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Disguises in "Twelfth Night" and "King Lear", 2005.
An analysis of the use of disguises in Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" and "King Lear".
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 2 sources, $ 53.95
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Abstract
In this paper, the use of disguise in Twelfth Night and King Lear are similar in their usage of various behaviors, costumes, and gender roles that are exchanged to discover the real truth through hidden identity. The paper discusses The Earl of Kent's use of disguise of Caius; contrasting with elements of disguise in Twelfth Night that offer a comedic gender role reversal for the men and women involved in love intrigue.
From the Paper
"In this drama study one can compare and contrast the various uses of disguise that arise within Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and King Lear. By realizing the depth and scope of romantic love within the comedic Twelfth Night, Shakespeare intertwines various aspects of relationships that are disguised through gender roles. In contrast to Shakespeare's comedies, King Lear offers a tragic point of view through disguise, which involves the role of power and leadership, which drives King Lear to madness. In essence, by comparing and contrasting the theme of disguise in both tragedy and comedy, one can evaluate how Shakespeare enacts these crucial factors within a textual analysis."
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Madness in "King Lear" and "Twelfth Night", 2002.
Examines the multiple levels of the theme of madness in two plays by William Shakespeare, "King Lear" and "Twelfth Night".
2,150 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 6 sources, $ 80.95
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Abstract
Madness in Shakespearean plays has distinct and multiple meanings and purposes. On one level, the madness of insanity is clearly felt in the tragedies like "Lear". On another, madness is also felt in the frenetic pace of impossible situations and comedic errors in judgment as is found in "Twelfth Night". Madness is, then, both tragic and comedic. But, it is much more than that. Madness represents a loss of control, of being borne by unnatural impulses, drivesa nd, perhaps, voices. Being mad is to not be yourself, it is to have lost touch with humanity, with life and with reality. The mad are excused from the rules of man and at the same time, tragically bound by them. For some, in madness is found freedom. Lear is wrapped, tightly, within a horrible prison created by his inability to see through the duplicitous daughters and embrace the one person in his life that loves him enough to refuse him. His madness, in the end, is what sets him free of the binds that his daughters and his pride had him in. The madness, however, is like the release from an intense and long-term drug addiction, it is horrible to watch, but leaves Lear in a better state afterward, free of poisons. Madness also allows otherwise straight-laced, bound by social rules (which were oppressive in Elizabethan England), to freely express inner passions, make mistakes and be fools in the eyes of others without fear of recourse, as is the case with nearly every character in "Twelfth Night". It is the purpose of this paper to examine the nature of madness in the Shakespearean context, how it plays out in both King Lear and Twelfth Night, and the meaning behind the madness in both works.
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William Shakespeare's "King Lear", 2002.
Analyzes the characters' use of disguises in the play "King Lear".
1,237 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 0 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper attempts to answer why the characters in "King Lear" use disguises and what this need for disguises says about the world in which they live. The paper discusses the disguise of each of the main characters in the play and then explains the purpose each of those disguises.
From the Paper
"William Shakespeare, in his tragedy ?King Lear? describes the story of King Lear who intends to divide his kingdom among his three daughters in accordance with the love that they could profess for him. It was also his intent to retain all the powers of the king while absolving himself of the duties and functions, which has to be performed by a ruling king. But as the fate had decided King Lear divides the whole kingdom into almost two equal portions and gives them to his two cunning elder daughters. The youngest innocent and gentle daughter, whom he loved most and about whom it was expected that she would get the biggest share from the kingdom, is denied her legal rights and nothing is given to her. As soon as the two elder daughters take full command of the situation, they start mistreating their father and the King takes refuge in a jungle."
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Emotion and "Twelfth Night", 2008.
This paper looks at the overabundance of emotion in Shakespeare's work 'Twelfth Night'.
1,274 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer points out that many scholarly articles and studies of 'Twelfth Night' tend to downplay the literary importance of the play by categorizing it as a genial and charming play. The writer maintains that there is not anything inherently abominable about being either genial or charming, but these two words do not do justice to Shakespeare's deceptively "light" play. 'Twelfth Night' is not a tragedy, but this does not prevent Shakespeare from exploring, through comedy, several fundamental themes of human existence: love, grief, and desire. This paper analyzes Shakespeare's exploration of these existential themes as they appear in 'Twelfth Night' and argues that the playwright, through comedy, unveils the ludicrousness and inappropriateness of extravagant and sentimental emotion.
