Imagery in As You Like It

Imagery Examples in As You Like It:

Act II - Act II, Scene 7

"And as mine eye doth his effigies witness Most truly limn'd and living in your face,--..." See in text (Act II - Act II, Scene 7)

In a beautiful yet chilling image, the Duke sees the “effigies”—the burning funeral pyres of Sir Rowland—in Orlando’s face. The word “limn’d” means “lit,” suggesting that in Orlando’s eyes the Duke sees the aforementioned fire of Sir Rowland. The symbol of fire in the context of the father-son relationship brings to mind the mythical Phoenix, whose fiery death brings forth a new generation.

Zachary, Owl Eyes Editor

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