Except for the first Act, the Scene of all
the other acts of the play “As You Like It” is the Forest of Arden. Geographically the scene is supposed to be Ardennes in the
North of France. It was a favorite spot for hunting and there was a temple St. Hubert, the patron saint of hunting. There was also a shrine which
was a place for pilgrimage. Shakespeare took from this the religious mean who converted Duke Frederick. But the English audience so Shakespeare time must have been reminded of their own Warwickshire forest, for the atmosphere and the natural scenery is purely English.
The old oak tree, the trees, and the glade (space in woods) the herd of deer is familiar
to Englishmen even today. But, as Dowden remarked, when Shakespeare wrote this play, he was himself a liar to Englishmen even today. But, as
Dowden remarked, when Shakespeare wrote this play, he was himself in the Forest of Arden. His imagination
must have carried him there. And his mind was steeped in the atmosphere of the
play. The joy of pastoral life must have filled his mind.