Shakespeare's "As You Like It"

While I think Shakespeare is the best writer in all of English literature, I do not in any way think that he is flawless. Some of his works are, what should I call them, sloppy. "As You Like It" is one of them. It is like a mixed tape your friend made for you; if you listen to the songs individually, they're great, but together, not so much. Likewise, this play has many great qualities--some endearing characters, clever dialogues, complex speeches--but at times it seems clumsily put together. Some of the great scenes are not-so-seamlessly sewed together with off-stage actions that move the story forward while saving time, making the play feel rushed and the author lazy. It would have perhaps been more beneficial to the play had there been fewer characters--many of them are disposable anyway.

The most important element in the play, it seems, is the plot, and Shakespeare seems to enjoy contriving this complicated puzzle. We don't see the characters coming to any form of self-realization and growing from it; those who do change do it off stage (e.g. Oliver the evil brother and Duke Frederick the other evil brother). The epilogue is unnecessary; its only value is in being the only epilogue assigned to a female character in the period (albeit the actor is no longer in character when he gives it).

Having said that, there are many captivating moments, usually having to do with the relationship between Rosalind and Celia. I also love the character Adam, who has some good scenes in the first act. There are three songs, two of which--"Under the Greenwood Tree" and "Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind"--are beautifully written. Certain oddities, such as the relationship between Oliver and disguised Rosalind, or the references to Greek mythology, would make good paper topics. Despite not being as well crafted, the play is still very much intriguing and highly entertaining. It is perhaps more fun to discuss than some of his better ones.