Act V - Comprehension Questions & Answers

Act V

1. Whose letter does Feste refuse to show Fabian?

Feste refuses to show Fabian Malvolio’s letter.

2. With what disparaging term does the Clown refer to himself and Fabian?

Feste/Clown refers to himself and Fabian as Olivia’s trappings – her mere accessories.

3. Who does Antonio think Cesario (Viola) is?

Antonio thinks Cesario (Viola) is Sebastian.

4. Cesario (Viola) is accused of three things. What are these?

A. Stealing money, tricking Malvolio into thinking Lady Olivia loves him and disguising herself as a man

B. Missing the wedding, beating Sir Andrew and Sir Toby and failing in 'his' duty to woo Lady Olivia

C. Absence without leave from her ship as reported by the ship's captain who suddenly appears on stage

4. Why is Viola so confused?

Because she did not agree to marry Olivia (the audience knows this was Sebastian), she did not injure Sir Andrew and Sir Toby (the audience knows this was Sebastian too), and she has not betrayed Orsino because she never wanted to woo Olivia for herself. She cannot understand why everyone is accusing her of things she has not done.

5. Why does Olivia call in the priest?

Olivia calls in the priest to prove that Cesario was in fact secretly betrothed to her – the priest admits having been with the couple before him two hours ago.

6. Why are Sir Toby and Sir Andrew injured?

Sir Toby and Sir Andrew are injured because they were fighting with Sebastian.

7. What does Sebastian’s presence signal?

Sebastian’s presence signals the resolution of the mistaken identity plot.

8. Whom does Malvolio cast blame on in his letter?

Malvolio casts blame on Olivia.

9. With Olivia and Sebastian being the first couple, who make up the second couple?

Viola and Orsino make up the second couple.

10. What does Duke Orsino do when he realises the true identity (and gender!) of Viola?

A. Is horrified that he has revealed his closest thoughts
B. Immediately declares his love for her
C. Runs away at high speed towards the nearest cliff

11. Who make up the third pairing?

Sir Toby and Maria are the third couple to get married.

12. How does Malvolio exit?

Declaring he will take out revenge upon them all and leaves the stage angry and upset.

13. Malvolio wants satisfaction for the...

Way in which he had be cruelly abused and fooled by Maria, Sir Toby, Sir Andrew and Fabian.

14. What does the play end with?

A. A song from Viola and Sebastian
B. Everyone living happily ever after
C. A rousing dance routine
D. A song from the clown

Act IV - Comprehension Questions & Answers

Act IV

1. What is the result of Sebastian’s reappearance in IV.i?

The characters mistake Sebastian for Cesario (Viola).

2. Who dresses up and how does disguise create comedy in scene IV.ii? Compare the reasons for this character’s disguise with Viola’s motivations to pretend to be a boy servant in I.ii.

Feste/Clown dresses up as Sir Topaz in IV.ii – and Malvolio thinks that he has come to console him, however the audience is aware of the continued trickery. Both characters disguise themselves in order to deceive people of their identities however Viola pretends to be a boy not to play a practical joke but in order to get work at Orsino’s court.

3. What might Feste/Clown’s quote ‘there is no darkness but ignorance’ (IV.ii.41-2) tell us about the relationship between trickery and deception, and ignorance, gullibility and self-deception? (Relate your answer specifically to Malvolio who falls for the joke set up by Maria, Sir Toby & Sir Andrew).

Feste means to say that one will remain unaware of the truth (in darkness) if they are ignorant, that is completely oblivious, unaware and uninformed. Malvolio’s self-importance and pride means that he is gullible and easily tricked, because he actually thinks Olivia loves him because he thinks so highly of himself. If Malvolio was not ignorant or blinded by his vanity he would have realized this was a joke and would not have fallen for it or would not have allowed himself to be tricked.

4. Who gets married in IV.iii? What are your thoughts about this marriage?

Sebastain and Olivia marry – it is believable that Olivia readily marries Sebastian because we know she thinks he is Cesario (Viola) and that she is deeply in love with him (her). Sebastian on the other hand quickly agrees to marry a person he hardly knows – is this love at first sight? Is Olivia’s position and good looks enough to tempt any suitor?

Act III - Comprehension Questions & Answers

Act III

1. What do you think Cesario (Viola) might mean when she says ‘I am not what I am’ (III.i.133)?

Cesario (Viola) is pointing out the fact that she is not actually the person she is claiming or pretending to be – she is alluding to her disguise as Cesario, a man servant. This is dramatic irony because the audience can fully understand the weight of her comment, whereas Olivia cannot.

