As you like it - My favorite characters

William Shakespeare has been a great literary giant of the sixteenth century. His flamboyant intellect has been and will continue to be the source of attraction for millions of literature freaks, although it is quite disheartening to know that his fragrance has spanned the lengths and breaths of the world posthumously. 'As you like it' is one of the comedies written during the late 1590's. His endeavours to appeal his audience and especially the youth is reflected in this play. The comedy, romance and the penetrating insight into the fundamental human nature all bundled into a single hilarious and exuberant pack is what 'As you like it' is.

The three most endearing character in the play according to me are Orlando de boys, melancholic Jaques and Adam.

Although Jaques seems to be a pessimist, cynical and melancholic his pensive personality throws light upon many untouched angles. As is the sweet supper nauseating exclusive of spice, 'As you like it' would remain shrivelled without Jaques. The flattery arrows sooner or later are bound to prick but that of criticism tend to resurrect mankind. Criticism is an alchemy that brings out the odds in men right from pride, ego, and attitude to the intricate chores of life. Jaques is as witty as is his 'lord'! As we see Jaques in 2, i, 26-63 moralizing upon a 'Sequestered Stag', it's apparent that his heart throbbed for all beings. He is very sensitive, compassionate and loving. He assumes a hard tone for mankind, the 'material fools'. He compares the other rejoicing deer to the apathetic, self-centered mankind. Here duke senior too acknowledges Jaques to be at his intellectual heights when he is melancholic, which indeed is a parody for the 24/7 melancholic Jaques! Although at times he is presumptuous, he brings out the naked truth. His lucid perception of the human life can be well seen in 2, 7, 140-166 where he explicitly compares the 7 stages of the life of a man to a play. Being an adolescent myself it is quite interesting to relate my personal experiences which of course fits the text!

Adam although not seen after act 3, is one of the leading character of the play. He is the servant of Sir Rowland de boys, without whom the play would almost have been baseless. Adam's 'wrinkles' are the results of his chastity and perserverance. If lord Krishna happened to tread in the theatre, he without a wink would acknowledge Adam as the man of perfect self-less nature, utterly devoted and loyal to his 'short errand' (the life). Adam always advocated love and tried to pacify the ever increasing conflicts between Orlando and the vicious, virulent and vehement Oliver. Service these days has become almost a blasphemy! Everyone fishes for an apt opportunity to exploit the other and reap his harvests! Amidst this atmosphere Adam gives up all his grueled treasures in the service of his beloved master, risking his very life! He elicits the sheer truth of life by 'surrendering to the all mighty', keeping up all his virtues (2, iii, 38-55). His ways of life will serve to be source of inspiration until the perpetual bell of time knolls!

Like a tender Magnolia, fresh in the morning rejuvenates the calm, cool breeze with its sublime fragrance, Orlando illuminates the play with his overflowing grandeur. He is a lad with a noble spirit that enchants everyone. The enmity between Orlando and Oliver found its roots in the jealousy that Oliver bore for Orlando's noble character and ethics. Orlando is very well-versed, well-behaved gentleman. Jaques the harshest of the critiques too has regarded Orlando as a 'nimble witted fellow' (3, ii, 270-271). Orlando's compassion is well illustrated in 4, iii, pg 79-81 where he fights a lioness bare-handed to save 'his enemy' during which he himself gets wounded. In the very scene we also see that Orlando is a man of his word. He sends Oliver to Ganemede (Rosalind) for begging pardon for not reaching on time. Orlando is totally committed in his love. He would rather choose to die than to live a life barren of the rosy Rosalind. His love is heavenly and is as chaste as Lucretia! He is kind, loving and caring.  His love for Rosalind is expressed in the verses in 3, ii, 85-92 and 3, ii, 122- 151. Here Orlando's knowledge, love and his stalwart character is mirrored. Orlando is full of great philosophy which is a sure indication of his pensive and contemplative mood.

Jaques's intuitive melancholy, Adam's morality and Orlando's nobility caught my attention. One of the greatest lessons that Jaques has taught me is to become a keen observant. The ecstasy of becoming a witness is flabbergasting preventing us from being screwed on the same cross time and again! It is quite apparent that the optimists can miss the stand that a pessimist can have but also that he can scarcely be inebriated with the elixir of life. Orlando's love and kindness coupled with his acuity and Adam's determination and longing for his service all combined with 'Jaques melancholy' makes the life jubilant!