# Scene IV explained — As You Like It

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

## What happens

In the Forest of Arden, Rosalind orchestrates the resolution of multiple romantic entanglements, revealing her identity and arranging marriages. Hymen blesses the unions, and Jaques de Boys brings news of Duke Frederick's conversion, leading to a joyful celebration.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

The chapter culminates in the resolution of romantic vows and the celebration of multiple marriages, emphasizing the comedic union of couples.

### Transformation and Renewal

Rosalind's revelation, Duke Frederick's conversion, and the restoration of lands signify profound personal and social renewal.

### Disguise and Deception

Rosalind's disguise as Ganymede is finally shed, revealing the truth that resolves the romantic conflicts.

## Character check-ins

### Rosalind

As Ganymede, she orchestrates the resolution of vows and reveals her true identity to her father and Orlando.

### Orlando

Agrees to marry Rosalind when she is brought forth, and joyfully accepts her true identity.

### Duke Senior

Recognizes Rosalind as his daughter and welcomes her, then leads the celebration of weddings and the return to court.

### Phebe

Reluctantly accepts Silvius after realizing Ganymede is a woman, keeping her word.

### Silvius

Finally wins Phebe's hand as she agrees to marry him.

### Jaques

Observes the proceedings with characteristic melancholy, declines to join the dance, and decides to seek out the converted Duke Frederick.

## Key lines

> I have promised to make all this matter even.

I have pledged to resolve all these complications.

_Rosalind asserts her role as the orchestrator of the romantic resolutions._

> Your If is the only peacemaker; much virtue in If.

The word 'if' is the greatest peacemaker; it has great power.

_Touchstone humorously explains how conditional language can defuse quarrels._

> Wedding is great Juno’s crown: O blessed bond of board and bed!

Marriage is the highest honor from Juno: a sacred union of home and intimacy.

_Hymen's song celebrates the sanctity and joy of marriage._

> Duke Frederick, hearing how that every day Men of great worth resorted to this forest, Address’d a mighty power... was converted Both from his enterprise and from the world.

Duke Frederick, learning that worthy men gathered in the forest, raised an army to attack, but meeting a religious hermit, he repented and renounced his worldly ambitions.

_Jaques de Boys reports the unexpected conversion of Duke Frederick, resolving the external conflict._

## Links

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