From the Paper
"The question and the man who asks it barely register in Orsino's mind, but he is quick to pull out his readily available stock of conventional wisdom as soon as he breaks his reverie, and responds to Curio's question with a trite metaphor on love and hunting. No wonder, then, that the servants show signs of impatience and restlessness: their master is luxuriating in a state of complete self-absorption, and the outside world (or the beings that inhabit it) have ceased to exist. Of course, this matters not at all to the extravagant Orsino, as he is completely clueless as to what transpires around him and simply lacks the energy (in the manner of all love-sick gentleman) to engage in hunting or other depleting physical activities.
"Olivia, too, embodies these same characteristics, and it is perhaps unfortunate that the two do not make their own happy ending. Similarly to her determined pursuer, Olivia's emotional "disorder" reveals itself through her conversations with Cesario. The reader knows, before even encountering Olivia, that she is in mourning for a beloved brother. "
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The Fool in "King Lear", 2006.
Examines the contribution of the Fool in William Shakespeare's play, "King Lear".
1,882 words (approx. 7.5 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 60.95
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Abstract
The parallel stories of Lear's and Gloucester's sufferings at the hands of their own children reflect anxieties that would have been close to home for Shakespeare's audience. This paper explains that many of William Shakespeare's plays feature a clown of some sort, and "King Lear" arguably has two such clowns: the Fool himself and Edgar in his later disguise as Tom O'Bedlam. This essay focuses on the character of the Fool in the play, and how he can be compared to Cordelia. The author of the paper considers the contribution he makes to the play and his importance to the play as a whole in terms of the influence he has over events and other characters. The paper concludes that "King Lear" would not be the same without the character of Fool.
From the Paper
"The word 'pined' again makes the Fool sound like a dog or puppy and suggests that there is some sort of connection between Cordelia and the Fool. They are linked in the text emotionally not only because the Fool is clearly upset when Cordelia is banished, but also because they are closest to Lear and loved most by him. It is noticeable that Cordelia and the Fool do not appear on stage at the same time at any point in the play."
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?Twelfth Night?, a Comedy of Incest, 2004.
A look at the ambiguities of gender and the ambivalence of desire in William Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night".
3,048 words (approx. 12.2 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 89.95
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Abstract
This paper argues that contemporary critical perspectives on the sexual politics of Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" can be expanded by exploring the theme of incest in the play. Although there is no literal incest in the play, erotically charged relationships between brothers and sisters structure the themes and plot of the play and remain unresolved at its end. Using the work of Freud, Judith Butler, and Marjorie Garber, the paper argues that "Twelfth Night" suggests a revision of the psychoanalytic theories of incest.
From the Paper
"Arguments about the destabilization of desire and identity through cross-dressing are important ones. I would like to add to this discourse, however, by proposing that the sexual politics of Twelfth Night might be much more radical than has been widely recognized by queerly-inclined critics. Twelfth Night is a play that begins with two women consumed, excessively, by grief for their dead brothers, a play whose most touching and ?believable? representation of love is that between brother and sister, a play whose desires can only be channeled into normative heterosexual order through an intricate reassigning of positions and replacement of a sister by a brother and a sexual love by a (supposedly) familial one: in short, it is a play structured and driven by incest."
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"The Twelfth Night"., 2002.
An analysis of the concepts of gender and gender roles in Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night".
1,650 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 1 source, $ 62.95
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Abstract
"The Twelfth Night" is an example of how a play can function both as theatrical performance, and as literature. The Twelfth Night is a play based on gender impersonation and openly mocks the assumptions about feminine and masculine behaviour or expectation. This paper focuses on Viola, and Olivia, as they are so clearly designed to complement and contradict (even through the names, which are different arrangements of the same letters.) As Viola impersonates the young man with whom Olivia has fallen in love, the differences in how Viola manages to speak as a man are as varied as Olivia's relations for speaking as a woman in relation to men.
