As You Like It opens with the young Orlando complaining to the old family servant about his brother. Orlando is the youngest son of the now deceased Sir Rowland de Boys. Orlando sets up his problem in the very first sentences:
As I remember, Adam, it was upon this fashion—bequeathed me by will but poor a thousand crowns, and, as thou say'st, charged my brother, on his blessing, to breed me well: and there begins my sadness.
Orlando has only received a pittance of his inheritance, and we learn that his brother (not yet named) is supposed to "breed [him] well," or raise him as a gentleman.
Orlando informs us there is another son of Sir Rowland in a different position:
My brother Jaques he keeps at school.
We see that this yet unnamed elder brother is in charge of taking care of his younger siblings: one is at school,...
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and yet Orlando is not granted that same opportunity.
Orlando goes on to explain that he feels like the animals are treated better than he is, and wishes to no longer "endure" his brother.
Oliver enters, and the two brothers squabble. In this argument, it is revealed that Oliver is the oldest son, and therefore due to the custom of primogeniture, the estate is inherited by the oldest son:
I know you are my eldest brother: and in the gentle condition of blood, you should so know me. The courtesy of nations allows you my better in that you are the first-born; but the same tradition takes not away my blood, were there twenty brothers betwixt us: I have as much of my father in me as you, albeit; I confess, your coming before me is nearer to his reverence.
As Orlando points out, however, he is still the legitimate blood of Sir Rowland, and is supposed to be raised differently:
My father charged you in his will to give me good education: you have trained me like a peasant, obscuring and hiding from me all
gentleman-like qualities: the spirit of my father grows strong in me, and I will no longer endure it: therefore, allow me such exercises as may become a gentleman, or give me the poor allottery my father left me by testament; with that I will go buy my fortunes.
Orlando says that if Oliver will not raise him to be a gentleman or a scholar, he would rather leave.
Although Orlando told us that he has not done anything to suggest recklessness ("What prodigal portion have I spent that I should come to such penury?"), Oliver seems to believe Orlando will squander away his money:
And what wilt thou do? beg, when that is spent? Well, sir, get you in; I will not long be troubled with you: you shall have some part of your will: I pray you leave me.
This scene sets up the conflict between the two brothers, which is resolved by the end of the play. Indeed, even the middle brother Jacques (not to be confused with the other Jacques who delivers the famous "All the World's a Stage" speech) shows up for the final scene, proclaiming "I am the second son of old Sir Rowland," and sharing news that Duke Frederick has renounced his evil ways and all the Lords in the Forest may return to court. With Duke Senior's power restored, Rosalind is once again heir, and as her husband, Orlando is now set for life.