2. What literary device is used when Olivia declares her love for Cesario (Viola)? Why do you think Shakespeare chose to use this device (III.i.139-48)? (HINT: Shakespeare used this device in the final two lines of a sonnet. Pay attention to the way the lines are paired).

Rhyming couplets is the literary device used. They establish a simple rhyme scheme, and because the rhyme is so evident and pronounced, it tends to call attention to itself. These lines "snap" as both the rhyme and the idea come to a quick close in two lines. It creates a rhythm and contributes to making these lines of Viola’s soliloquy memorable and distinct from the other speech in the rest of the play.

3. Why does Sir Andrew want to return home?

Because he thinks that Olivia is really not interested in him and he has evidence of her paying attention to Cesario (Viola) – it would be pointless for him to stay and continue his failing pursuit.

4. What comic mischief do Sir Toby and Fabian stir up regarding Sir Andrew and Cesario (Viola)?

Both Sir Toby and Fabian persuade Sir Andrew that Olivia is trying to rouse his jealousy by paying attention to Cesario, and therefore encourage him to fight the so-called objectionable Cesario. While Sir Andrew goes off to write a challenge, Sir Toby gloats over the amusement they are going to derive from a duel between a man of no courage at all and a page who is anything but brave.

5. Had Sir Andrew and Cesario (Viola) actually had an argument?

No, they had not had an argument at all.

6. How does Cesario (Viola) feel about being challenged to a duel?

Very frightened and reluctant, he (she) is certain she has caused no offence to Sir Andrew and really does not want to fight.

7. Why did Antonio give Sebastian money?

Antonio proposes to wait for Sebastian at the inn, and gives his purse to him in case he may want purchase something while he is sight-seeing. Antonio does not go with Sebastian in case someone in the street recognizes him, he is an enemy to Orsino.

8. Why does Cesario (Viola) suddenly think Sebastian might be alive?

Antonio rushes between duel of Sir Andrew and Cesario, because his mistakes Cesario for Sebastian. Antonio, offers to fight in Cesario’s stead, and he (she) proves so eager to grant him that privilege, that Sir Toby interferes, and Antonio, in anger, challenges him.

Toby and Antonio are just crossing swords, when officers enter to arrest him. Turning to Cesario, whom he still thinks is Sebastian, Antonio now demands the return of his money. Cesario is confused and attempts to offer Antonio a reward, but he accuses the Cesario for ingratitude – describing how he saved Sebastian from the jaws of death, and the officers lead him away.

Suddenly Cesario (Viola) sufficiently recovers his senses to wonder whether his brother, whose name has just been uttered, may have been saved by this seaman, and exclaims rejoicing, 'O, if it prove, tempests are kind, and salt waves fresh in love!'

DISGUISE: Post-it Competition

Thematic Focus: Disguise - Key Quotes & Talking Points

Group A

“The element itself till seven years’ heat

Shall not behold her face at ample view

But, like a cloistress, she will veiled walk…”

(I.i.26-28)

TALKING POINTS

- Who is speaking and/or who are they speaking about?

- Why does this character choose to use a disguise?

- How does this quote relate to the wider theme of disguise and mistaken identity in Twelfth Night?

Group B

“And though that nature with a beauteous wall

Doth oft close in pollution”

(I.ii.48-49)

TALKING POINTS

- Who is speaking?

- Paraphrase this quote into your own words. What proverb or popular saying does this relate to? (HINT: Don’t judge a book…)

- Describe how this quote foreshadows mistaken identity and disguises used in Twelfth Night.

Foreshadowing can be described as references, hints, indications or suggestions in a text to future events or developments in a plot.

Group C

“Conceal me what I am, and be my aid

For such disguise as haply shall become

The form of my intent.”

(I.ii.53-54)

TALKING POINTS

- Who is speaking?

- What is the speaker asking?

- How does this character’s disguise relate cause identities to be mistaken in the play?

Group D

“And yet, by the very fangs of malice, I am not that I play”

(I.v.181-82)

TALKING POINTS

- Who is speaking? Who is the character speaking to?

- What does the character mean when s/he says this?

- Why might this be an example of dramatic irony?

Dramatic irony occurs when the plot development of the plot allows the audience to know more about a character’s situation that the characters themselves do.

Group E

“Disguise, I see, thou art a wickedness,”

(II.ii.27)

TALKING POINTS

- Who is speaking?

- The character is speaking alone on stage. Identify and discuss this dramatic convention.

