English 205 Assignment 1

English 205 Assignment #1: As You Like It

In the “Seven Ages of Man” speech in Act two, Scene seven, Jaques recounts to Duke Senior in lines 160-165 how man’s once-strong voice is lost to old age, becoming frail as his body shrivels. The final scene in the life of a man brings to a close the tale of his experiences. In this stage, the man ages to the point where he is once again childlike, relying on others just like the “infant/ mewling…in the nurse’s arms.” (2.7.143) This “second childishness” (2.7.164) brings the ages of man full circle. The play of life comes to an end through a state of oblivion as death encompasses the man, taking from him all his senses. In Zawe Ashton’s performance, Jaques is pensive as he considers how life is fleeting

Ashton portrays Jaques as contemplative and world-weary, and the staging of her performance in the midst of a city emphasizes Jaques’ feeling of isolation for having come to this realization. Ashton’s performance is enhanced by her gestures, for example shaking her head at the “strange eventful history” (2.7.163) that is life, as if it is too much to comprehend. Jaques mentions the “second childishness” (2.7.164) of man with a slight frown, Ashton’s intonation emphasizing the loss that old age brings. She portrays Jaques as emotional at the thought of “mere oblivion” (2.7.164) as if realizing that he, like all others, must pass into this stage after their seven acts. At the line “sans everything” (2.7.165), Jaques makes direct eye contact with the audience, emphasizing the words, as eye contact seldom occurs during Ashton’s performance of the speech. This is used to convey Jaques’ sadness at life’s ephemeral nature. In contrast, Forbes Masson's performance is lively and dramatic, delivered to seem like he is lecturing

Beneath the cloak is a tunic tied over a blouse that is lighter in colour and peeking from beneath the tunic. This is representative of how even in the guise of Ganymede, Rosalind cannot hide her true nature, such as when she swoons at the sight of Orlando’s blood on the handkerchief Oliver presents to her in Act 4, Scene 3. I imagine the fabric of her cloak and tunic would be rough-hewn, to appear like the clothes of a forest dweller, but the light coloured blouse beneath may have been a finer material to represent her true nature. There is a hat perched on her head that seems like an homage to Robin Hood, allowing the audience to perceive Rosalind as an outlaw such as he. The feather on her hat flourishes, standing tall to symbolize that despite her fall from grace through banishment, she is resilient. Brayton’s portrayal of Rosalind therefore may have been strong and optimistic. Rosalind’s hair is kept somewhat long, her hat the only means of disguising it, suggesting that her disguise may be seen through. Rosalind’s pose exudes confidence, her hand at her hip and a spear or walking stick at her side. From her men’s clothing, it is clear that the photograph is set in the Forest of Arden. Because of Rosalind’s pose, which gives the impression that she is commanding attention or making a