As You Like It is one of the gentlest and most whimsical of Shakespeare's works, a playful edifice built on oppositions.
The court versus the forest, autocratic older brothers excluding younger brothers; lovers vying in vain for their ladies and, inevitably, a fair maid cross-dressing as a fair youth.
An aged servant finances with his last savings the flight into the forest of his impetuous young master; that master braves a fight for the sake of his ancient retainer but instead of armed resistance meets open handed generosity.
A witty, carefree fool flings himself into lusty romance; a melancholy gentleman observes, philosophizes and abstains from the world.
"As you like it . . . ." Perhaps the enigmatic ad libertam title doesn't immediately conjur up the plot for you?
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