Celia’s Role In “As You Like It”

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Ragu N Sittambalam – 11J                Celia’s Role In “As You Like It”                        24:11:01

In “As You Like It”, Celia takes the role of the daughter of Duke Fredrick and companion of Rosalind. Rosalind lives with her as Duke Fredrick banished Rosalind’s father, Duke Senior to the Forest of Arden. Growing up together Rosalind and Celia have a bond, which surpasses normal cousins, they have a sisterly love and as a result are much closer. Celia is an intelligent woman who is always engaged in witty conversations with Rosalind. Love does not grace her until she meets Orlando’s brother, Oliver.

Though a main character, Celia is not the main focus of the play. She acts as more of a supporting role to Rosalind but is important as she is a key person and though she does not bring people together like Rosalind does, she does show the more mature side of the Rosalind, Celia duo. In Act One when they are both introduced. With each other in the court, Celia is comforting Rosalind as she misses her father, Duke Senior, who was banished to the Forest of Arden. This in itself is an example of Celia supporting Rosalind with lines like:

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CELIA:                 I pray thee, Rosalind, sweet my coz, be merry.

Therefore, my sweet Rose, my dear Rose, be merry.

She plays games with Rosalind throughout the play. Not necessarily in the way that she runs rings around her and leave Rosalind confused and dazed, but both compete in witty and humorous conversation. Celia’s relationship with Touchstone is based upon the respect that Touchstone manages to earn by being intelligent, witty, and by tricking and deceiving both women about things, such as when he talks about her and Rosalind both having beards.

When Le Beau is introduced to the ...

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