- What is the character’s opinion of disguise? Why might she feel this way?

Group F

“She did commend my yellow stockings of late; she did praise my leg being cross-gartered.”

(II.v.163-5)

TALKING POINTS

- Who is speaking? What character is the speaker referring to?

- Why is this character motivated to ‘dress up’?

- Why do you think the audience would have found this character, when “dressed up” in this costume, so comical?

A note from Miss Phillipps...

Hi girls,

I have just checked the student drive and have had a wee look at your 'Student Study Guide' Assignments - they look FANTASTIC!!!! You have all worked really well together, and thought carefully and intelligently about how to inform, support and extend another student's understanding of the scene. I'm extremely impressed and know you will find these extremely useful, especially when it comes to essay writing and preparing for exams.

If you would like to make a start on your Mini Creative Writing Assignment over the weekend - 'Rewriting Viola's Willow Cabin Speech,' you perhaps could brainstorm some possible ideas - what kind of love do you want to portray? Who are you declaring your love to? And for what reasons? We will be looking at the theme of love, Viola's Willow Cabin Speech and this creative writing task more closely on Tuesday.

Have a great (long!) weekend,

Best,
Miss Phillipps

Iambic Pentameter - A Useful Explanation...

Check out the beat sixteenth century dramatists were writing to...

Twelfth Night - Using Visual Aids...

Researchers have proven that using non-linguistic representations enables learners to more effectively retain and remember information. If we receive information orally we only manage to retain about 10 percent of it three days later (how much would you remember at the end of the year before studying for exams?) However if we pair this information with a picture we are likely to remember at least 65 percent of that information.

Why not try using a graphic organiser (chart, table, diagram, etc) or mind map the next time you are taking notes, or while you are reading something? Test yourself in a few days, what can you remember? You could compare this with taking notes in a non-visual way. Visual tools are a great way to organise your thoughts and ideas before writing an essay on character or theme for example.

Useful visual aids for Twelfth Night...

We used Freytag's pyramid to plot the key events of Twelfth Night - a useful revision activity could be to individually re-create the amazing group posters you made.

The map is a useful way to visualise the relationships between characters in Twelfth Night - make your own character map. Underneath each character you could add a key quote or list of adjectives describing their personality.

This photograph sums up a key scene in Twelfth Night - can you guess which scene? Draw your own illustrations, comic strip or make a collage to portray key scenes in the play.

The love triangle describes a key theme in the play and exemplifies one of the main aspects of Shakespearean comedy - the difficulties lovers have in getting together. Create your own love triangle and think of modern romantic comedies that use this device.

