Analyse Rosalind
Rosalind makes a number of important choices throughout the course of the play which affect the action of the story, including her decision to dress as a young man called 'Ganymede' while travelling. Later on, once in the safety of the Forest of Arden, and having met Orlando again, she also makes the choice to remain in disguise in order to test him and his devotion to her.
At this point, Rosalind could easily have revealed her true identity and reunited with the man she loves so it is important for an actor playing Rosalind, or anyone writing about her character, to ask:
Why does Rosalind use her disguise to test Orlando?
We’ve started to think below about some of the reasons she does this. See if you can complete the grid to make four points that could answer this question. It doesn’t matter if you agree or not, as long as you can back it up! Looking at the following scenes might also help to collect evidence:
- Act 3 Scene 2: Take a look at the way in which Rosalind introduces herself (as Ganymede) to Orlando when she meets him in the forest. Explore how cheeky and playful her language is and why you think she talks to him in this way.
- Act 4 Scene 1: Examine the way in which Rosalind chides Orlando for his lateness and his behaviour in this scene. Why do you think she tells him off in this way? Would she be able to get to know him like this as a woman?
- Act 4 Scene 1: Look at the way in which she uses the cover of her disguise to get Orlando to woo her. What do you think her motivation is for this? Why is it so effective? What does she learn about him through using her disguise?
Point
Rosalind feels safe in her disguise and doesn’t want to lose that safety just yet.
Evidence
‘We’ll have a swashing and a martial outside, / As many other mannish cowards have / That do outface it with their semblances’ (Rosalind, 2:1)
Explanation
Both Rosalind and Celia are aware of the need to protect themselves on their dangerous voyage into the forest. They decide to disguise themselves so that they don’t attract any unwanted attention and so that they will look brave and courageous on the outside and Rosalind may still feel this protection is necessary, even when they have met Orlando. Here, Rosalind is pointing out that merely looking like you can defend yourself, even when you are a 'coward' inside, is a form of protection they might need.
Point
Rosalind's disguise is a clever way to test Orlando’s devotion to her.
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Point
She is in love with Orlando and under the cloak of the disguise she can get to know him better.
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To think more about the character of Rosalind, read actor Katy Stephen's blog about her experiences rehearsing for the role.