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Twelfth Night-William ShakespeareWhat just happened?

+Historical Background

William Shakespeare received patronage from both Queen Elizabeth I and her successor King James.

Elements of Elizabethan Romantic Comedy: Mistaken Identities Separated Twins Gender-Crossing Disguise Overcoming All Obstacles to “True Love”

Unconventional Elements of Twelfth Night Highlighting the “Insanity” and “Madness” of Love

+A Modern Twist…

She’s the Man (2006) Starring: Amanda Bynes & Channing Tatum

Movie Trailer

+What is a “Twelfth Night” Anyway?

In medieval and Tudor England, the Twelfth Night of Christmas marks the end of a winter festival that begins on Halloween (“All Hallows Eve”). A time of merry-making, hard drinking, and of romantic (or

lusty) pursuits—excess is expected to run rampant.

Lord of Misrule Symbolizes the world “turning upside down”—everything is

thus reversed. At the beginning of the feast, a cake would be eaten and

whoever found a bean that is hidden inside would “rule the feast”.

His rule would end at midnight.

+Lord of Misrule

What is Reversed in Twelfth Night? Viola disguising herself as a man.

“Conceal me what I am, and be my aid

For such disguise as haply shall become

The form of my intent.” (49-51; pg. 1082) Malvolio imagining himself becoming a nobleman.

“Having been three months married to her (Olivia),

sitting in my state—

Calling my officers about me, in my branched

velvet gown, having come from a day-bed where I have

left Olivia sleeping—” (41-46; pg. 1104) Etcetera, etcetera, etcetera…

+What Happened in the End?

Viola Duke Orsino

Sebastian Lady Olivia

Maria Sir Toby

Malvolio promised justice and consolation.

+Discussion Topics

+The Lord of Misrule

Whom would you consider to be the “Lord of Misrule”?Recall: The “Lord of Misrule” is

appointed during the Twelfth Night feast and is responsible for “turning the world upside down” for the night.

Toby, Feste (the Clown), Malvolio, etc.

+Malvolio

Does Malvolio get what he deserves?What causes Maria and Toby to play the

trick in the first place?Are we supposed to feel sympathy for

Malvolio?Does Malvolio deserve to get revenge?

+Love

How can Duke Orsino switch his feeling so quickly from Olivia to Viola? Is Duke Orsino simply “in love with being

in love”? Can a concrete decision be made?

Does there need to be a reason?

+Comedy

What parts of Twelfth Night have traditional elements of (Romantic) Comedy?

What parts seem to be not-so-comedic?

What about Feste’s ending song?

+Wrapping it Up

Overall impression?

Favorite scene/character?

Anything else?

+The End! :)