1. NOTES

2.  Is a common name for a period in the Church calendar called Epiphany.  Epiphany- traditionally celebrated on Jan. 6 th  when the Magi (Wise Men) brought gifts to Jesus. It’s a day designated for parties and festivities.  The play was actually written for an Epiphany party that occurred at one of the Inns of Court in 1602.

3.  One would expect there to be a Christmas theme in the play, but there’s not.  People fall in love with unexpected people  People are not what they seem

4.  The alternative title.  It gives a more flippant, carefree attitude toward the content of the play.  It simply means “whatever” or “it’s all for

5.  There is another play very similar just a few years before Twelfth Night, or What You Will called As You Like It.  The title again, is irrelevant.

6.  Orsino- The Spanish Ambassador was named Orsino. Due to the incredible rivalry between England and Spain during the Renaissance, it makes it much more fun to mock a foolish character who is named after a high ranking Spaniard.  Valentine- minor character for a name with a significant love reference; shows Shakespeare’s idea that love has a minor role in our lives.  Curio- “a knick-knack” Both Curio and Valentine are minor characters.  Sir Toby Belch- Belch is a synonym for ‘burp.’ Toby was a traditional name for ale.  Sir Andrew Aguecheek- “Ague”= sick; cheek=face

7.  Malvolio- “mal” = bad. Romeo and Juliet- Benvolio “ben” = good. Puritan= sinful, essentially a liar.  Feste- means festival/ celebration. Jester/clown.  Viola- flower. Strong growing plant. Not flashy or showy. Beauty is skin deep.  Olivia- shares the same letters of her name with Viola.