As You Like It LRJ #5

Ian Decker
Ms. Peifer
Per. 5/ 10 IB
3/15/09

As in Shakespearean comedy, everyone has a happy ending, and As You Like It is no exception. Oliver's goal this act is to become married to Celia, so he starts off with talking to his brother, asking for his consent in a marriage between Oliver and Celia. Orlando replies, "You have my consent" (5.2.13). This, needless to say, makes him very happy and he rushes off to get ready. The wedding eventually comes along and they get blessed with the saying, "You and you are heart in heart" (5.4.137). This blessing is bestowed on them by Hymen, the god of marriage, who presides over the mass-wedding. Oliver, luckily for himself, never really succeeds at his first goal of disposing of his brother, and ends up doing the complete opposite in the end; coming to a sense of utmost respect for his brother and getting happily married to Celia. It's a happy ending for all. :)

P.S. Could we read more plays like this? I enjoy play where everyone wins in the end, plus the wedding scene got me thinking about the wedding scene from The Princess Bride.