What is a cross dressing character?

The act of dressing in clothing to appear as a member of the opposite sex, generally used either for comic effect or for sexual excitement.

Why does Rosalind call herself Ganymede?

Being Ganymede When Rosalind runs away to the forest, she knows that rape and robbery are very real possibilities on the road, so she decides to disguise herself as a young man named Ganymede. In other words, Rosalind knows that gender is a social role that can imitated and faked.

Why does Shakespeare use crossdressing?

How Shakespeare Uses Cross-Dressing. Shakespeare regularly uses this convention in order to afford the female character more freedom in a restrictive society for women. The female character dressed as a man can move more freely, speak more freely and use their wit and intelligence to overcome problems.

Why does cousin Rosalind Cupid have mercy?

Why, cousin! Why, Rosalind! Cupid have mercy, not a word? No, thy words are too precious to be cast away upon5 curs.

What does Rosalind do at first when Orlando shows up for his lesson?

Orlando arrives an hour late for his lesson in love. Eventually, though, Rosalind relents and invites Orlando to woo her. The lesson begins: when he says that he desires to kiss her before speaking, she suggests that he save his kiss for the moment when conversation lags.

Why does Rosalind cross dress?

Rosalind uses her man’s dress to gain power over her lover by assuming the role of his teacher, rather than Viola who becomes his servant. When Rosalind cross-dresses, she has the power over Orlando to command him to “call me Rosalind, and come every day to my cote and woo me”5 (III.

Why is crossdressing important?

From the social point of view, crossdressing in the Renaissance had an important aspect: as women were considered inferior to men and had fewer rights, crossdressing presented an important change of status.

Why did Frederick banish Rosalind in As You Like It?

Here, Duke Frederick’s villainy is fully revealed. He banished Rosalind from his court because she reminds the people of her exiled father: “Thou art thy father’s daughter. Thus, the stage is set for Rosalind to join her father in the Forest of Arden.