What would an essay outline about comparing and contrasting Orlando and Oliver with Duke Senior and Duke Frederick contain for As You Like...

Oliver is Orlando's elder brother. Both are the sons of
late Sir Rowland de Bois. In the very beginning, we find out, in accordance with the
rule of primogeniture in England, which instructs that all the property would be
inherited by the eldest of the family, Orlando gets the possession of the belongings
that his father leaves. Though, he was instructed to take proper care of Orlando, he,
out of jealousy and loath, makes Orlando totally deprived. In fact, when the royal
wrestler Charles is supposed to fight Orlando, Oliver leaps with joy thinking of the
probable death of his brother. But, in Orlando, we find no such cruel feeling or motive.
He is not even confident enough to stand on his own feet. He just flees away in fear of
his brother.
Later in the play, when Oliver is attacked by a lioness in the
forest of Arden, it is Orlando who rescues him. Orlando could have shown abhorrence or
reacted vindictively by not saving Oliver, but he does not do so. Unlike Oliver, he
proves to be a sensible brother and a good-natured human. And, at this point, his valour
is also expressed.
Another notable point is that, Orlando's character develops
gradually with the help of Ganymede, whereas Oliver's character faces a sudden change in
the forest of Arden which is very miraculous.
The difference between the two
brothers has clearly been depicted in the play, where Shakespeare's portrayal of Orlando
is almost a mirror image of Oliver.
Oliver and Orlando are the sons of Sir
Rowland De Boys. Both have a blood relationship but desire nothing but the blood of each
other. The are bitter enemies, be it in monetary or social terms. Similarly, the Dukes
also have a strong hatred towards each other. Even here, monetary terms(estate and
kingdom) comes into play.
A very interesting thing is felt at the end. Both
the villains - Oliver and Duke Fredrick, renunciate public and courtly life and prefer
to live in the forest, ceding all their property to their brothers.
The
nobility between Orlando and Duke Senior is also similar although the Duke has a feeling
of pride in him.
These are the basic points ..... Hope it helps
!!!