"As You Like It" - Theme

"Thou seest we are not all alone unhappy." (II.vii.32)
One of the major themes in this play is the beneficial effect of nature. Much of the play takes place in the Forest of Arden, and it has a healing effect about it - most of the time. In the quote listed above, Duke Senior mentions how everyone in the forest is happily living together. Later in the story, Duke Frederick is converted! Such events are a direct result of the theme of a healing nature. This theme, however, has its bumps along the way. In Act IV scene ii, we learn that Orland was attacked by wild animals in the Forest. Why Shakespeare chose to include this eludes me. He attacks his own theme of healing nature. Nevertheless, the theme is prevalent and pushes the plot throughout the play.