Influence of pastoral romance

How far is it possible to recognize the influence of Pastoral Romance and Classical Comedy in the opening scene of ‘As You Like It’? One way it is possible to recognize the Influence of classical comedy in the opening scene is through the dialectic structure, which is a key theme of old comedy, shown by the conflict between the brothers Orlando and Oliver. The conflict between them Is created by the fact that, despite his father’s dying wishes, Oliver hasn’t educated Orlando; given him his Inheritance he was promised or acknowledged him as his brother.

Evidence of this Is hat Orlando says ‘my father charged you… To give me goodeducation… You have trained me Like a peasant, obscuring and holding from me all gentleman-Like qualities The use of the word ‘charged’ suggests their father soul has power even In death out ofrespectfor the dead and out of respect for him as a father, which In turn leads to the assumption power is a hereditary thing that you are born into or with. This links to the argument whether you can, in fact, work your way up to a position of power rather than just being born into it.

However there is also evidence of a pastoral influence when Charles says they live like the old Robin Hood of England’. This suggests the country side (The Forestof Arden) is beyond the cares and laws of the court. And also shows the forest through a sophisticated townsman’s idealized image of rural life. Whereas in real life- as much as a life in the forest is much more carefree and relaxed- it also holds its own problems and harsh rules of living with nature. Also, the use of the words ‘old Robin Hood’ suggests the forest is a place of fairy tales and tradition.

Another influence of classical comedy is that it challenges he political, social and moral traditions established within the court which is a main component of old comedy. The way traditions are challenged is through Orlando standing up to his older brother for his right to his inheritance and respect. Quotes showing this are ‘l will no longer endure it’ and ‘or give me the poor allotter my father left me by testament. ‘ This shows he is challenging the established authority in his life, which makes it a political issue.

Also because it is his own brother he Is challenging makes it a social and moral issue because it is emotional. In conclusion, Shakespearean ‘As You Like It’ is more strongly influenced by classical comedy than pastoral romance, despite the fact that It does contain some elements of pastoral literature such as the idea of the court being a place of rules and harsh regulations and lifestyles, and the country being an Idyllic, unrealistic place where there are rules, but these rules are much less harsh and they are run on the basis of natural order of the forest.

Examples of classical comedy Influencing the play are through the use of challenging established Ideas and authorities, and through the use of conflict which appears between both the two Dukes and the two De Bolls brothers (doubles). Influence of Pastoral Romance and/or Classical Comedy in As You Like It By oligarchic the influence of classical comedy in the opening scene is through the dialectic brothers Orlando and Oliver.

The conflict between them is created by the fact that, inheritance he was promised or acknowledged him as his brother. Evidence of this is trained me like a peasant, obscuring and hiding from me all gentleman-like qualities ‘. The use of the word ‘charged’ suggests their father still has power even in death out of respect for the dead and out of respect for him as a father, which in turn leads to rather than Just being born into it.

However there is also evidence off pastoral his life, which makes it a political issue. Also because it is his own brother he is pastoral romance, despite the fact that it does contain some elements of pastoral of rules and harsh regulations and lifestyles, and the country being an idyllic, influencing the play are through the use of challenging established ideas and Dukes and the two De Bois brothers (doubles).