As You Like It Character Journal: Rosalind Act 5

In act 5, Rosalind appears to be much calmer. She talks to Orlando in a kind way without scorning him, and accusing him of not loving her. She still tests his love and affection, but in a much more subtle way. She asks him, "Why, then, tomorrow I can-/not serve your turn for Rosalind?" (5.2.51-52) He admits he is tired of wooing a man and wants to be with Rosalind, the one he loves. Rosalind now fully understands and believes that Orlando is in love with her. She tells him that he can marry Rosalind tomorrow. Phoebe walks in to where they are standing in the Forest of Arden and begins to accuse Rosalind, Ganymede, for what she has done to her. Rosalind acts as if she is superior to everyone and acts as if she does not care. "I care not if I have. It is my study/To seem despiteful and ungentle to you./You are there followed by a faithful shepherd./Look upon him, love him; he worships you." (5.2.83-86) They go on arguing over who one loves and Rosalind tries to help everyone and tells Phoebe that if she ever marries a woman it will be her. This shows a generous side to Rosalind, because her goal right now is to have the best for everyone. This shows how her mood has changed. She was so self absorbed in her own love life, she did not see the debacle she created for others. She wants to fix what problems she created so everyone would live happily ever after.

The next day, Rosalind, dressed as Ganymede, comes to the place of the wedding. It is decorated beautifully in the Forest of Arden. She makes sure everyone keeps their word of what she has promised. This shows that her strength and boldness has increased over the play. She is more daring and more confidant with things she must carry through. She exits with Celia and they both take off their disguises and come back to the wedding. Phoebe realizes that Ganymede was a woman and marries Silvius. Rosalind accomplished all of the things she wanted in this play. She got to be with the one she loved, Ganymede and she also got to be with her father. Everything worked out for the best just as she had hoped.