Get summaries, questions, answers, solutions, extra MCQs, PDF for William Shakespeare’s As You Like It: WBCHSE Class 11 English Literature textbook A Realm of English (B) Selection, which is part of the Semester I syllabus for students studying under WBBSE (West Bengal Board-Uccha Madhyamik). These solutions, however, should only be treated as references and can be modified/changed.
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Summary
A story begins in France, where Duke Frederick has banished his older brother, the rightful Duke. The banished Duke went to live in the Forest of Arden. He found life there peaceful. He said the cold winter winds were honest, unlike the flattery at court. He learned lessons from nature, finding “tongues in trees, books in the flowing streams, sermons in stones.” This meant that nature itself taught him valuable things.
The banished Duke’s daughter, Rosalind, remained at court with her cousin Celia, Duke Frederick’s daughter. The two were close friends. One day, they watched a wrestling match where a young man named Orlando fought a stronger opponent. They tried to stop him, but their kindness made him more determined. Orlando won. When Duke Frederick learned Orlando was the son of his enemy, he became angry. Rosalind was happy because her father had loved Orlando’s father, and she gave Orlando her chain.
Soon, Duke Frederick banished Rosalind. Celia decided to go with her. For safety, they disguised themselves. Rosalind dressed as a young man named Ganymede, and Celia as a country girl named Aliena. They traveled to the Forest of Arden and bought a cottage.
Meanwhile, Orlando’s older brother, Oliver, hated him and planned to kill him. A kind old servant, Adam, warned Orlando. They escaped to the Forest of Arden. Starving, Orlando found the banished Duke’s camp and was welcomed kindly. Orlando wrote poems for Rosalind and hung them on trees. Ganymede (Rosalind) and Aliena (Celia) met Orlando, who did not recognize them. Ganymede offered to pretend to be Rosalind to “cure” Orlando of his love.
One day, Orlando saved a man from a lioness, realizing it was his brother, Oliver. Oliver felt deep regret, and the brothers forgave each other. Orlando was injured. When Oliver told Ganymede and Aliena what happened, Aliena (Celia) and Oliver fell in love. Ganymede (Rosalind) fainted at the news of Orlando’s injury. Oliver and Aliena decided to marry. Ganymede promised Orlando that he too would marry the real Rosalind. The next day, Rosalind and Celia removed their disguises. The banished Duke was filled with joy. The two couples were married. During the celebration, a messenger arrived. Duke Frederick had changed his ways and returned the dukedom. Everyone could now happily return home.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. Where did the banished Duke and his followers take refuge?
A. The Forest of Arden
B. The Dukedom of France
C. The court of Frederick
D. A religious house
Answer: A. The Forest of Arden
2. What was the name Rosalind used when disguised as a country lad?
A. Aliena
B. Adam
C. Ganymede
D. Oliver
Answer: C. Ganymede
3. Who was the younger son of Sir Rowland de Boys?
A. Oliver
B. Orlando
C. Frederick
D. Adam
Answer: B. Orlando
4. What did Rosalind give to Orlando after he won the wrestling match?
A. A bag of gold
B. A letter of introduction
C. Her handkerchief
D. A gold chain from her neck
Answer: D. A gold chain from her neck
5. Who is the elder brother of Orlando?
A. Oliver
B. Adam
C. Frederick
D. Ganymede
Answer: A. Oliver
6. What name did Celia adopt when she disguised herself as a country lass?
A. Ganymede
B. Rosalind
C. Aliena
D. Phoebe
Answer: C. Aliena
7. What animal did Orlando fight to save his brother?
A. A venomous snake
B. A lioness
C. A wild boar
D. A forest-deer
Answer: B. A lioness
8. Who convinced the usurper Duke to give up his plan and his dukedom?
A. The banished Duke
B. Celia
C. Orlando
D. A hermit
Answer: D. A hermit
9. Who was the faithful old servant who gave Orlando his life savings?
A. Adam
B. Oliver
C. Sir Rowland
D. Frederick
Answer: A. Adam
10. How did Ganymede propose to “cure” Orlando of his love for Rosalind?
A. By giving him a magic potion
B. By introducing him to another lady
C. By pretending to be Rosalind so he could woo “him”
D. By advising him to leave the forest forever
Answer: C. By pretending to be Rosalind so he could woo “him”
45. The word ‘Venison’ refers to the meat from a __________.
A. sheep
B. cow
C. deer
D. boar
Answer: C. deer
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