There is a real irony in this important scene as Oliver
goes back to court to report to Duke Frederick that he has been unable to locate his
brother, Orlando. As punishment, Duke Frederick says that he has twelve months to
succeed in his task, and if he fails, Oliver will lose all of his land and wealth. The
Duke takes them at this stage of the play whilst Oliver is engaged on his quest. Note
what the Duke says:
Bring him dead or
living
Within this twelvemonth, or turn thou no
more
To seek a living in our
territory.
Of course, the
irony is that Orlando had his rightful inheritance and style of life taken from him by
his brother, Oliver, just as Oliver is having his wealth and lands taken from him now by
Duke Frederick. It seems that what goes around comes around, and acts of injustice are
revisited on those that committed them.
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