As You Like It (Twayne's New Critical Introductions to Shakespeare)

Following an extended survey of the history of the play in criticism and performance, this lively study takes a thematic approach to one of Shakespeare's most widely performed plays. Drawing on current critical approaches (especially deconstructive, gender, psychoanalytical and humanistic), the book looks for unique angles and frequently offers original insights.
This book aims to match the atmosphere of the play itself. The play's open-ended title, its dalliance with nature, gender and language and its appealing yet elusive characters, are thoughtfully and often playfully treated. For example, the language and the trees of the forest are seen to have a common root. Rosalind is seen to be at once dominant, fugitive, a woman, a possible bi-sexual and a creation of words.
Earlier festival and 'green' literature, including Shakespeare's own earlier plays, are seen as a basis for this maturest of mature comedies. The play's political theme is raised, as is the 'escapist' challenge. From this aspect, a startling new interpretation of the play's ending is offered and the book closes on wider issues: time, space and the postmodern in relation to Shakespeare's art.