Escape to the Forest of Arden with William Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’, and read the complete play online for free.
Believed to have been written in 1599 and first published in the First Folio of 1623, As You Like It is one of William Shakespeare’s most beloved and enduring comedies. A delightful blend of pastoral romance, sharp social commentary, and some of the Bard’s most famous speeches, the play follows the adventures of the spirited Rosalind as she flees persecution at court and seeks refuge in the idyllic Forest of Arden. Disguised as a young man named Ganymede, she tests the affections of her beloved Orlando, dispenses witty philosophy, and orchestrates a happy ending for a quartet of mismatched lovers.
The play features a rogue’s gallery of unforgettable characters: the melancholy Jaques, who delivers the immortal “All the world’s a stage” speech; the foolishly romantic Silvius; the cynical Touchstone the clown; and the villainous Oliver, who finds redemption in the greenwood. It is a play about the tension between city and country, reality and illusion, and the transformative power of love and nature.
On this page, you can experience this timeless comedy of mistaken identity and forest magic. We offer the complete play text for online reading.
Book Info
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | As You Like It |
| Author | William Shakespeare |
| Year of Publication | 1623 (First Folio) |
| Genre | Comedy, Pastoral, Romance, Play |
| Language | English |
| Legal Status | Public Domain Worldwide |
| Format | Online Reading |
Read As You Like It Online
Find yourself in the Forest of Arden. Begin this classic comedy of love and disguise interactively below.
This preview introduces the exiled court and the lovelorn Orlando, but the full play, with its witty dialogues, mistaken identities, and joyful resolutions, is available in the complete text for our subscribers.
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About the Play As You Like It
More than just a romantic comedy, As You Like It is a profound meditation on the human condition, wrapped in a package of puns, songs, and wedding bells.
Rosalind: Shakespeare’s Greatest Heroine
Many critics argue that Rosalind is the pinnacle of Shakespeare’s comedic heroines. She is intelligent, resilient, and deeply in love, yet never loses her wit or agency. Her disguise as Ganymede allows her to control her own destiny, educate her lover, and even deliver a proto-feminist critique of the roles men force upon women.
The Pastoral Ideal vs. Courtly Reality
The Forest of Arden is not a real place; it is a state of mind. Shakespeare contrasts the corrupt, competitive world of the court with the simple, natural life of the forest. Yet he does not idealize the pastoral entirely—life in Arden is hard, cold, and full of its own absurdities. The play asks whether we can ever truly escape society.
“All the world’s a stage”
Jaques’ famous monologue (Act II, Scene VII) is one of the most quoted passages in English literature. It outlines the “seven ages of man,” from the infant “mewling and puking in the nurse’s arms” to the senile elder descending into “second childishness.” It is a speech of profound melancholy, yet it sits within a joyous comedy—a quintessentially Shakespearean juxtaposition.
Love’s Labours
The play explores different types of love: the idealized, sighing love of Silvius for Phoebe; the earthy, pragmatic love of Touchstone for Audrey; the fraternal reconciliation of Oliver and Orlando; and the mature, balanced love of Rosalind and Orlando. No single definition is privileged; love is what you make of it.
The Happy Ending
The play’s conclusion is a masterclass in dramatic resolution. Rosalind steps out of her disguise to deliver the epilogue directly to the audience, acknowledging the artifice of the theater and inviting us to participate in the joy. It is an ending that satisfies not because it is realistic, but because it is desired.
Why Read As You Like It Today?
It is a play that rewards every kind of reader. The student will find complex themes and beautiful language. The romantic will find a love story for the ages. The cynic will find Jaques. And everyone will find something to laugh at. It is Shakespeare at his most generous and playful.
FAQ
What is the Forest of Arden?
It is a real forest in Warwickshire, close to Shakespeare’s hometown. However, in the play, it is a mythical, literary space inspired by the forests of pastoral romance literature.
Is this play difficult to read?
The language is Elizabethan English, which takes some getting used to. However, the plot is simple and the characters are vivid. Reading aloud or following along with a performance can be very helpful.
Who is your favorite character?
That is often a debate. Rosalind is the clear favorite for her wit, but Jaques is beloved for his dark, philosophical humor.
Can I read it on my phone?
Yes. The play is divided into acts and scenes, making it easy to read a little at a time on any device.