The aspects of love in Twelfth night

The aspects of love in Twelfth night The main theme in Twelfth Night is love. It is announced at the beginning of the play 'If music be the food of love play on' and from this you know that love will be a main aspect in Twelfth Night. In Elizabethan time 'love' as we know it today was very different. You could not love anyone outside of your social status, marriages were almost always arranged on how the social status could improve the current standing of one partner i.e. one partner had lots of money, land or influence. In Twelfth Night there are many different kinds of love to list a few, filial love, unrequited love, Lust, Courtly Love, True Love, Ambitious/Selfish love. There are many good examples of all these types of love throughout the play. There are seven different characters that share a filial bond of love. Sebastian and Viola they are twin brother and sister and have never really been apart. There very strong bond is shown when Viola thinks she has lost her brother she displays a lot of grief and remorse for her 'dead' brother "O my poor brother!" Another two characters that display Filial Love is Sebastian and Antonio "If you will not murder me for my love, let me be your servant." Antonio and Sebastian fought in many wars together and have become very close friends. The other two characters are Sir Toby Belch and Sir Andrew. Sir Toby wants Sir Andrew to woo

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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Realtionship between Viola and Olivia

William Shakespeare wrote the play 'Twelfth Night' to suit his Elizabethan audience, so that is why perhaps there is a lot of confusion in the play, as the Elizabethans loved puzzles. In this time and age we may find it difficult to believe that a woman could be successfully disguised as a man. However in the time in which the play was written, all of the parts in the plays were acted out by men, as women were not allowed to act on stage until the late 1600's. Therefore all female characters were acted out by young boys. When Viola is ordered by the Duke Orsino, to express his love for Olivia, she feels rather put out and slightly envious at the thought that the person she has to woo, could be the wife of the man she secretly adores with a deep passion: 'Yet a barful strife. Whoe'er I woo, myself would be his wife'. She feels it an inner struggle within herself to put aside her own feelings, so that she can express Orsino's love most convincingly. Before even meeting Cesario, Olivia is intrigued and rather impressed at the description that was given to her: ' Not yet old to be a man, nor young enough for a boy... He is very well favoured...one would think his mother's milk was scarce out of him'. Hearing that he is young, handsome and yet a delicate and determined man, she agrees to see him: 'Let him approach. Call in my gentlewoman' By talking to him, Olivia is rather

  • Word count: 2255
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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Discuss the similarities and differences between Olivia and Viola in "Twelfth Night".

Lisa Bishop Discuss the similarities and differences between Olivia and Viola in "Twelfth Night". Although Olivia and Viola possess a number of qualities which are not just different, but in complete opposition with one another other, they do in fact have a great deal in common. The names Shakespeare has given the two characters is perhaps a reflection of this; the words "Olivia" and "Viola" consist of almost exactly the same letters, yet are clearly arranged to form two different names. Firstly, and most obviously, their statuses in the play are very similar: they are both women, of approximately the same age, and have recently lost their brother. They are also, despite their individual flaws, both "good" people and possess many positive personality traits. However, although some of these positive traits are present in both Olivia and Viola, there are many that are unique to each and in order for these to be identified, careful attention needs to be paid to their thoughts and actions throughout the play. From our very first encounter with Viola in Act 1 we discover that she is a very practical person - she makes the best of her situation, and does not let the fact that she is shipwrecked orphan, and a woman in a strange land daunt her. She disguises herself as a eunuch - a decision, which illustrates that she is both courageous and resourceful. We also discover during this

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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In this passage we see the hilarious results of Maria's deception, which bears fruit in Malvolio's alleged madness. The trio's -Maria, Fabian, and Sir Toby- mockingly

