As You Like It geographical details are irrelevant. The Arden edition of Shakespeare makes the suggestion that the name "Arden" comes from a combination of the classical region of Arcadia and the biblical garden of Eden, as there is a strong interplay of classical and Christian belief systems and philosophies within the play. Arden was also the maiden name of Shakespeare's mother and her family home is located within the Forest of Arden. Love is the central theme of "As You Like It", like other romantic comedies of Shakespeare. Following the tradition of a romantic comedy, "As You Like It" is a tale of
Characters in As You Like It Characters in As You Like It The following is a list of characters in William Shakespeare's "As You Like It". Duke Frederick is the younger brother of Duke Senior. Prior to the play he usurps power from his older brother. His hatefulness and paranoia are displayed when he banishes Rosalind, the daughter Duke Senior. However, at the end of the play, as Duke Frederick brings his army towards the forest to kill his brother, he happens upon a old priest who convinces him to take up the monastic life of peace and simplicity. Celia is the daughter of Duke Frederick.