Plot Structure - Mix n Match Activity

Freytag’s Categories	Definition	Example fromTwelfth Night
Exposition	The audience is provided with the background information needed to properly understand the story. We are introduced to the protagonist, other main characters, the problem or cause of the basic conflict, and the setting. We learn how the characters relate to one another, what their goals and motivations are, and the kind of people they are.	We know the play is set in Illyria and we are introduced to the characters of the main plot, as well as the characters of the subplot, Sir Toby, Maria, Sir Andrew and Malvolio. We learn about their personalities and how they are related or connected to each other through dialogue in each scene of this act. Viola's disguise as Cesario also initiates the love triangle, for Viola falls in love with the Duke at first sight, while the Duke is in love with Olivia. Olivia is initially attracted to, then eventually, falls in love with Cesario/Viola – this is the cause of the basic conflict or problem.
Rising Action	This phase starts with the introduction of conflict. All of the major characters have been introduced; their motives and allegiances have been made clear. Generally, in this phase the characters understand their goals and begin to work toward them.Action gradually escalates; smaller problems preventing initial success are overcome, so at the end of this phase and at the beginning of the next the characters are finally ready to face their major challenges.	This act presents the rapid mounting action of the main plot with Sebastian Viola's twin brother travelling to Duke Orsino’s court. The audience now waits for the complications that will arise because Sebastian is still alive and because Viola is disguised, they both look alike. Olivia declares her love for Cesario/Viola indirectly by asking Malvolio to go after Cesario/Viola and give back the ring he/she supposedly left behind. Sir Toby Belch, Maria, and Sir Andrew devise a way to teach the conceited, Puritannical Malvolio a lesson. This action of the subplot rapidly rises as Malvolio finds and reads the letter (whilst the others watch from the ‘box-tree’) and gullibly believes the letter is from Olivia and is willing to follow the instructions set out to show his love for his lady.
Climax	This phase is the turning point of the story, where the main character makes the single big decision that defines the outcome of their story and who they are as a person. The beginning of this phase is marked by the protagonist finally having cleared away the preliminary barriers and being ready to face what is preventing them from reaching their ultimate goal. From this struggle, a pivotal decision is made.	Olivia, now passionately in love with Cesario/Viola is willing to tell Cesario/Viola about it. The opportunity arises when Viola visits her again on behalf of the Duke. Olivia's open declaration of love for Cesario/Viola marks the turning point of the plot. This act also contains the turning point of the subplot with a totally changed Malvolio in scene 4. His conversation with Olivia is at cross-purposes, as he keeps alluding to the letter and Olivia has no idea what he is referring to and she asks Maria and Sir Toby to look after him.
Falling Action	During this phase the loose ends are being tied up. However, it is often the time of greatest overall tension in the play, because it is the phase in which everything goes most wrong. In this phase, the villain has the upper hand. It seems that evil will triumph. In some ways, the protagonist has never been further from accomplishing the goal. For Freytag, this is true both in tragedies and comedies, because both of these types of play classically show good winning over evil.	Following the Olivia’s love declaration to Viola/Cesario, matters will slowly begin to move in the direction of resolving the complications arising as a result of Viola's disguise. The first of these situations is when Viola is mistaken for Sebastian by Antonio. The audience, who waited for such complications to arise, can now enjoy the humour of the situation. The main plot is gradually moving towards a final resolution of the complications. Malvolio is locked up in the dark room and Sir Toby loses interest in the intrigue after being rebuked by Olivia. It is left to Feste, who after teasing him for some time, promises to help him out of his predicament. Olivia marries Sebastian in this act mistaking him for Cesario/Viola. The plot thus moves closer to the resolution of the complications.
Resolution	In this phase there is a final confrontation between the main characters, where one or the other decisively wins. This phase is the story of that confrontation, of what leads up to it, of why it happens the way it happens, what it means, and what its long-term consequences are.	This act serves as a conclusion for the main plot as well as the subplot. Although it consists of just one scene, the scene is long, the action fast paced, without any omissions or superfluous details to detract the audience. The revelation of Viola's real identity resolves the complications present throughout the play in the main plot. In keeping with the idea that "Twelfth Night" is a romantic comedy, Viola, who has always loved the Duke, will now marry him. The Duke and Olivia are quite willing to shift their affections to Viola and Sebastian. The main plot concludes on a happy note. The subplot too draws to its logical end, as Malvolio is released from the dark room (although he leaves the stage stating he will take out revenge on all of them), and Fabian provides Olivia with the details of the practical joke played against Malvolio.

Act II - Comprehension Questions & Answers

Act II

1. Who is Sebastian related to? Who is Antonio?

Sebastian is Viola’s twin brother. Antonio is a sea captain and friend to Sebastian.

2. What makes Viola think that Olivia has fallen in love with her?

Alone on stage Viola reflects on what has happened. Since she certainly left no ring with Olivia she fears that her outside appearance has ‘charm’d’ the countess – recalling how Olivia spoke in fits and starts and appeared distracted. All evidence points Viola to the conclusion that Olivia has fallen in love with ‘Cesario’ – Viola recognizes the trick (Olivia sending Malvolio with the ring) to lure her back to the Countess’ court.

3. Draw the love triangle expressed by Viola – which is a summary of the plot so far (II.ii.33-37). Viola doesn’t know how to ‘untie’ this matter – predict how this problem might be resolved by the end of the play.

Love Triangle

Orsino >>>> Olivia >>>> Cesario (Viola) >>>> Orsino

Predictions

You need to write your opinions and ideas on how this love triangle might be resolved.

4. What is ‘comical’ about the following characters? (Particularly think about what kind of language they use and different types of comedy – witty/clever comments, silly behaviour, nonsense, etc).

- Clown (Feste): is employed by Olivia to provide music and witty comment for entertainment. Although he often sounds nonsensical, his comments are often insightful and critical of the other characters.

- Sir Toby: is often drunk, carefree and self-indulgent – although he is fairly intelligent as he is able to manipulate Sir Andrew for his own gain. He loves to scheme a practical joke and is often irresponsible. Even his name Sir Toby Belch is humourous and gives us the impression he is large and jolly.

5. Briefly explain the plan described by Maria to trick Malvolio. Why do Sir Toby, Sir Andrew and Maria want to fool Malvolio and embarrass him?

