As You Like It LRJ #2

Ryan Ellis
Ms. Peifer
English 10IB
3/17/09
LRJ #2
In act two Orlando’s character is banished to the Forest of Arden with the servant Adam. During this time the two men create a very strong bond together. Adam informed Orlando of the plan his brother had to murder him and this only strengthens the bond between the two men. In addition Adam is devoted to serving Orlando, but this shifts as lack of food lead to starvation, and Adam becomes famished. Due to the debt Orlando owes Adam for saving his life, Orlando feels obligated to help Adam. Orlando desperately begins to search for food. Upon meeting Duke Senior he presents himself with great violence. "He dies that touches any of this fruit till I and my affairs are answered" (2.7.103-104). Orlando’s desperation to help his friend is evident here, as he needs the food to save Adam. He soon apologizes to them as he realizes that his desperation has made him come across as violent and rude.

As the relationship of Adam and Orlando grows strong, Orlando’s relationship with his brother has been completely destroyed. Orlando tells of his brother as a violent and cruel person. “of a diverted blood and bloody brother" (2.3.38). This is a statement that Orlando has disowned his brother. They no longer consider each other brothers at all.

The goal of becoming a gentlemen that was seen in act one has come back, only now Orlando’s actions begin to reflect the goal. Part of the gentlemen role is to show respect and devotion to your friends. His devotion to Adam and their friendship is a genuine example of Orlando’s progress to his goal of becoming a proper gentleman.