By William Shakespeare Twelfth Night By William Shakespeare

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.

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 TN’s 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 day’s wage!

William Shakespeare’s plays had universal appeal among all classes in Elizabethan England. The Globe Theatre

Elizabethan Comedy A genre named for Queen Elizabeth I, the ruling monarch during Shakespeare’s 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.

To what does “twelfth night” refer? Last night of Christmas celebrations that were popular in Elizabethan times (Jan. 6) Also known in the church calendar as Epiphany, the Feast of the Magi (the “Wise Men” who visited baby Jesus) This holy day, however, covers over a Pagan mid-winter holiday, Saturnalia, which became the medieval “Feast of Fools” A day given to fun, disguises, and pranks

“Feast of Fools” A holiday celebrated as a festival in which everything is turned upside down – much like the topsy-turvy world of Illyria!

What is the play about? Illusion Deception Disguises Madness Love Concerned with the extraordinary things we’ll do in the name of love

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; Pretends to be Cesario; page to Duke Orsino; loves the Duke

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

Characters Feste: The Fool; co-conspirator with Sir Toby, Sir Andrew, and Maria; occasional commentator on what is happening Malvolio: Olivia’s 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

Characters Sea Captain: Friend of Viola Valentine and Curio: Aristocrats in Olivia’s court Fabian: An aristocrat in the Duke’s court

Major Themes Appearances do not always reflect reality. Illusion vs. Reality Masculinity vs. Femininity Role playing is a part of social life. Social Climbing Love often resembles madness. “Will” vs. Desire Nature of love, of “wooing”

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