As You Like It
LONGMAN SCHOOL SHAKESPEARE Series
What’s inside...
The Longman School Shakespeare series provides extensive support for students in Key Stage 3 and GCSE with leading titles. The editions feature engaging designs and images that bring the play to life, along with activities that help with interpretation and performance. The series also offers guidance on understanding the plot and the language used in the plays. This specific edition, edited by Agnes Latham, is bound in blue cloth boards and was published by Ginn and Company in 1934. It is in very good condition.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
240 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Rosalind
Orlando De Bois
Phebe
Celia
Adam
Silvius
Touchstone
Duke Senior
Oliver De Bois
Duke Frederick
Discussion points
How do you think Rosalind feels when she has to disguise herself as Ganymede? What would you do in her situation?
Why do you think Shakespeare uses the setting of the Forest of Arden for much of the play? What does the forest represent in the story?
Discuss how the characters in the play find love and understanding. Which relationships do you find most interesting or surprising?
How does the idea of 'All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players' change your view of the play and the actions of the characters?
What lessons do you think can be learned about honesty and disguise from the outcomes of the characters in the play?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the reasons behind each character's actions and expressions. This helps deepen their understanding of motive and consequence.
Relate themes from the play to personal experiences or current events, making the story relevant to your child's world.
Utilize the rich language and humor in the play to instill an appreciation of Shakespeare's literary style. Break down complex phrases together to make them more understandable.
Discuss the various emotions and conflicts within the play, prompting your child to express how they might feel in similar situations. This fosters empathy and critical thinking.
Emphasize the transformations each character undergoes, and encourage your child to think about how people can change through experiences, just as characters in the play do.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of self-expression
Explanation: In 'As You Like It,' characters often disguise themselves to explore different identities, showcasing the value of self-expression and the search for one's true self.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and express their authentic selves in varied situations, finding comfort in their identities amidst societal expectations.
Example Lesson: The significance of forgiveness
Explanation: The narrative resolves with acts of forgiveness, most notably when Duke Senior forgives his usurping brother, highlighting the power of reconciliation.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the strength in forgiveness and the positive outcomes of resolving conflicts peacefully, encouraging empathy and understanding in their social interactions.
Example Lesson: Resilience and adaptability
Explanation: Characters in the play, especially Rosalind, demonstrate resilience by adapting to their drastically changed circumstances when they are banished from court.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace change positively and demonstrate resilience in face of challenges, aiding their emotional and psychological development.
Example Lesson: Appreciating nature
Explanation: The forest setting in 'As You Like It' is portrayed as a place of refuge and growth, emphasizing the restorative properties of nature.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to connect with and appreciate the natural world, recognizing its importance for mental and emotional well-being.