Context
When did Shakespeare write/perform Twelfth Night?
Shakespeare probably wrote Twelfth Night in the middle of his career / 1601-2
What is the first "misrule" or reversal in the play?
Gender
"I, poor monster, fond as much on him."
Viola
What role does Sir Andrew play?
suitor to Olivia. "natural" fool
What is Twelfth Night's alternate title?
What You Will
What is Orsino "sick" with?
Love
"she'll not match above her degree, either in estate, year, nor wit."
Sir Toby. About Olivia (1.3.97)
Why won't Olivia talk to Orsino?
Because she is in mourning...and/or she has already turned down his suit.
What holiday does the term "twelfth night" refer to?
the Epiphany.
Who rules the Epiphany celebration? What is that day called?
A commoner becomes Lord of Misrule. The Feast of Fools
"and hath all the good gifts of nature"
Toby about Sir Andrew (1.3.25)
Why does Viola pretend to be male?
It is safer to be a male in an unknown land than to be a female.
Who played women on Shakespeare's stage?
Why is that important in this play (as well as "As You Like It" and "Merchant of Venice")?
Young boys. boys performing women performing men was often used to break the fourth wall and elicit comedy
What other play considers Misrule and who "plays" the King?
Measure for Measure
"some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em....put thyself into the trick of singularity."
Malvolio (2.5.130)
What is Viola's plan in Illyria?
to conceal herself as a eunuch and work for Duke Orsino.
Misrule, disorder, Inversion of Order
Mistaken gender is important for Viola and Olivia. What other play uses gender / women's identity as comic relief?
Measure for Measure (bawds); Henry V (horse scene)
"This fellow is wise enough to play the fool and to do that well craves a kind of wit...this is a practice/ as full of labor as a wise man's art./ For folly that he wisely shows is fit,/ But wise men, folly-fall'n, quite taint their wit."
Viola about Feste. (3.1.53-61)
What role does the fool play?
Comic relief, counselor, moral reason