Twelfth Night

Definition

Twelfth Night is a comedic play by William Shakespeare, written around 1601-1602. The play revolves around themes of love, mistaken identities, and the celebration of the Twelfth Night holiday, marking the end of the Christmas season. It features complex characters and intertwining plots that highlight the folly and joy of romantic pursuits.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Twelfth Night is often celebrated for its exploration of gender roles, as Viola's disguise challenges traditional notions of masculinity and femininity.
2. The play's title refers to the Twelfth Night holiday, which involves revelry and mischief, reflecting the themes of chaos and celebration within the story.
3. Themes of unrequited love are prevalent in Twelfth Night, particularly through characters like Orsino and Olivia, whose affections are complicated by misunderstandings.
4. The use of music is significant in Twelfth Night, with several songs performed by Feste that enhance the emotional depth and atmosphere of the play.
5. The resolution of Twelfth Night culminates in multiple marriages, illustrating Shakespeare's frequent use of happy endings in his comedies.

Review Questions

• How does Viola's disguise as Cesario contribute to the central themes of identity and love in Twelfth Night?
  • Viola's disguise as Cesario is crucial to the exploration of identity and love in Twelfth Night. It creates a situation where she can interact with other characters without revealing her true self, leading to a complex web of attraction and misunderstanding. As various characters fall in love with Cesario, the play highlights how identity can be fluid and shaped by societal expectations, ultimately questioning the nature of true love when filtered through deception.
• Analyze how Shakespeare uses Feste to comment on the actions and motivations of other characters in Twelfth Night.
  • Feste serves as a wise fool who comments on the folly of other characters' actions in Twelfth Night. Through his clever wordplay and songs, he provides insight into the romantic entanglements and misguided passions that unfold. His perspective allows the audience to see through the pretenses of love and social status, reinforcing the theme that true wisdom often comes from those considered outsiders or fools. Feste’s role underscores the play's examination of perception versus reality.
• Evaluate how the setting of Illyria enhances the comedic elements and themes of chaos in Twelfth Night.
  • Illyria serves as a vital backdrop that enhances both the comedic elements and themes of chaos in Twelfth Night. The fictional setting allows for an atmosphere filled with enchantment and disorder, where normal societal rules are suspended. This magical land becomes a playground for mistaken identities, unrequited love, and humorous conflicts. The very nature of Illyria encourages characters to explore their desires freely, resulting in both comedic misunderstandings and a deeper commentary on love’s complexities.

Related terms

Feste: The clown or fool in Twelfth Night, known for his wit and wisdom, who provides commentary on the events and characters throughout the play.

Viola: One of the main characters in Twelfth Night, who disguises herself as a man named Cesario, leading to a series of misunderstandings and romantic entanglements.

Illyria: The fictional setting of Twelfth Night, representing a place of love and confusion where the characters navigate their desires and identities.