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Revenge on Malvolio in "Twelfth Night", 2002.
An analysis of the action taken by the servants of Olivia against the manservant Malvolio in William Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night".
2,137 words (approx. 8.5 pages), 0 sources, $ 66.95
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Abstract
This paper examines William Shakespeare's comedy "Twelfth Night" and comments on the social context of Elizabethan society and the degree to which revenge is taken upon Malvolio. It looks at how Shakespeare makes fun of the Puritans, whose Christianity opposed the festivities so loved in Elizabethan society in "Twelfth Night" through Malvolio, the stuck-up steward that is totally opposed to fun as festivity. It analyzes the various forms of revenge as devised by Maria, Olivia and Sir Toby and discusses whether their actions do indeed go too far.
From the Paper
"Madness is a continuing theme throughout the play of Twelfth Night. Maria, Sir Toby and Fabian try to trap Malvolio in madness by acting in such a way as to convince him that they are right. Olivia, already distressed by Malvolio's actions towards her, believes that this might be true. In Elizabethan times, it was thought that to cure a mad person, they should be shut in a dark room until their sanity returned to them, and this is exactly what the plotters do in Act 4, scene 2. They treat Malvolio as though he is actually mad, and Feste joins the scheme, disguising himself as curate Sir Topas to torment Malvolio with his quick-witted tongue."
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Intransigence in the World of Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night", 2003.
Examines the character Malvolio in William Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" and his inability to adapt to new situations.
1,113 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 38.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the purpose of mankind in William Shakespeare's time, looking specifically at the character of Malvolio ("Twelfth Night"),in order to emphasize the importance of character flexibility in the changing world. The paper examines how the character of Malvolio shifts from a man who holds the respect of others to a comic figure, but his downfall occurs because he follows his societal role too strictly and cannot learn to shift mindset and attitude, a characteristic that marks the successful protagonists, Viola, Olivia, and Orsino. The paper shows that in "Twelfth Night", Malvolio is set in his decision to win Olivia?s hand, but he fails due to his inability to adapt to new situations, revealing Shakespeare?s view that a man who cannot alter himself to fit new situations will not be able to succeed.
From the Paper
"From the beginning of the story, Malvolio entertains the idea of becoming husband to Olivia, as when he daydreams, ?Maria once/ told me she did affect me; and I have heard herself/ come thus near, that, should she fancy, it should/ be one of my complexion? (II.v.22-6). Malvolio sees himself as a fit suitor for Olivia, and is determined to act in ways that he believes will win her hand. As a Puritan, many of Malvolio?s characteristics are serious and somber, his natural dignity and grave conduct preventing him from joking and outwitting others. Believing Olivia to be a state of honest mourning, he views his similarly serious demeanor to be appropriate to win her trust, and eventually her hand. The first appearance of Malvolio reveals his inflexible nature; after the Clown tries to win back Olivia?s favor, Malvolio insults him and is in turn mocked. Olivia explains to him, ?To be generous,/ guiltless, and of free disposition, is to take those/ things for birdbolts that you deem cannon bullets? (I.v.91-3). Malvolio cannot take any matters touching him lightly, because he is set in his ways and unable to adapt. Rather than dodging criticisms and jokes as Olivia suggests, Malvolio turns to insults and reveals his immovable nature. His somberness is suited to fit Olivia?s state of mourning, but as Olivia moves towards a normal life again, Malvolio?s somber attitude grates on her nerves and a complete outward change is needed to keep her interest."
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"Twelfth Night", 2002.
A review of William Shakespeare's love story "Twelfth Night".
1,892 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 60.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how William Shakespeare's play "Twelfth Night" can be seen as comedic social commentary on love and marriage amidst the backdrop of a renaissance ducal court, such as those that predominated in northern Italy. It discusses how the play, about a young woman who disguises herself as her brother in order to gain favor with the court results in confusion and how by using Viola as a plot device, Shakespeare calls into question traditional conceptualizations of romance, as well as gender relations and the significance of titles. It shows how Shakespeare has a lot of fun playing with this mixed-identity, gender-bending premise. It outline the plot of the play and provides an analysis of the main characters.
