Discussion Topic
Orlando's wrestling match with Charles in As You Like It
Summary:
In As You Like It, Orlando's wrestling match with Charles is a pivotal scene that showcases his bravery and physical prowess. Despite being warned of Charles's strength, Orlando defeats him, gaining Rosalind's admiration and setting the stage for their romantic relationship. This victory also highlights Orlando's defiance against his brother Oliver's oppression.
How does Orlando's wrestling match with Charles create problems for him in As You Like It?
Although Orlando's defeat of Charles the wrestler has brought him Rosalind's gushing admiration, it's also created one or two problems. His revelation that he's the son of Sir Rowland de Bois has not gone down well with the tyrannical Duke Ferdinand. The duke is a sworn enemy of Sir Rowland and doesn't take kindly to his offspring comprehensively defeating his favorite wrestling champion. In the immediate aftermath of his victory, Orlando realizes that he's made a very powerful enemy in Duke Ferdinand and must take off before he gets into serious trouble.
In keeping with the overriding theme of the play, Orlando's participation in the wrestling bout challenges the conventions of the prevailing social hierarchy. It wouldn't have been considered appropriate for a member of the social elite, such as Orlando, to get involved in something as unseemly as a wrestling match. In expressing anger at Orlando, Duke...
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Ferdinand is unconsciously seeking to reassert the traditional proprieties. It is only by escaping to the Forest of Arden that Orlando and Rosalind will be able to live according to the subversive new identities they've freely chosen for themselves.
Why does Orlando fight Charles in As You Like It?
We're left to decide for ourselves why Orlando fights Charles, who makes his living as a professional wrestler. We do, however, have strong hints when Orlando confronts his older brother, Oliver. Orlando says that Oliver was supposed to educate him to be gentleman but that instead, he has brought him up like a peasant. Though born an aristocrat, Orlando has no money and no education. He says to Oliver,
The spirit of my father grows strong in
me, and I will no longer endure it.
Orlando is tired of living in poverty and obscurity, so he decides to fight Charles. This is a way to make a name for himself and show the world that he has worth.
Charles is so concerned over the break with propriety represented by an aristocrat entering the ring with him that he approaches Oliver, saying that he fears he will break one of Orlando's limbs. Oliver encourages Charles to kill Orlando, convincing him falsely that his brother is treacherous and underhanded.
Orlando makes a positive impression on the surprised court when he manages through his intelligence and agility to defeat the stronger Charles. Frederick is impressed until he learns that Orlando is the son of his late enemy. Rosalind falls in love with Orlando at first sight.
By being willing to engage in the socially subversive act of "lowering" himself to fight Charles, Orlando brings attention to himself and proves that he is daring, smart, and willing to break the rules to make his way in the world.