The meaning of the title is … Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night The meaning of the title is …

Twelfth Night Ever heard of the twelve days of Christmas? In the Renaissance, the 12th night was – PARTY TIME!!! Shifting of roles to let the oppressed release their discontent (anger) over the injustices of society Social hierarchies turned upside-down, so people wore a costume from a different class of people.

Important Characters Duke Orsino Countess Olivia Setting for play: In the seacoast city of Illyria Duke Orsino is openly in love with Countess Olivia Countess Olivia is “veiled in mourning” for her brother (for seven years!) so she cannot see anyone until she is done.

Another Important Character (or is it two?) Viola Cesario Viola and her twin brother, Sebastian, are at sea and shipwreck. She survived the shipwreck, but her brother was never found. Viola comes ashore, hears Olivia’s story, and wants to console her. She cannot see Olivia, but she finds out she can get a job working for Orsino, and that job will allow her to contact Olivia.

But a girl cannot get a job working for a man – that is scandalous! Viola decides to disguise herself as a man (remember the 12th night tradition of disguise?) This way, Orsino will hire her, and then she can be in contact with Olivia and find some comfort in a friendship with her. Viola needs a new name if she is going to be a man, so she calls herself Cesario. Dressed up as Cesario, she looks exactly like her twin brother, Sebastian. Sebastian

Things start getting all mixed up! Orsino and “Cesario” get along famously Things start getting all mixed up! Viola (Cesario) is falling in love with Orsino (OOPS!) Orsino sends Cesario to give a message of his love to Olivia. Olivia accepts Cesario with the message but rejects Orsino’s love because she thinks Cesario is too cute for words – she likes him (her) now. Olivia asks Cesario to return with news of how Orsino reacts to her rejection (as if she really cares – she just wants to flirt with Cesario more!)

And it gets worse! Olivia wants to make sure Cesario returns. Olivia is falling in love with “Cesario” And it gets worse! Olivia must not have really been in mourning… Olivia wants to make sure Cesario returns. She sends Cesario a ring (wonder what that is a symbol for!) Cesario (Viola) realizes this is not good!

Orsino and Cesario Orsino can’t accept that Olivia can’t love him (little ego?) Cesario starts to counsel Orsino on love Orsino send Cesario back to Olivia with a large jewel Again, the symbol of love “We men may say more, swear more: but indeed Our shows are more than will; for still we prove Much in our vows, but little in our love.” (Act II Scene 4)

Let’s throw in a little twist! Sebastian shows up! He wasn’t dead after all! He has his good friend, Antonio with him. Antonio had rescued him from the shipwreck.

Let’s put this on hold for a sec’. Who’s Who?

She loves Cesario despite “his” rejection Olivia will not give up! Olivia sees Sebastian on the street and asks him to marry her! Sebastian thinks Olivia is beautiful, and he knows she is rich, so he says, “Why not marry her?” And they secretly go off to get married.

A street fight breaks out! A silly twist A street fight breaks out! Another of Olivia’s suitors, Andrew, accuses Cesario of trying to woo Olivia away from them. He challenges Cesario to a dual. Antonio is betrayed! Antonio tries to help, but Cesario does not know him (because he is not Sebastian), so Antonio thinks Sebastian is pretending not to know him because he is embarrassed or something.

When will somebody realize…? Finally, Sebastian and Cesario see each other. When will somebody realize…? This is weird! Sebastian and Cesario have not seen each other in a while, and Sebastian looks less healthy, so they are not sure they know each other. They compare stories and realize – We have the same father! Viola reveals her feminine identity.

Can this all end well? Olivia Orsino + + Sebastian Viola Orsino quickly forgets Olivia (fickle love) and takes Viola (but still calls her Cesario?) – they get married. Olivia and Sebastian are already married, so that’s cool. Sebastian bails out Antonio, and he gets over it.

Let’s check one more time: Who’s Who?

Twelfth Night Quiz #1 – Who’s Who? Directions: Write each character’s name followed by the description that best matches him or her. Duke Orsino A. Sebastian’s best friend Countess Olivia B. Disguised as a guy, Cesario Viola C. Rejects Orsino’s love Andrew D. Mistaken for Cesario Sebastian E. Sends a letter of challenge to a dual Antonio G. Falls in love with his servant

Quiz #2 – What happened when? Twelfth Night Quiz #2 – What happened when? Directions: Re-write each event, putting them in correct chronological order. ___ Cesario takes message of Orsino’s love to Olivia. ___ Andrew gets jealous of Cesario and Olivia and challenges Cesario to a dual. ___ Olivia and Sebastian get married secretly. ___ Viola disguises herself as Cesario to serve Orsino. ___ Sebastian and “Cesario” realize they are siblings. ___ Antonio steps in to fight for Cesario (who he thinks is Sebastian.) ___ Olivia rejects Orsino.