Maria reveals she will forge a love letter in Olivia’s handwriting and this letter will contain an admiring description of Malvolio. Malvolio will find it and foolishly believe Olivia is in love with him. Maria knows she can accomplish the trick and suggests that the two knights spy on Malvolio ‘where he shall find the letter’ to watch how he interprets it. Sir Toby and Sir Andrew are pleased to do this and think Maria’s idea is very clever.

6. How does scene four provide a contrast to scene three? (Think about the characters involved, their dialogue, music and atmosphere).

Scene four provides a strong contrast to the preceding one – the change of mood is established by music. The rowdy songs sung late at night by the Clown, Sir Toby and Sir Andrew, contrast with the song the Clown sings to Orsino in scene four. The conversation between Orsino and Viola is serious compared to the bawdy jokes and tones of the knights.

7. What is Feste’s song in scene four about? How does it reflect the dialogue between Orsino and Viola.

Feste’s song is about unrequited love and reflects the emotional situation between Orsino and Viola – each loves a person who does not love them back.

8. Draw a diagram or sketch showing how II.v would be set up and where the characters would be positioned on stage (letter, box-tree, Sir Toby, Sir Andrew and Malvolio).

Your diagram would show Sir Toby, Sir Andrew and Fabian hiding behind a hedge or tree spying on Malvolio reading the letter he thinks is from Olivia.

9. Why do you think the letter asks Malvolio to dress in yellow stockings and cross-garters?

Maria writes that Malvolio should dress in yellow stockings and cross-garters to show his sign of love for Olivia. But we know that the real reason she asked to wear these would be to make him look silly and foolish – these obviously weren’t considered fashionable or tasteful in Elizabethan times.

Act I - Comprehension Questions & Answers

1. Orsino, Duke of Illyria, sits in his palace listening to music and reflecting on the many emotions experienced by people who are in love. Write three adjectives to describe Orsino’s opening speech. List two images or metaphors Orsino uses to describe his ‘love-sick’ state.

Possible adjectives

fanciful, sentimental, romantic, extreme, over the top, metaphorical, poetic, obsessed, infatuated, love-struck, etc…

Images or metaphors

There were many – you could have chosen any of the five below…

1. Love is associated with food, hunger, appetite, etc (music is presented as the food of love, Orsino is tormented by his hunger for love, he wants an abundance or excess of music to feed and over-satisfy, and obliterate his appetite for love).

2. Love is like the sea – limitless, all-encompassing.

3. Love is like a sweet sound that gives and steals the scent of flowers.

4. ‘Of what validity and pitch so e’er, / But falls into abatement and low price / Even in a minute!– Orsino reflects on the fickleness of love (love as a kind of economy – that inflates, values and depreciates) – it doesn’t matter of how much the lover is worth or how much the love shared is valued, love can just as quickly depreciate.

5. ‘So full of shapes is fancy / That it alone is highly fantastical’– because Love manifests itself in so many different forms, Love itself is a highly imaginative and creative force.

2. Who is the object of Orsino’s ‘love’ pursuit?

Olivia

3. What sad event has recently happened to Olivia? What has she decided to do as a consequence of this sad event?

Olivia’s brother has died. She has decided to mourn his death for seven years. She will cry in her room every day, wear a veil and not see any men or suitors.

4. Who has been washed up on the shore of Illyria after a shipwreck? Who doesn’t survive?

Viola, Captain and some sailors have washed ashore. Sebastian, Viola’s twin brother, does not survive.

5. What contemporary phenomenon do you think the line ‘And the ‘twas fresh in murmur – as you know, / What great ones do the less will prattle of’ (I.ii.32-33) is referring to? (CLUE: great ones = well known or famous people, the less = ordinary people).

Ordinary people who talk about or who are fascinated by celebrities and popular icons (pop-stars, royalty, etc) – the phenomena of gossip magazines, celebrity TV shows, etc.

6. What does Viola ask the Captain to help her do?

Help her dress up as a boy and present her to the Duke. Viola wants to work for the Duke (initially she wants to go to Olivia’s court – but the Captain reiterates what Valentine tells Orsino in scene one – that Olivia is in mourning and won’t see anyone). (NB. This is a device Shakespeare uses to give the audience expository and background information).

7. Who is Sir Toby related to? Use three adjectives to describe Sir Toby’s character.

He is Olivia’s uncle. (NB. ‘Cousin’ was used to refer to kin/family in general in Elizabethan times).

Possible adjectives

Loud, boisterous, speaks his mind, rowdy, drunk, stays up late, parties, persuasive (he really wants Sir Andrew to stay so he can use his money for gambling – Sir Toby probably knows that Sir Andrew doesn’t have a chance with Olivia).

