The Healing Power of Nature in William Shakespeare's Pastoral Comedy As You Like It

Abstract: The research article analyses the power of nature to reform ties between the natural world and human relations in William Shakespeare’s pastoral comedy As You Like It. Thorough study of this play a major factor comes out on surface that the Forest of Arden plays a pivotal function not just as a setting of the play but as an unforeseen force that brings in substantial transformation in the understanding of a character and amends human relationships. The research traces out the important role in healing breaking social rules, revealing true selves, encouraging deep thought and creating real love. Focusing on the theory of ecocriticism and the value of nature in Renaissance literature, this study reveals how the depiction of pastoral world creates a godly sphere in which characters give up the human made social limitations and realize their true identity. The difference between court and forest works as a major platform which enables Shakespeare to explore the themes of nature against artificial world, reality against performance and corruption against renewal. This paper discuses that As You Like It demonstrates a refined ecological understanding that refers to contemporary ecological psychology by proposing that wellbeing of human psychology and social symphony are linked together with the natural world. Keywords: Forest of Arden, Nature, Healing, Ecocriticism, Renaissance Ecology