English 101
Write a reflection essay based on the following prompt:
In pastoral literature, the countryside is not simply a place. Rather, it takes on symbolic weight—for it reflects certain dreams and values of the author. What does the Forest of Arden symbolize in As You Like It? (There are various possible answers to this question, so you only need to offer a plausible interpretation.)
250+ words (not including direct quotations
ANSWER
The Forest of Arden in As You Like It
As You Like It is one of Shakespeare’s many plays. In the play, there is a constant reference and description of the Forest of Arden. It is an idyllic place that teeters on the edge between reality and myth. The Forest bears a feeling of myth and fiction and a world that is apart from the regular geographical regions in the play. It offers refuge that is not permanent for characters in the play where they go and stay for a while and by the time they come back, are changed forever by their experiences in the forest. Therefore the Forest of Arden promotes the motif of personal transformation as a symbol that occurs severally within the play.
In the rest of the play, the audience is lead through a series of duties and commands present in the court. However, in the forest, the characters are not bound by these expectations and rules which enables them both physical and mental freedom to view things in a different perspective which ultimately contributes to their transformation. Similarly, the advantages of the court are stripped away such as food and nature kicks in where the characters either have to hunt or starve. With this, the true nature of humankind through the characters is explored. The concept brings out the true personalities of the characters where the audience is revealed to their true nature.
As observed, the Forest of Arden is a symbol carefully applied in the play to show personal transformations human beings go through at different parts in their lives. Various activities or objects help with this transformation which in the play is realising oneself into nature where rules are change and a different perspective on issues is revealed. Perhaps the playwright intended to demonstrate the vital importance of reflection that occurs when one takes a break from usual activity.
