TITLE:Twelfth Night

PUBLISHER:Harper Press

ISBN:9780007902385

DEC-INDEX :822.33

YEAR:2011

RESUME:"Twelfth Night," also known as "What You Will," is a comedy play written by William Shakespeare. Set in the kingdom of Illyria, the story follows the adventures of Viola, a young woman who disguises herself as a man named Cesario after being shipwrecked. Viola/Cesario finds employment in the court of Duke Orsino, who is enamored with the Countess Olivia. However, Olivia becomes infatuated with Cesario, not realizing that he is actually Viola in disguise. As the story unfolds, a series of mistaken identities, humorous misunderstandings, and romantic entanglements arise. The play showcases Shakespeare's wit and wordplay, as well as his exploration of themes such as love, gender roles, and the nature of identity. Through the character of Viola, the play examines the complexities of love and attraction, blurring the lines between appearance and reality. The subplot involves the antics of Olivia's uncle, Sir Toby Belch, and his companions, who engage in drunken revelry and play pranks on the self-important steward, Malvolio. These comedic moments add a lighthearted and farcical element to the play. "Twelfth Night" is renowned for its memorable characters, including the witty and clever Viola, the lovesick Duke Orsino, the feisty and quick-witted servant Maria, and the pompous Malvolio. It explores themes of disguise, mistaken identity, and the transformative power of love. With its blend of romance, comedy, and clever wordplay, "Twelfth Night" remains one of Shakespeare's most beloved and frequently performed plays. It captures the essence of the festive spirit associated with the Twelfth Night holiday and continues to delight audiences with its engaging characters, humorous situations, and timeless exploration of the complexities of human relationships.

N_PAGES:266

ILLUSTRATION:Non

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