a variety of memorable characters, notably the melancholy traveller Jaques who speaks many of Shakespeare's most famous speeches (such as "All the world's a stage", "too much of a good thing" and "A fool! A fool! I met a fool in the forest"). Jaques provides a sharp contrast to the other characters in the play, always observing and disputing the hardships of life in the country. The play remains a favourite among audiences and has been adapted for radio, film, and musical theatre. Here is a high-quality summary of the play, in a clear and practical format, as a help for study and an accessible way to discover Shakespeare's work.