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Shakespeare's understanding of human emotions

to cover up her sadness by suggesting that they engage in some kind of sport. In this scenario, Celia's objective eye does not provide a great deal of comfort, though it reveals an affection for her cousin that is very pleasing. Will a different scenario allow Celia's impartial counsel to become useful?
Celia's concern for her cousin's well being remains steady even as Rosalind's mood shifts from missing her father to love for Orlando. For Celia, this shift appears too rash. Unlike the natural sadness that Rosalind felt over her father, this love for Orlando seems to be without good reason as Rosalind herself states, "the one [cousin] should be lamed with reason and the other mad without any" (I. iii. 8-9). In Celia's eyes, Rosalind is insane for falling in love so quickly with a man whom she has just met. Once again, Celia lacks the personal experience to understand Rosalind's emotional state. But in this case, it is good that she has the objective mind to keep Rosalind grounded while she suffers under the spell of love. It would be ignorant to say that Celia could offer any advice that would sooth Rosalind's longing for Orlando, but she can offer exhortation for Rosalind to keep her wits about her. At the start of the infatuation with Orlando, Celia tells Rosalind to "wrestle with thy affections" (I. iii. 20). This statement can have a few meanings the first of which might be that Celia is afraid that Rosalind's love for Orlando is based strictly on Duke Senior's love for Orlando's father. Loving Orlando, therefore, might make Rosalind feel closer to her father. In this case, Rosalind must be careful not to confuse her emotions. Another interpretation of Celia's statement is that she perhaps believes that Rosalind is trying to fill in the void of her father's absence with Orlando. These concerns that Celia has are rational and just. Since Celia herself is not in any kind of severe emotional state, she able to remain neutral and objective, thus, causing Rosalind to truly think about how she feels rather than gliding whimsically along the plane of her emotions.


A friend would not be a good friend if she could not listen as well as she offers advice. Another important function that Celia has in As You Like It was to act as confidant to Rosalind and as always, Celia is the faithful friend. Celia listens while Rosalind grumbles in agony over Orlando. She rejoices with Rosalind when the outlook is good. It gives Celia pleasure to announce to Rosalind the news


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