Question

as you like it
by william shakespeare

act iii, scene 2

this scene from shakespeares play tells the story of rosalind as she flees persecution from her uncles court. accompanying her is her cousin celia. the two journey to the forest of arden. to further disguise herself, rosalind wears the clothing of a boy shepherd and takes the name ganymede. in this scene, rosalind learns that her love, orlando, has been hanging poems on the trees throughout the forest, proclaiming his love for her. posing as ganymede, rosalind starts a conversation with orlando to learn more and offer \his\ advice.

rosalind: there is a man haunts the forest, that abuses our young plants with carving rosalind on their barks; hangs odes upon hawthorns and elegies on brambles, all, forsooth, deifying the name of

rosalind: if i could meet that fancy-monger i would give him some good counsel, for he seems to have the quotidian of love upon him.

orlando: i am he that is so love-shaked: i pray you tell me your remedy.

rosalind: there is none of my uncles marks upon you: he taught me how to know a man in love; in which cage of rushes i am sure you are not prisoner.

orlando: what were his marks?

rosalind: a lean cheek, which you have not, a blue eye and sunken, which you have not; an unquestionable

select the correct answer.

which theme does the plays dramatic irony shape and refine?

• love reveals a persons true character.
• all is fair in love and war.
• pride is an obstacle for finding true love.
• love can blind people to the truth.

Explanation:

Analyze the dramatic irony in the scene

The dramatic irony arises because the audience knows that the boy shepherd "Ganymede" is actually Rosalind in disguise, while Orlando is completely unaware of this fact. Orlando is speaking openly about his deep love for Rosalind to Rosalind herself, believing her to be a young man offering objective advice.

Evaluate the thematic impact of the disguise

By interacting with Orlando under a false identity, Rosalind is able to test the sincerity and depth of his affection without the social constraints of her true identity. This interaction allows Orlando's genuine feelings, vulnerabilities, and true character to be revealed naturally, showing that love brings out a person's authentic self.

Assess the given options

• "Love reveals a person's true character": This is directly supported by the dramatic irony, as Rosalind's disguise allows her to see Orlando's unvarnished, true character and genuine devotion.
• "All is fair in love and war": This is too broad and not the primary theme refined by this specific dramatic irony.
• "Pride is an obstacle for finding true love": Pride is not a central obstacle highlighted by the disguise in this scene.
• "Love can blind people to the truth": While Orlando does not recognize Rosalind, the focus of their interaction and her disguise is to test and reveal his true character, making the first option the most accurate thematic refinement.

Answer:

• Love reveals a person's true character. (Correct answer)
• All is fair in love and war.
• Pride is an obstacle for finding true love.
• Love can blind people to the truth.