Fear No Shakespeare Twelfth Night

Fear No Shakespeare: A Comprehensive Guide to Twelfth Night

Twelfth Night, or What You Will, often intimidates newcomers to Shakespeare. The language, the plot twists, the sheer volume of witty banter – it all feels daunting. But fear not! This comprehensive guide will equip you with the tools to not only understand but truly enjoy Shakespeare's hilarious and poignant comedy. We'll delve into the plot, explore the characters, unpack the language, and offer strategies for tackling the play, regardless of your Shakespearean experience.

I. A Plot Thickened with Misunderstandings and Mishaps: The Story of Twelfth Night

At its heart, Twelfth Night is a story built on mistaken identities and romantic entanglements. The play opens with Viola, shipwrecked and believing her twin brother, Sebastian, to be dead, disguised as a young man named Cesario. She enters the service of Duke Orsino, who is hopelessly in love with Olivia, a wealthy countess who has sworn off men. Orsino, inexplicably, commissions Cesario (Viola) to woo Olivia on his behalf.

Olivia, however, falls madly in love with Cesario, adding another layer to the already complex web of affection. Meanwhile, Sir Andrew Aguecheek, a foolish and boastful knight, is pursuing Olivia with the encouragement of Sir Toby Belch, Olivia's riotous uncle, and Feste, Olivia's witty jester, who enjoys stirring the pot. Their antics, fueled by copious amounts of drink, create chaos and comedic relief.

Enter Sebastian, unexpectedly alive and arriving in Illyria. His resemblance to Cesario leads to a series of hilarious encounters and mistaken identities, culminating in a chaotic wedding and a swift resolution of the romantic entanglements. The play explores themes of love, deception, gender, and the power of disguise, all interwoven with Shakespeare's signature wit and wordplay.

Key Plot Points to Remember:

• Viola's Disguise: The central mechanism driving the plot. Her disguise as Cesario creates a series of misunderstandings and comedic situations.
• Orsino's Unrequited Love: His infatuation with Olivia, despite her clear disinterest, highlights the irrationality of love.
• Olivia's Unexpected Attraction: Her falling for Cesario (Viola) subverts expectations and adds to the play's comedic effect.
• Sir Toby and Sir Andrew's Shenanigans: Their drunken antics provide much of the play's humor.
• Feste's Wit: The jester's sharp observations and clever songs offer social commentary and dramatic irony.
• Sebastian's Arrival: The catalyst for the play's climax and resolution.

II. Meet the Players: Unmasking Twelfth Night's Characters

Understanding the characters is crucial to appreciating Twelfth Night. Each character, even the seemingly minor ones, contributes to the play's overall tapestry.

• Viola/Cesario: The play's protagonist, resourceful, intelligent, and adaptable. Her disguise allows her to observe and navigate the complexities of Illyrian society. Her quick wit and emotional depth make her a captivating character.

• Orsino: The lovesick Duke, seemingly melancholic but ultimately capable of love and understanding. His initial portrayal as an effeminate and indecisive character is a deliberate subversion of traditional romantic ideals.

• Olivia: A wealthy and beautiful countess, initially resistant to love but ultimately susceptible to its power. Her transformation showcases the capricious nature of romantic feelings.

• Sir Toby Belch: Olivia's boisterous uncle, a drinker and reveler, who provides comic relief through his drunken antics. His actions, while disruptive, contribute to the play's chaotic energy.

• Sir Andrew Aguecheek: A foolish and easily manipulated knight, a foil to the cleverness of other characters. His attempts to woo Olivia are hilariously unsuccessful.

• Feste: Olivia's witty jester, whose observations cut through the pretensions of others. His songs and asides offer insightful commentary on the play's themes.

• Malvolio: Olivia's steward, a pompous and self-righteous character, who becomes the target of a cruel practical joke. His downfall, while harsh, offers a satirical commentary on social hierarchy and hypocrisy.

Understanding the motivations and relationships between these characters is key to unlocking the play’s complexities.

III. Deciphering the Language: Shakespearean English Demystified

Shakespeare’s language can feel intimidating, but it’s far more accessible than you might think. By understanding a few key concepts, you can navigate the text with confidence.

