As You Like It LRJ #4

Ryan Ellis
Ms. Peifer
English 10IB
3/17/09
LRJ #4

In act four, Orlando’s goal of becoming a gentleman is near completion. He shows obvious signs of this throughout the act. The greatest display of his new chivalrous self is shown when his brother, whom he hates, is under attack of a lioness and Orlando battles the lioness of saving his hated brothers life. “Twice did he turn his back and purposed so/ but kindness, nobler ever than revenge/ And nature stronger than his just occasion/ made him give battle to the lioness”(4.3.134-137). This shows Orlando’s chivalry, as he rescued a man he despised, one that had tried to murder him. The relationship between the brothers is re-established here.

Orlando continues his work to complete his goal of wooing Rosalind and winning her heart. He continues to work with Ganymede, showing strange signs of affection. Orlando really believes in Ganymede’s ways going so far as to even marry him under the pretence that he is Rosalind. "Pray thee marry us" (4.1.132). His devotion to Ganymede is especially apparent in the meeting that Ganymede required of Orlando. When Orlando could not make it to meet Ganymede, he sent his brother to explain the situation that held Orlando from attending as he had promised. He sends a blood stained handkerchief to prove the claim. “…If you will know of me/ What man I am, and how, and why, and where/ This hankercher was stained”(4.3.99-101). He takes the time to send the blood stained cloth and a message to his beloved Rosalind even while severly injured.