As you like it is a play within which Shakespeare continuously toys with the idea of Illusion against reality.

The play is predominantly set in the natural midst of The Forest of Arden were the three main characters escape to find solace. As you like it is a pastoral comedy, which is believed to have been written in 1599. The play has many aspects which conflict the ideas of illusion and reality. This can be best displayed with the way in which Rosalind, to travel safely through The Forest of Arden, has to wear a disguise of a shepherd named Ganymede. This causes the audience to wander whether any of the other characters actually know the truth behind Ganymede and are merely humouring Rosalind or whether they are completely, genuinely oblivious to the disguise. The confliction of both ideas can be shown in the way in which Jacques responds to Ganymede; calling him pretty youth in an almost teasing way. This may suggest that he is aware of the disguise. A modern take on the conversation which occurs between Jacques and Ganymede is that of Homosexuality, Ganymede hints at having learned much on his travels. Yes, I have gained my experience this could be viewed as a declaration of being homosexual, as Homosexuality wouldnt have been as widely heard of and would have been reserved only for those partaking or those who were highly educated or knew the world. Another hint at the idea of homosexuality is through the first sentence which is spoken be Jacques to Ganymede let me be better acquainted with thee this could both be perceived as an acknowledgment of Ganymedes disguise and of wanting to get to know the Pretty youth better due to sexual desire. Another area where illusion is pitted against reality is through the idea of court life being what many people aspired to have, yet for those who came from court; they adapted and had better fortune in the Forest. Even though Court life would have been seen to be the more sophisticated and humane place to live yet this was not the case for Rosalind, Celia and Orlando and the other characters that left court life behind found. It also could be a insight into the way in which Court life restricted women, as Rosalind becomes far more liberated once she leaves behind the tradition and ways of court.

Ganymede- Ros d (how she is disguised as a man so reality isnt real for Orlando). Celia- Alliena.

Phebe- silvious. (he envisions her to be perfect.) Jacques- melancholy man. (Overly melancholy~) he may suspect the truth behind Rosalinds disguise. Court life isnt all its cracked up to be, and the forest of Arden even though it is wild and free it turns out to be beneficial.