• Inverted Sentence Structure: Shakespeare often uses inverted sentence structures. For instance, “The course of true love never did run smooth” could be rewritten as "True love never did run a smooth course."

• Archaic Words: Some words have changed meaning over time. A glossary or footnotes are helpful resources. Don't let unfamiliar words halt your understanding – the context often provides clues.

• Metaphors and Similes: Shakespeare was a master of figurative language. Pay close attention to the metaphors and similes, as they enrich the meaning and add layers to the text.

• Iambic Pentameter: Shakespeare often wrote in iambic pentameter, a rhythm scheme of five pairs of unstressed and stressed syllables per line. Becoming familiar with this rhythm can enhance your enjoyment and understanding of the text.

• Modern Translations: While experiencing Shakespeare's original language is ideal, many excellent modern translations are available if needed.

Don't be afraid to read the play aloud! Hearing the words spoken brings them to life and aids comprehension.

IV. Unlocking the Themes: Exploring the Depth of Twelfth Night

Twelfth Night is more than just a funny play; it grapples with several profound themes.

• Love and its complexities: The play explores different facets of love – passionate, unrequited, mistaken, and genuine. It shows how love can be both a source of joy and suffering.

• The power of disguise and deception: Viola's disguise is central to the plot, highlighting how appearance can be deceiving and how easily identities can be mistaken.

• Gender roles and expectations: Viola's cross-dressing challenges societal norms and allows for a witty exploration of gender fluidity and expectations in Elizabethan society.

• Madness and sanity: Malvolio's treatment highlights the fragility of the line between sanity and madness, and the dangers of social judgment and cruelty.

• Appearance vs. reality: The entire play hinges on mistaken identities and appearances that deceive. This theme underscores the importance of looking beyond surface appearances.

By considering these themes, you'll gain a deeper appreciation of Twelfth Night's enduring relevance.

V. Strategies for Engaging with Twelfth Night

• Start with a summary: Familiarize yourself with the main plot points before diving into the text. This will provide a framework for understanding the characters and their relationships.

• Read it aloud: Hearing the words spoken enhances comprehension and appreciation of the language and rhythm.

• Use resources: Take advantage of study guides, glossaries, and online resources to clarify unfamiliar words and concepts.

• Break it down: Don't try to read the entire play in one sitting. Break it down into manageable chunks, focusing on one act or scene at a time.

• Watch a performance: Seeing a professional production can bring the play to life and enhance your understanding of the characters and their motivations. Pay attention to the director's interpretation and the actors' performances.

• Discuss it: Engaging in discussions with others about the play can enhance your understanding and appreciation. Sharing your thoughts and interpretations can enrich your experience and open up new avenues for understanding.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Why is it called Twelfth Night? The play is traditionally performed around the twelfth night after Christmas, a time of revelry and celebration. The play's themes of mistaken identities and revelry align with the festive spirit of this time.

• What is the significance of the title "What You Will"? This subtitle adds to the play's sense of ambiguity and unpredictability, reflecting the chaotic and unpredictable nature of love and life itself.

• Is Malvolio a sympathetic character? While his pompous nature makes him unlikeable at times, his ultimate downfall elicits sympathy, highlighting the cruelty and potential for injustice within the social structures of the time.

• What is the role of Feste, the jester? Feste serves as a commentator on the action, offering both witty observations and poignant insights. His songs and asides provide a deeper understanding of the play's themes.

• How does the play end? The play ends with a resolution of the romantic entanglements, a restoration of order, and a sense of reconciliation and happiness. However, the lingering question of Malvolio's fate provides a somber counterpoint to the generally happy conclusion.

VII. Conclusion: Embrace the Joy of Twelfth Night

Twelfth Night, despite its apparent complexities, is a rewarding and entertaining play. By approaching it with an open mind, using the available resources, and embracing the beauty of Shakespeare's language, you can unlock the depths of this comedic masterpiece. Don't let the perceived difficulty intimidate you – dive in, and discover the witty banter, poignant themes, and enduring power of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. You'll be surprised at how much you enjoy the journey.