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.