How do you find this passage both cruel and amusing? In this passage we see the hilarious results of Maria's deception, which bears fruit in Malvolio's alleged madness. The trio's -Maria, Fabian, and Sir Toby- mockingly gentle treatment of Malvolio gives the readers great cause for laughter; the words used by Sir Toby while talking to Malvolio-"gently gently, peace, peace"- are those used for either a lunatic, or a very small child- that is any one incapable of understanding and absorbing ordinary human talk. What heightens our amusement is our knowledge that Malvolio is not a lunatic, or demented in any sort of manner, and the fact that the mischievous trio are aware of this too. We derive a sort of a vindictive pleasure in seeing the normally high-nosed Malvolio treated in this manner. Malvolio, remembering the letter's advice that he speak scornfully to servants and to Sir Toby, sneers at them, not realizing that he is a mere puppet in their clever hands. One can imagine how amusing the groundlings, to whom at least Malvolio earlier appeared a one sided 'black' character', must have found Malvolio's behaviour. What is more, Malvolio, who prides himself as a man of religion, is seemingly regarded as a man now possessed by the devil, and to see someone who looked down upon others as faithless sinners, so treated is really quite amusing. The manner in which Maria twists

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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How does Shakespeare use the theme of disguise and concealment to dramatic effect in Twelfth Night?

How does Shakespeare use the theme of disguise and concealment to dramatic effect in 'Twelfth Night'? Disguise and concealment are major features in Twelfth Night. Shakespeare uses these themes as the basis for this play. Shakespeare has been able to manipulate and use disguise and concealment in whatever way he likes; to usually portray comedy, misunderstanding, affection and also to give information to the audience without the characters knowing. Shakespeare is very clever in the way that he creates certain contrasting dramatic effects such as comedy, tragedy and uneasiness through disguise and concealment. Concealment is used strongly throughout the play. Viola - one of the main characters is the most obvious example of this. At the very start of the play, Viola asks the Sea Captain to change her appearances. 'Conceal me what I am'. The sea captain then helps her to conceal herself and change her entire appearance to that of a man. Viola also needs the male appearance to survive. She is shipwrecked in a strange land, she is a virgin, and only possessing wit and intelligence. She has no male company for safety, only the captain's friendship. This adds to the reason why Viola had to disguise herself. Viola's disguise as a man is also very appealing and comical to the Elizabethan audience. In the stage play, a boy would be playing the part of Viola. The Elizabethan

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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How Shakespeare uses Love To Create Interest in “Twelfth Night

Win Mar Kyi 11a/Pa How Shakespeare uses Love To Create Interest in "Twelfth Night" Twelfth Night is one of the many comedies by Shakespeare. The name is given to the feast of Epiphany, which is celebrated on the sixth of January, which is commemorative of the three kings. Shakespeare's play was thought to entertain the Queen and her court. Twelfth Night is a comedy where the humour ranges from farce to sarcasm and irony. It can allow the satisfaction of knowing that Viola's courage is rewarded by Orsino, the man she loves. There is love in the plot: a romantic love, Eros, shared between Orsino and Viola at the end of the play, there is the family bond, Storgé, shared between Sebastian and Viola. Agape, an example of self-sacrificing love is the selfless acts of Viola. She is willing to serve Orsino by sacrificing the love she has for him in order for him to be happy. For example, when she discovers Olivia's love for "Cesario" she tries to compliment Orsino to try and turn Olivia. Orsino's love for Olivia is hopeless because he knows that she will never really love him, in the way that he loves her. However his feelings are evident in the first scene. Orsino begins the play with the opening line, "if music be the food of love, play on". The first part of his speech is metaphorical relating food and music. Orsino links music and food and compares too much music to

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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Twelfth Night - We may laugh at Malvolio but to what extent does he deserve our sympathy?

TWELFTH NIGHT: We may laugh at Malvolio but to what extent does he deserve our sympathy? Malvolio makes a first impression worthy of his name, which lends itself to the adjectives malevolent and malicious. In our first encounter with him (Act I scene 5) he projects a persona not dissimilar to what we might expect given the name Malvolio. He is both spiteful and sarcastic as well as haughty and condescending. This is confirmed from his very first line " I delight your ladyship takes delight in such a barren rascal." This not only insults Feste but also is very disdainful of Olivia who is his mistress. Moreover through turning up his nose at Feste's jokes the audience could well perceive Malvolio as ill humoured and sombre, not someone we relate too or sympathise with. In all his initial scenes his portrayal is very much as someone "sick of self love". He carries out a task requested of him by Olivia with distinct bad grace. He appears to consider it beneath him, that he would be "stooping" through the performance of this errand. He gives this impression of ungraciousness not only to the audience but also to other characters in the play Cesario/ Viola picks up on his rude manner referring to him as a "churlish messenger." In fact he quite frequently displays this conceited attitude to others in the play, as it is what drives Sir Toby and Maria along with Sir Andrew Aguecheek

