By William Shakespeare

1
Twelfth Night

• By William Shakespeare

2
William Shakespeare Bare Bones Biography

• He was born in 1564 in Stratford-on-Avon and died
  in 1616.
• He is arguably the most admired author of all
  time.
• The only known education he received was grammar
  school
• He married Anne Hathaway who was 9 years his
  senior.
• While he had three children, his son Hamnet died
  at a young age (possibly from the plague).
• Shakespeare gained a reputation as an actor,
  playwright and poet and was the co-owner of The
  Globe Theatre in London.
• Because of the plague, the London theatres closed
  from 1592-1594. Thus, Shakespeare wrote 154
  sonnets during this time.

3
Historical Context

• The basic plot of TN is not original to
  Shakespeare.
• This play was inspired by several Italian
  comedies that appeared in the decades prior to
  TNs first performance.
• The theatre was an integral part to life in
  Elizabethan England.
• The Globe Theatre seated 3,000 spectators of all
  classes
• Groundlings paid 1 penny for admission their
  entire days wage!

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The Globe Theatre

• William Shakespeares plays had universal appeal
  among all classes in Elizabethan England.

5
Elizabethan Comedy

• A genre named for Queen Elizabeth I, the ruling
  monarch during Shakespeares time.
• Elizabethan comedies included the following
  conventions
• A lighthearted tone
• Mistaken identities
• Multiple plot lines
• Frequent use of puns
• A clever fool or servant
• A conflict between propriety and debauchery
• Young lovers who overcome obstacles to their
  relationship
• A happy ending that includes marriages,
  reconciliations, and reunions.

6
Characters

• Orsino, Duke of Illyria Loves Olivia loved by
  Viola
• Lady Olivia A rich countess loved one of the
  Duke loves Viola (as Cesario)
• Viola Twin sister of Sebastian Cesario page to
  Lady Olivia loves the Duke

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Characters

• Sebastian Twin brother of Viola Roderigo one
  who is confused with his twin sister (as Cesario)
• Sir Toby Belch Olivias uncle a drunkard
  co-conspirator with Sir Andrew, Feste, and Maria
• Sir Andrew Auguecheek Suitor for Olivias hand
  in marriage a foolish man co-conspirator with
  Sir Toby, Maria, and Feste

8
Characters

• Feste Clown co-conspirator with Sir Toby, Sir
  Andrew, and Maria occasional commentator on what
  is happening
• Malvolio Olivias steward (Manager of Estate) a
  vain and pompous man object of the conspiracy to
  humiliate him
• Maria Servant of Olivia co-conspirator with Sir
  Toby, Sir Andrew, and Feste

9
Characters

• Sea Captain Friend of Viola
• Valentine and Curio Aristocrats in Olivias
  court
• Fabian An aristocrat in the Dukes court

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Major Themes

• Appearances do not always reflect reality.
• Role playing is a part of social life.
• Love often resembles madness.

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Motifs A Reoccurring Idea in a Work of
Literature

• Fools/Madness
• Deceptions/Illusions
• Role-playing/Disguises
• Inversion of Normal Order
• The Fleeting Nature of love and beauty
• Concealed love
• Letters/Messages

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Figurative Language Literary Devices

• Metaphors
• If music be the food of love, play on.
• Similes
• Like Arion on the dolphins back
• Personification
• words are very rascals
• Allusion a reference to a person, place, myth,
  event which is not part of the story, but the
  reader is expected to recognize.

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Figurative Language Literary Devices

• Paradox a statement that appears contradictory
  but contains truth.
• Than love that would seem hid loves night is
  noon.
• Oxymoron A term or phrase that is apparently
  self-contradictory.
• sweet pangs
• Verbal Irony a discrepancy between what is said
  and what is really meant.
• Pun an expression that utilizes two distinct
  definitions of the same word or phrase to achieve
  emphasis or humor.

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Dramatic Conventions and Techniques

• Conflict external internal
• Soliloquy A speech delivered by a character
  while alone on stage. Provides insight into the
  characters thoughts, emotions, and motives.
• Aside words spoken by a character on stage that
  are meant to be heard by the audience only.
• Situational Irony when a situation has results
  contrary to those expected.
• Dramatic Irony when the audience is aware of
  something the characters dont know.