Romanticism, as a historical phase of the 19th century in literature, stresses the close relationship between man and nature, and continues a change of direction from the attention paid to the outer world of social civilization to the inner world of the human spirit. Romantics feel that the present society denies people’s essential human need, and their expectation to live in countryside, which is beautiful, quiet and could prevent human from sadness, terror, and fear. As You Like It is one of Shakespeare’s four famous comedies. The whole story happens in Arden forest. The duke senior and his old followers take residence in the forest, and when they arrive there and live for some days, they are fully attracted by the beautiful scenery and forget the court’s sadness. Country life makes people get refreshed. Romanticism critics give a high praise to As You Like it.
This paper tries to analyze the close relationship between As You like It and Romanticism. In the play, the author demonstrates a living world which has close relationship with men and is the source of their life. Based on the analysis of the close relationship between the play and Romanticism, and four scenes extracted from the play, the paper aims at the exploration and interpretation of Romanticism in the play.
Key Words
Romanticism; As You Like It; nature; emotion; comedy
Abstract............................................................Ⅰ
Key Words...........................................................Ⅰ
摘要.................................................................Ⅱ
关键词...............................................................Ⅱ
Introduction.........................................................1
Ⅰ. A Brief Introduction to Romanticism..............................2
Ⅱ.Shakespeare’s As You Like It.....................................5
A. Background........................................................5
B. Summary...........................................................5
III. Analysis of Some Specific Acts of the Comedy....................7
A. Affirmation of the Inner Life of the Self........................7
B. Emphasis on Individualism........................................8
C. The Close Relationship Between Man and Nature....................8
D. Pursuit of Emotions..............................................9
Conclusion...........................................................11
Acknowledgements.....................................................12
Bibliography.........................................................13