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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Investigate the importance of "madness" as a theme in Twelfth Night

Investigate the importance of "madness" as a theme in Twelfth Night. Madness is a very important theme that is present in the whole course of the play Twelfth Night. Firstly, we have Malvolio almost turning mad because of the cruel joke the other servants play on him. They make him think he is mad and they also make Olivia think he is mad because of the funny way in which he is acting. There is also the theme of mad love. Some examples of this are Orsino being madly in love with Olivia, Olivia being madly in love with Cesario/Viola and Viola falling madly in love with Orsino. This mad love makes Orsino mad from "a savage jealousy" when he realises Olivia's love for Cesario/Viola. Another very important aspect of madness present in the play is confusion and chaos which lead to madness. A very good example of this is everyone mistaking Sebastian for Viola and viceversa which creates very confusing situations for the characters. Also, Feste acting as a "corrupter of words" can be quite confusing and maddening, as Malvolio experiences in the play. Madness can be easily appreciated in Twelfth Night thanks to the situation Malvolio is put in. Apart from making Olivia think "he's much distract" and that he suffers a "very midsummer madness" the servants also try to make him think he is mad and possessed by saying "how hollow the fiend speaks within him" and how a "hyperbolical

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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As the director of Twelfth Night, what guidance would you give the respective actors on how to perform their roles as Feste and Malvolio

As the director of Twelfth Night, what guidance would you give the respective actors on how to perform their roles as Feste and Malvolio? The characters of Feste and Malvolio are central to the subplot of Twelfth Night. Malvolio's arrogance forms the basis of a plot, put in place by the other servants of Olivia's household, designed to ridicule and mock Malvolio. Around this, most of the play's comedy is centred, such as in II.5, in which Malvolio finds a letter supposedly from Olivia, but in fact put in place by Maria, Olivia's servant. As a director, it is essential to ensure that the actors playing Feste and Malvolio capture the essence of their character; otherwise the subplot will not be understood. A lot of information about how each character should be played can be found within their name, without even consulting the text. Malvolio is Italian and means 'ill-wishing' (the opposite of Benvolio in Romeo and Juliet). From this we can derive that Malvolio is perhaps a nonchalant and moody character, fairly abrupt with his friends and colleagues. From studying the text, we can make further judgements about Malvolio's personality. Olivia says in I.5, "O, you are sick of self-love, Malvolio", suggesting Malvolio is vain and slightly conceited. Other example of Malvolio's arrogance can be found in II.5. "Maria once told me she did affect me; and I have heard herself come

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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How is Malvolio a comic character? Act 3 Scene 4

How is Malvolio a comic character? Act 3 Scene 4 Malvolio is a comic character throughout Twelfth Night, especially in Act 3 Scene 4. The scene revolves around him acting on the love letter he finds, which he believes to be from Olivia. Malvolio secretly wishes to be more than just a steward to his mistress. When he finds the letter Maria leaves behind to trick him, he falls into the trap and makes a fool of himself. In this scene, his comic character comes through in the forms of slapstick humour, puns, dramatic irony, comedy of manners and ridicule. Malvolio does what the love letter tells him that he must do in order to prove his love to Olivia, and this includes wearing yellow-stockings in cross-gartered fashion. "Not black in my mind, though yellow in my legs." In reality Olivia actually hates the colour yellow and cross-garters. Yet he shows off his stockings to Olivia thinking the opposite. According to the letter, he also has to smile a lot. Malvolio smiles and laughs when there is nothing to smile at. Olivia: "God comfort thee! Why dost thou smile so, and kiss thy hand so oft?" It is inappropriate for Malvolio to be smiling all the time because the household is still in mourning over Olivia's brother. Malvolio kisses Olivia's hand very often because since he thinks she is in love with him, he expects physical contact to be acceptable. This is slapstick, a

  • Word count: 941
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: English
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