In 'As You Like It' by William Shakespeare, the tension between appearance and reality is the result of the deceptive nature of the circumstances in which the characters in the play find themselves. When Rosalind dresses as a male figure, she masks her true identity and challenges the conventions of preconceived ideas about gender roles. Thus, in many respects, the subversion of her adopted role through disguise ultimately becomes more honest than deceptive. Rosalind was able to completely contain her new character by engaging in the play's short- and long-term deception. The peculiar nature of the work essentially supports social struggles over gender roles and the truth behind the event. Shakespeare's play investigates the preconceptions that humans have about each other, suggesting that the roles they play are a mere part of the theatricality of everyday life that leads to the exploration of the truth behind love and disguise against deceit. The theatricality of everyday life is explored throughout the show. The world, as it may seem, is truly a giant theater. Every individual goes through phases in their life, conforming to a certain part of society in distinctive ways. Everyone is a victim of their own disguise, suggesting that the subversion of a certain appearance can ultimately become reality. This is shown through one of the most dominant characters in the play, Rosalind. When she is banished from the court in which she resided, she leaves not with dismay but with a strong opinion peculiar to the male-dominated court. "Now let's get into the content... To freedom and not to exile." (Act I, scene III)When she leaves the court, Rosalind dresses as a male figure mainly to escape the disturbing...... middle of paper...... of the importance of the distinction between appearance and reality, Shakespeare ended the show on a note of Rosalind seeking the audience's approval, which espouses the melodramatic world that has been created in the show. Rosalind was a very powerful character. She was able to experience emotions not limited by the preconceived role her gender had assigned to her. The tension that Shakespeare created between appearance and reality was a reflection of the prejudices that individuals have about each other. The foundations that Shakespeare built from characters and settings are deciphered, and circumstances are not always what they seem. In reality, everyone is deceived, underlining how quickly a judgment based on appearance can be formed. Coming to the conclusion that in fact, "All the world's a stage and all the men and women are but players..." (Act II, Scene VII, page.. 43)