As You Like It, gender roles, feuding brothers Oliver and Orlando, the Forest of Arden, celebration of four marriages

As You Like It overturns the traditional rules of romance. Different aspects like gender roles, nature and politics are confused in a play that reflects on how perplexing pleasurable life can be.

The duchy in France is the main place in the play. However, most of the action takes place in the Forest of Arden with a hint to the Ardennes, an area located in northeastern France, or Arden, Warwickshire, near William Shakespeare's home town, the ancestral origin of his mother's family with the surname Arden.

After a recent death of the Sir Rowland de Boys, the vast majority of his estate has been inherited by his eldest son Oliver, according to the custom of primogeniture. Despite the instructions concerning Orlando given by Sir Rowland Oliver refuses to take good care of his brother. So, Orlando is deprived of the education, training, and property befitting a gentleman just out of pure spite.

 One day a wrestler Charles from the court of Duke Frederick, arrives to inform Oliver about a rumor that Orlando is going to challenge Charles to a fight. Charles, for fear to beat a nobleman, begs Oliver to intervene. Instead, Oliver convinces the wrestler that Orlando is a dishonorable sportsman who is able to use dastardly means necessary to win. Considering this Charles vows to strike down Orlando, which delights Oliver.

Celia, the Duke’s daughter, and Rosalind, her cousin, watch the match and Rosalind falls in love with Orlando. After hearing the news that his brother wants to kill him Orlando takes refuge in the Forest with the exiled Duke. Oliver, who is sent into the Forest with the purpose to hunt down his brother, has his life saved by Orlando. This fact filled him with remorse for his past behaviour. Besides, he falls in love with Aliena. Finally, all the lovers will be wed. The play ends with the celebration of four marriages.