"And therefore look you call me Ganymeade." (I.iii.15)
This sentence changes the course of the play. Disguised as Ganymeade, Rosalind accomplishes many tasks that she would not be able to do as herself. Firstly, she is able to leave the Kingdom and with Celia and enter into the Ardenne Forest. Once in the forest, she is able to deceive a few more people for her benefit. But, what differs her from other deceptive and manipulative characters from previous Shakespearean plays *cough, cough Iago* is that she doesn't harm anyone in the process. In manipulating Orlando, she is able to test his love and devotion to her. In manipulating Phoebe, Rosalind is able to secure her for Sylvius, ensuring a happy ending for all, uncharacteristic of most Shakespearean plays I have read.
No comments:
Post a Comment