overheard them praising the wrestler.

• Touchstone

  Reported missing from court, believed to be accompanying the ladies.

• Orlando

  Suspected by Duke Frederick to be with the runaways due to the ladies' admiration of his wrestling victory.

• Oliver

  Ordered to be brought before Duke Frederick if Orlando cannot be found.

Key passages

• “Can it be possible that no man saw them? It cannot be: some villains of my court Are of consent and sufferance in this.”

  Duke Frederick cannot believe no one saw them leave and suspects courtiers helped them escape.

  Reveals the Duke's paranoia and the corruption he perceives in his own court.

• “The ladies, her attendants of her chamber, Saw her abed, and in the morning early They found the bed untreasured of their mistress.”

  Rosalind's attendants saw her in bed at night but found her bed empty in the morning.

  Highlights the mysterious and sudden nature of the flight.

• “Hisperia, the princess’ gentlewoman, Confesses that she secretly o’erheard Your daughter and her cousin much commend The parts and graces of the wrestler That did but lately foil the sinewy Charles.”

  Celia's maid admits she overheard the princess and Rosalind praising the wrestler who defeated Charles.

  Provides the Duke with a motive linking Orlando to the disappearance.