8. Who is Olivia’s new suitor? List three positives attributes Sir Toby thinks he has, and list three negative attributes Maria thinks he has.

Positive Attributes	Rich, wealthy (three thousand ducats.	Talented – plays a musical instrument	Speaks three or four different languages
Negative Attributes	Foolish, idiotic and prodigal (wasteful)	Argumentative (quarreler)	Cowardly – if he didn’t back out of all the fights he started he’d probably be dead by now.

9. Who is Cesario?

Viola dressed up as a male servant – her disguise and other, false identity.

10. What mission does Orsino send Cesario on?

Orsino sends Cesario to ‘woo’ Olivia (woo – to charm or seek someone’s favour/affection). Orsino wants Cesario to be really persistent and not to come back ‘empty-handed’ like Valentine did – Orsino does not want Cesario to leave Olivia’s court until she has passed on his love message.

11. What does Viola’s aside at the end of scene four reveal about her feelings? (‘Yet a barful strife / Whoe’er I woo, myself would be his wife’ I.iv.41-42)

It reveals that Viola in fact loves the Duke. She is saying that it will be really difficult to ‘woo’ anyone for Orsino or on his behalf because she herself wants to be his wife.

12. What does the Clown/Feste mock Olivia about?

For mourning her brother’s death – Clown thinks that because Olivia believes that her brother is in heaven there’s no point in mourning his death (it would be a foolish thing to do so).

13. How does Olivia describe Malvolio?

Malvolio is Olivia’s steward – Olivia describes him as egotistical, bad tempered and intolerant, and she thinks he blows things out of proportion (‘things things for bird-bolts you deem as cannon bullets’ – you make mountains out of molehills).

14. At the end of Act I we learn that Olivia has fallen in love with Viola – what does Olivia do to get Viola to visit her again?

Olivia pretends that Cesario (Viola) left a ring behind and sends Malvolio after Cesario (Viola). Malvolio has to pass on a message that Olivia is not interested in Orsino but would be happy to see Cesario (Viola) again if he (she) wanted to stop by and tell her how Orsino took the news (Olivia is making an excuse to see Cesario (Viola) again).

Background Information on Twelfth Night - Homework Activity

What does ‘Twelfth Night’ refer to? (Besides the title of Shakespeare’s play)

Last day of Elizabethan Christmas celebrations, occurring twelve days after Christmas day – it was a feast day that ended a two-week series of festivities. While Twelfth Night is connected to the Christian ‘Feast of the Epiphany’ – in Elizabethan times it was a more secular holiday. People had parties and also took down or destroyed their Christmas decorations.

Why do you think Shakespeare chose the title ‘Twelfth Night’?

Shakespeare’s play was probably written and performed for ‘Twelfth Night’ entertainment. The play itself is not about ‘Twelfth Night’ but keeps with the same jovial and comical spirit of ‘Twelfth Night’ festivities and celebrations. It is important to note that Shakespeare’s play Twelfth Night is a comedy because ‘Twelfth Night’ was a happy and fun celebration – with dancing, feasts, music, entertainment, parties, etc. The behavior of some characters in the play (such as a woman pretending to be a man, and a servant thinking he can become a nobleman) were common during ‘Twelfth Night’ celebrations – women dressed as men, servants as their masters etc – everything during a ‘Twelfth Night’ celebration was topsy-turvy.

When, approximately, did Shakespeare write Twelfth Night?

Around 1601-02 – middle of Shakespeare’s writing career.

When and where was the first recorded performance of Twelfth Night during Shakespeare’s time?

It was performed on Candlemas night (February 2^nd, 1602) at Middle Temple Hall in London. Middle Temple was one of four associations every barrister in England had to belong to. Middle Temple was where they held all their meetings, debates and lectures and where law students also attended qualifying sessions (law tests and exams). It was also a popular venue for banqueting, weddings, parties and dinners. The performance of Twelfth Night at Middle temple is an example of a play commissioned for private entertainment for the Candlemas holiday.

What is the alternative title of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night? What do you think this means?

What You Will – meaning ‘whatever you like’ or ‘have it your way.’ The title prepares the audience for the play’s jovial feel of festivities – drinking, dancing and giving into self indulgence. Implies the audience too might also be involved in the merry spirit evoked in the play.

I got my information from...

York Notes Study Guide, Wikipedia and the ‘Introduction’ in my Oxford Edition of Twelfth Night.