# Scene V explained — As You Like It

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

## What happens

In the forest, Silvius pleads with Phebe not to scorn him, but she rebuffs him harshly. Rosalind, Celia, and Corin observe from behind. Rosalind intervenes, scolding Phebe for her pride and lack of beauty, and urges her to accept Silvius's love. Phebe becomes infatuated with Rosalind (disguised as Ganymede) instead. After Rosalind leaves, Phebe quotes Marlowe's line about love at first sight and decides to write a taunting letter to the youth, asking Silvius to deliver it.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

The scene explores unrequited love, the power dynamics of courtship, and the sudden onset of love at first sight, as Phebe falls for Ganymede.

### Disguise and Deception

Rosalind's male disguise as Ganymede leads to Phebe's mistaken attraction, creating a comic and ironic love triangle.

## Character check-ins

### Silvius

Pleads with Phebe for her love, is scorned, but agrees to carry her letter to Ganymede.

### Phebe

Rejects Silvius, is scolded by Rosalind, and falls in love with Ganymede at first sight.

### Rosalind

Disguised as Ganymede, chides Phebe for her pride and inadvertently attracts Phebe's affection.

### Celia

Present with Rosalind and Corin, observing the exchange.

### Corin

Accompanies Rosalind and Celia, watching the scene.

## Key lines

> Sweet Phebe, do not scorn me; do not, Phebe; Say that you love me not, but say not so In bitterness.

Gentle Phebe, don't reject me harshly; you can tell me you don't love me, but don't say it with cruelty.

_Silvius pleads for kindness even in rejection._

> Who ever loved that loved not at first sight?

Has anyone ever fallen in love without it happening at first sight?

_Phebe quotes Marlowe, acknowledging her sudden infatuation with Ganymede._

> I had rather hear you chide than this man woo.

I would prefer to listen to your scolding than to this man's courtship.

_Phebe tells Ganymede she prefers his angry words to Silvius's loving pleas._

## Links

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