As You Like It

What is the relationship between Adam and Orlando as depicted in the pastoral comedy As you like it???

As You Like It is a pastoral comedy with lots of confusion all around.its a parody.

Asked by
Last updated by Aslan
Answers 3
Add Yours

There is a great explanation for this question as the source I've listed below. After linking the source, scroll down to page 29.... I believe this will help you tremendously.

Source(s)

http://faculty.smu.edu/nschwart/3304/montrose.pdf

You might also find this interesting;

"It is apparent in “As You Like It” that there is a bond between Adam and Orlando. The question is whether this bond is that of male bonding, master/servant, or homoerotic. The relationship really can’t be categorized as homosexual because at no point in the play is there any actions taken in that manner. In Act 2 scene 3 Adam and Orlando are discussing Orlando’s money issues. Adam offers his support in lines 39-41: “But do not so. I have five hundred crowns, the thrifty hire I saved under your father” (Shakespeare quoted in the Norton Anthology 1615). Found further in the scene Adam asks Orlando to take him with him on the journey. In line 54 Adam states “Let me go with you, I’ll do the service of a younger man in all your business and necessities” (Shakespeare quoted in the Norton Anthology 1615). Is the reason that Adam is so adamant about joining Orlando merely based on the years that he has served with the family or is there a stronger bond between the two. Later in the conversation Orlando is excited that Adam will give is services to Orlando without compensation. In line Orlando proclaims: “When service sweat for duty, not for meed!” (Shakespeare quoted in the Norton Anthology 1615). Orlando decides that he will take Adam with him as a companion. In lines 67-69 Orlando says “We’ll go along together, and ere we have thy youthful wages spent we’ll light upon some settled low content” (Shakespeare quoted in the Norton Anthology 1615). Orlando’s eagerness to take Adam with him may be due to greed or Orlando’s fear of being alone or possibly there is something between them that is hidden in the patriarchal structures of relationship."

Source(s)

http://www2.cedarcrest.edu/academic/eng/lfletcher/ayli/whipple.htm

It is apparent in “As You Like It” that there is a bond between Adam and Orlando. The question is whether this bond is that of male bonding, master/servant, or homoerotic. The relationship really can’t be categorized as homosexual because at no point in the play is there any actions taken in that manner. In Act 2 scene 3 Adam and Orlando are discussing Orlando’s money issues. Adam offers his support in lines 39-41: “But do not so. I have five hundred crowns, the thrifty hire I saved under your father” (Shakespeare quoted in the Norton Anthology 1615). Found further in the scene Adam asks Orlando to take him with him on the journey. In line 54 Adam states “Let me go with you, I’ll do the service of a younger man in all your business and necessities” (Shakespeare quoted in the Norton Anthology 1615). Is the reason that Adam is so adamant about joining Orlando merely based on the years that he has served with the family or is there a stronger bond between the two. Later in the conversation Orlando is excited that Adam will give is services to Orlando without compensation. In line Orlando proclaims: “When service sweat for duty, not for meed!” (Shakespeare quoted in the Norton Anthology 1615). Orlando decides that he will take Adam with him as a companion. In lines 67-69 Orlando says “We’ll go along together, and ere we have thy youthful wages spent we’ll light upon some settled low content” (Shakespeare quoted in the Norton Anthology 1615). Orlando’s eagerness to take Adam with him may be due to greed or Orlando’s fear of being alone or possibly there is something between them that is hidden in the patriarchal structures of relationship.

Source(s)

http://www2.cedarcrest.edu/academic/eng/lfletcher/ayli/whipple.htm