Broadcast: Sunday 8th August, 1954
Character: Rosader
Although frequently referred to simply as Rosalynde, Rosalynde; or, Euphues’ Golden Legacy is the celebrated pastoral romance by Thomas Lodge that subsequently served as the primary source for William Shakespeare’s As You Like It. The narrative centers upon the love between Rosalynde, the daughter of an exiled king, and the young nobleman Rosader (Peter Wyngarde), whose adventures, trials, and romantic devotion constitute the emotional core of the work.
Set against a backdrop of familial conflict, exile, and disguise, the story blends courtly romance with pastoral idealism. Rosalynde is banished from court and seeks refuge in the Forest of Arden disguised as a young man named Ganymede. Simultaneously, Rosader is deprived of his inheritance through the jealousy and mistreatment of his elder brother. Their separate journeys eventually converge in the forest, where love, mistaken identity, and self-discovery shape the progression of the plot.
At the center of the narrative stands Rosader (occasionally named as Rosander in adaptations), one of the most compelling romantic heroes of Elizabethan literature. Rosader is introduced as the youngest son of the noble Sir John of Bordeaux. Although stripped of his rightful position by his envious brother, Saladyne , he possesses courage, honor, and a steadfast sense of justice. His tribulations immediately elicit the reader’s sympathy, and his determination to overcome adversity establishes him as the story’s principal heroic figure.
A defining quality of Rosader is his nobility of spirit. Unlike many romantic heroes who rely solely on lineage or social standing, Rosader earns admiration through his actions. He demonstrates physical bravery in the renowned wrestling contest, where he defeats a formidable opponent despite the odds being heavily stacked against him. This victory not only proves his courage but also facilitates his first encounter with Rosalynde, initiating the romance that drives the narrative forward.
Rosader’s affection for Rosalynde is portrayed with genuine warmth and sincerity. Following their meeting, he becomes deeply devoted to her, expressing his feelings through poetry and romantic reflection. Like many Renaissance lovers, he idealises the woman he adores; however, Lodge prevents the character from becoming a mere conventional stereotype. Rosader’s passion is balanced by practical courage and resilience, rendering him a more nuanced and appealing protagonist.
The Forest of Arden plays a pivotal role in Rosader’s development. Removed from the intrigues and injustices of court life, he finds an environment in which his finest qualities may emerge. The forest becomes a site of testing, growth, and renewal. Here, Rosader demonstrates generosity, loyalty, and compassion – qualities that distinguish him from the corrupt figures who have wronged him.
Particularly engaging are the scenes in which Rosader unknowingly interacts with Rosalynde while she is disguised as Ganymede. These episodes provide much of the work’s humour and dramatic irony. The audience is privy to the truth of the situation, while Rosader remains unaware that the young man advising him on matters of love is actually the woman he seeks. These encounters reveal his honesty and emotional openness, allowing readers to appreciate both his romantic sincerity and his vulnerability.
Rosader embodies many of the ideals admired by Elizabethan audiences. He is handsome, courageous, loyal, and honourable, yet he is not without human emotion and weakness. His struggle against injustice and his perseverance in adversity give him a relatable quality that continues to resonate with modern readers.
The significance of Rosader is further evidenced by his influence on Shakespeare. The character served as the model for Orlando in As You Like It, with many of Rosader’s essential traits preserved in the more famous adaptation. This literary legacy confirms the character’s importance within the history of English drama and romance.
Ultimately, Rosalynde remains one of the most influential pastoral romances of the Elizabethan period. While the title character provides the story’s intelligence and wit, Rosader supplies much of its heroic appeal. His courage in adversity, steadfast devotion, and unwavering sense of honor make him one of the finest romantic heroes of Renaissance literature. Through Rosader, Lodge created a character whose charm and nobility helped inspire one of Shakespeare’s greatest comedies and secured a lasting place in literary history.
