As You Like It Gender Quotes Page 1

Touchstone doesn't think wrestling is a sport for "ladies" to enjoy.  Yet, Rosalind is eager to see the rib-breaking wrestling match.  So, even before she pretends to be Ganymede, Rosalind defies traditional gender roles because she refuses to act how one might expect a "lady" to behave.

The fact that Rosalind can pose as a "man" by dressing like one and carrying weapons suggests that masculinity is merely a role to be played, rather than something that's inherent to one sex or the other.  Yet, when Rosalind says she'll hide her "woman's fear," she seems like she subscribes to the idea that women are naturally fearful.  At the same time, Rosalind also admits that there are many "mannish cowards" who merely pretend to be brave.  So, fear is not limited to women alone, and thus bravery might not be limited to men alone.

The name "Ganymede" would have been particularly significant to an Elizabethan audience because, in the 16th century, "Ganymede" was a slang term for a boy in a sexual relationship with another (older) man.  This alerts us to the possibility that Orlando may be attracted to "Ganymede" as well as Rosalind.