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rtsthsthsfhfxxhr loyalty to her cousin Celia. Eventually Duke Frederick banishes her too and Celia in loyalty leaves with her indicating they belong to each other.   Rosalind is intelligent, reflective and articulate and makes some of the most observant comments in the play.



“can one desire too much of a good thing”?   IV. i. 118.



Consider the opposing points of view posed by Oscar Wilde



Moderation is a fatal thing. Nothing succeeds like excess.

There are only two tragedies in life: one is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it.

When the gods wish to punish us they answer our prayers.

Her view on marriage:



“[m]aids are May when they are maids, but the sky changes when they are wives” (IV.i.141–143)



Rosalind is eventually banished from the paranoid usurper’s court because he fears her popularity threatens his rule.   Celia, the daughter of Frederick, loyally accompanies her.



She adopts a new name and male disguise,   Ganymede, Jove’s page or Zeus’s cup bearer, noted for bi-s*xuality and homos*sexual relationships.   Dressed as a man she commands more respect than as a woman.

Orlando   is the youngest son of Sir Rowland de Bois and younger brother of Oliver. His inheritance has been swindled by his elder brother and he too is banished and finds refuge in Ardenne Forest where he finds acceptance, comfort and support.   He has fallen madly in love with Rosalind and later not recognising her in disguise, laments his longing for her.