If you have a look at the conversation between Charles and
Oliver, you can see what has happened at the court that explains why the old Duke has
fled to the forest with some of his lords. His power was usurped by his younger brother,
and so Duke Senior, with some of his faithful lords, fled to the Forest of Arden,
thereby forfeiting their property and wealth, and thus are left to wander around
unmolested. Note what Charles says specifically in response to Oliver's question about
the news in court:
There's no news at the court, sir, but the old
news: that is, the old Duke is banished by his younger brother the new Duke, and three
or four loving lords have put themselves into voluntary exile with him, whose lands and
revenues enrich the new Duke; therefore he gives them good leave to
wander.
Thus we see that the
old Duke Senior left the court after a struggle for power that meant he was forced to
flee and see safety in the Forest of Arden. The theme of fraternal conflict is thus
reinforced. We have seen the conflict between Oliver and Orlando, and now we hear of two
other brothers who are in a state of conflict.
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