William Shakespeare's "As You Like It"

Paper Summary:

In this paper, the writer studies the character of Jacques from 'As You Like It" and states that this part is an actor's dream. The writer points out that Jacques' intelligence and melancholia make him a cynical and cyclical character, and though the characters with whom he lives on stage do not understand him, the truths he speaks extends beyond the stage to an audience, who although may be equally as perplexed, will minimally appreciate him or may be bound to love him. Further, the writer notes that Jacques is a complex character with whom the bard has not been gentle, for though he is enmeshed in the pastoral comedy of switched identities and masks, he also observes the calamity of human nature with the stoic eye of a one-man Greek chorus.

From the Paper:

"The preparation an actor must do to truthfully portray the exceptional complexity of Jacques requires incredible subtextual understanding of the character so that he does not fall into the trap of relying on only one dimension of his character. Yes, his melancholy abounds, for Jacques sees his personal drama within the foolish, romantic drama within the comedy of the play; unraveling him through these many transitions affirms Jacques' function as a philosopher. And given the opportunity, the writer would be presented with the chance to dissect, extrapolate and then blend these many sides of Jacques, knowing all he is within while playing only what the other characters (and audience) expect him to be externally."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Shakespeare, William. As You Like It. Washington Square P, 2004. 1-320.

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• Comparison Essay # 30065 : "As You Like It"
• Analytical Essay # 49068 : "Romance and Satire in "As You Like It"

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