Twelfth Night Study Guide

William Shakespeare: A Concise Biography

William Shakespeare, often hailed as the greatest playwright in the English language, was born in April 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. He was baptized on April 26, and his birthday is traditionally celebrated on April 23. Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway in 1582, with whom he had three children: Susanna, and twins Hamnet and Judith. By the early 1590s, Shakespeare had moved to London and begun a successful career as an actor and playwright.

Shakespeare was a member of the Lord Chamberlain's Men, later known as the King's Men, a prominent acting company. Over his career, he wrote approximately 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and two long narrative poems. His work encompasses a range of genres, including tragedies like "Hamlet" and "Othello," comedies such as "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Much Ado About Nothing," and histories like "Henry V" and "Richard III." Shakespeare's profound influence on the English language and literature endures to this day. He died on April 23, 1616, and was buried in the Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Historical and Literary Context for "Twelfth Night"

"Twelfth Night," believed to have been written around 1601-1602, is one of Shakespeare's most acclaimed comedies. The play's title refers to the Twelfth Night of Christmas, the Feast of Epiphany, a time of revelry and festivity. This period was marked by role reversals and the suspension of social norms, themes that are echoed in the play's plot of mistaken identities and disguises.

In the early 17th century, England was under the rule of Queen Elizabeth I, a period known as the Elizabethan era. This era was characterized by a flourishing of English drama and literature, with Shakespeare at its forefront. The social and political climate of the time, marked by relative stability and prosperity, provided a fertile ground for theatrical innovation and experimentation.

"Twelfth Night" explores themes of love, identity, and the complexities of human emotion, while also delving into issues of gender and social hierarchy. The play's use of cross-dressing and gender disguise reflects the Elizabethan theatrical convention where male actors performed all roles, including female characters. This added a layer of complexity and humor to the play's exploration of gender roles and relationships.

Set in the fictional land of Illyria, "Twelfth Night" follows the story of Viola, who is shipwrecked and separated from her twin brother, Sebastian. Disguising herself as a young man named Cesario, Viola enters the service of Duke Orsino, who sends her to woo Lady Olivia on his behalf. However, Olivia falls in love with Cesario, unaware of Viola's true identity, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings and romantic entanglements.

"Twelfth Night" remains a beloved work for its wit, lyrical language, and exploration of love's many forms. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Shakespeare's mastery of comedy and his insightful portrayal of the human condition.

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