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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This is a 9 page paper that provides an overview of homoeroticism in "As You Like It". The relationship between Celia and Rosalind as well as Rosalind's disguise as Ganymede are explored. Bibliography lists 6 sources.
Page Count:
9 pages (~225 words per page)
File: KW60_KFlit107.doc
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
readily adhere to the dichotomous binary of common conception. However, nowhere in Shakespeare is the subject of homoerotic love addressed so plainly as in "As You Like It". Throughout the
course of the play, traditional notions of romance, courtship, and even gender identity are subverted in a number of compelling ways. Through using Rosalind and Celias relationship to suggest homosexual
themes, and Rosalinds disguise as Ganymede to showcase the fluidity of gender roles in theatre and beyond, Shakespeares play still speaks to a contemporary audience still struggling to address complicated
questions concerning sexuality, identity, and society. The first major way in which homoeroticism is displayed in "As You Like It" is through the depiction of the relationship between Rosalind
and Celia. While the characters are ostensibly only cousins caught in the middle of courtly intrigue, there are a number of textual references that seem to suggest there is more
to their relationship. Early on, in Act I, Scene II, the character of Le Beau says that the two possess an affinity for one another "dearer than the natural bond
of sisters" (I.ii.265). Earlier, Charles emphasizes the unique or non-traditional nature of their romance through stating, "never two ladies lovd as they do" (I.i.107). As for the women themselves, Celia
is more than willing to abandon her courtly position and defy the wishes of her father by following Rosalind into the forest of Arden upon the latters exile, and the
jealousy she feels when Orlando begins courting her is palpable as she beseeches her to "love no man in good earnest" (I.ii.26), and recalls how she and Rosalind have "slept
together... learnd, playd, eat together... like Junos swans,... coupled and inseperable" (I.iii.71-74). While no relationship is ever consummated between the two figures, these details certainly seem to suggest that their
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