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Shakespeare's understanding of human emotions

that Orlando is the person who has been hanging poems about her on the trees; she holds Rosalind in suspense to increase the excitement of the news. And when Orlando fails to meet with Ganymede (Rosalind) on time, Celia is there to ease Rosalind's mind: "the oath of a lover is no stronger than the word of a tapster; they are both the confirmer of false reckonings" (III. iv. 28-29). In other words, if Orlando is in love then he is also mad like Rosalind. Celia remains steady when Rosalind is filled with anxiety; she has an answer for almost all of Rosalind's concerns. All of this is possible because Celia is still in a state of neutrality; she does not have the feelings that would interfere with her judgement. Because Celia is not in love, she does not have the kind of "madness" that takes away from reason and accountability. Those feelings will flare up when Rosalind no longer needs Celia; they flare up when she meets Oliver.


From the very beginning, with the best of intentions, Celia is unswervingly devoted to Rosalind's happiness and comfort. Celia uses her opposing perspective to show Rosalind the hopeful aspects of her circumstances. Even though Rosalind was without her father, she still had Celia and her uncle (who would later prove unworthy). And when Orlando "overthrew" Rosalind with love, Celia is there to keep her grounded and stable. Celia's devices do not always work; Rosalind does not always heed her cousin's advice. But there is no question about the sincerity of Celia's intentions toward Rosalind. Her intentions are to remain devoted no matter what the circumstances. Shakespeare utilizes Celia's steady character throughout most of the play, but she is not slighted at the end when the many weddings are to take place. Celia finally joins Rosalind in her madness and loves Oliver and finally, she no longer has to play the devil's advocate

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