The Argument of Nature in Shakespeare’s “As you like it”

Abstract

This paper examines the diverse ways in which the characters of Shakespeare’s comedy “As you like it” praise or mock each other on behalf of nature. Shakespeare works during the Renaissance, when the ides of the ancient philosophers and rhetoricians are highly influential, and for this reason the argument of nature is presented with emphasis on Ancient Greek Philosophy and rhetoric. The notion of nature in the play is examined in three main aspects: (1) human nature (2) the objective reality opposing the human organic and inorganic world (3) constructive beginning, strength, God. The argument of nature in the play is examined in relation to upbringing, education and free will. Since “As you like it” is a pastoral comedy, the argument of nature is present in the very setting of the play, for this reason the last section of the study deals with the innate virtue of nature and its cleansing power over men.