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As You Like It · Chapter

Scene VI explained

Orlando and Adam, exhausted and starving in the Forest of Arden, stop to rest.

What happens

Orlando and Adam, exhausted and starving in the Forest of Arden, stop to rest. Adam collapses, believing he will die, but Orlando encourages him to hold on while he searches for food, promising to carry him to shelter.

Themes in this chapter

  • Brotherly Conflict and Reconciliation

    Orlando's loyalty to Adam mirrors the familial bonds that contrast with his brother Oliver's cruelty.

Characters to notice

  • Orlando

    Shows compassion and determination as he comforts and supports the dying Adam, vowing to find food or die trying.

  • Adam

    Weak and starving, he resigns himself to death but is encouraged by Orlando to hold on.

Key passages

  • “Dear master, I can go no further. O, I die for food! Here lie I down, and measure out my grave.”

    Adam tells Orlando he cannot continue and is dying from hunger, so he lies down to await death.

    Adam's despair highlights the physical toll of their flight into the forest.

  • “If this uncouth forest yield any thing savage, I will either be food for it or bring it for food to thee.”

    Orlando declares he will either find food for Adam or become food for the wild animals himself.

    Orlando's vow underscores his selfless devotion to Adam.

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