The Nature of Romantic Love in Shakespeare

The Nature of Romantic Love in Shakespeare's As You Like It The Shakespearean comedy As You Like It, discusses the nature of love through the stories of four couples that demonstrate a variety of love situations. All of the couples in As You Like It exhibit some elements of ridiculous Infatuation as well as elements of genuine connection in their relationships. This makes it possible to view love on all accounts as either genuine or ridiculous. The reader Is able to decide how they would Ilke to view the love stories In the play.In particular, the relationship between Silvius and Phoebe demonstrates the options that the reader has in viewing the nature of love in As You Like It. Silvius goes through a transformation of character, subtle as It may be. In the beginning, he is pining over Phoebe and seems to believe that his enduring the pain of her rejection Is a reality of love. He acts desperately to try to win her over and forgets to respect himself in the process, When Phoebe has p rofessed her love for Ganymede over him, he expresses that love is made of â€Å"sighs and tears† (V, ‘i, 88).Proving his foolish confusion of angst and infatuation with genuine love. But In his next sentence he says love is about â€Å"faith and service† (V, it, 93). So while Silvius has some very misguided thoughts about love, he seems to have some real understanding of what it Is. His true dedication and understanding of his emotions seems to suggest that he may be able to have a successful relationship, but he is certainly toeing the line of belief and delusion by refusing to let Phoebe go. Phoebe presents a slightly more interesting transition than her partner.Phoebe adamantly efuses a well-suited prospect for no apparent reason. Silvius Is clearly passionate about Phoebe. He is persistent and unrelenting; he does not doubt his own love. However, Phoebe loves Ganymede and has to deal with the disappointment of not being able to marry him. Through this, she m ay be able to relate to Silvius, whom had to accept the constant disappointments she gave him. When the truth about Ganymede becomes apparent to her, she tells Silvius â€Å"thy faith my fancy to thee doth combine† (V, iv, 155).She seems to change her perspective and begin to view Silvius' ersistence as commitment rather than desperation. The main problem with their relationship is that Phoebe would not have him, but In the end she does (even if she was tricked into D. So with that challenge surpassed, maybe they can begin to develop a healthy relationship. Although Silvius begins as a desperate character who cannot make a rational decision of self-preservation to stop loving the girl who will not have him. Phoebe has no reason to refuse Silvius, but one may speculate that she does it to feel more powerful.She emotionally abuses Silvius, but is it possible that she changes when she realizes how foolish she was to fall for Ganymede. This caused her to change her views on love and accept Silvius's commitment. Ridiculousness is not difficult to find in Silvius and Phoebe's relationship. On the other hand, it can be argued the couple has something genuine at the foundation of their connection, so they may be able to have a successful marriage. Silvius and Phoebe's relationship is a great example of a t Of2 situation In wnlcn tne reader or aualence.