From the Paper
"Malvolio is self-involved; full of "self-love," as Olivia noted in Act I; he believes himself to be irresistible to a young woman like Olivia, despite the fact that he is an old servant. Maria, Olivia?s servant, decides to play a trick on him by forging a mock-love letter from Olivia. Before he reads the letter, he entertains a fantasy about being married to Olivia, and getting to strut around Sir Toby and Sir Andrew, due to his imagined rise in station. Malvolio's thinking out loud gets him in trouble; the party decide that Malvolio is being a perfect "turkeycock," which is a good image to describe Malvolio's pride. Maria and Feste, the canny court fool of Olivia, continue to torment Malvolio through the play, as the old servant is somewhat of a running joke who is unable to match wits with Feste."
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Viola in "Twelfth Night", 2006.
An examination of the character of Viola in William Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night".
1,050 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 0 sources, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper studies Viola, the protagonist in William Shakespeare's comedy "Twelfth Night". The paper examines Viola's disguise as Cesario, focusing on the themes of self indulgence, disguise, self deception and identity. The paper also looks at how Shakespeare uses the comedic vehicles of disguise and mistaken identity to make Viola an even more intricate character.
From the Paper
"Viola is a young woman born into aristocracy whose ship is wrecked in a storm, causing her to wash up on the shore of Illyria. Believing that her brother, Sebastian, is dead, Viola disguises herself as a young man who she names "Cesario" and becomes a page to Duke Orsino. Viola falls in love with Orsino, while Olivia, the woman Orsino is courting, falls in love with Cesario. Hence, Viola finds that her clever disguise has trapped her, as she is unable to tell Orsino that she loves him, and she is also unable to tell Olivia why she, as Cesario, does not and cannot love her. Viola's predicament is the central conflict in the play."
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'Twelfth Night' by William Shakespeare, 2005.
A study of the roles of Viola and Maria in William Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night'.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 1 source, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews the play 'Twelfth Night' by William Shakespeare with a special focus on the relationship between the characters Cesario, or Viola in disguise, and Maria, Lady Olivia's lady-in-waiting.
From the Paper
"William Shakespeare's middle-period comedy, 'Twelfth Night', is one of several plays he wrote that deal with mistaken identity, gender, and facade. In the play, young Viola, a girl who has high social status by birth, is involved in a shipwreck and must survive in a new and strange world with only her wits and her wiles. Viola disguises herself as a boy, Cesario, and finds employment and shelter with a wealthy nobleman, Orsino. Finding herself falling for Orsino, Viola also finds that her new employer is smitten by a fellow member of the aristocracy, Lady Olivia, who in turn falls for "Cesario," who she does not realize is young Viola. One of the interesting relationships in this play is that found between Viola and Olivia's young lady-in-waiting, Maria."
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"Twelfth Night", 2004.
An analysis of the character of Malvolio from William Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night".
969 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the play, "Twelfth Night" by William Shakespeare and, specifically, discusses the severe treatment of Malvolio in the play. It examines how Malvolio is a servant who desperately hopes to rise above his station in life and how he does not gain the sympathy of those around him because of his haughty and prudish attitude. It argues that, even though Malvolio is not the most congenial character, he does not deserve the severe treatment he receives during the play.
From the Paper
"It is here that the character of Malvolio really begins to flesh out for the audience, and even for the other characters. He is one of the most well rounded characters in the play, and as he struggles to overcome his servant status, he not only becomes more pitiable, he becomes more human. Who has not had some kind of cruel practical joke played on them like this, and who has not hoped to better themselves in life? Malvolio may be obnoxious and disliked, but he is not cruel or evil, and he is treated badly by those around him when he really did little to deserve such treatment. If anything, Malvolio has just shown that he has ambition, and his ambition overshadows his good sense."
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"Twelfth Night", 2002.
An overview of the characters in William Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night".
650 words (approx. 2.6 pages), 1 source, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper is written about the characters in Shakespeare's play the Twelfth Night. A set of twins that look exactly alike with the major difference of one being a girl and the other a boy embark on an adventure when their ship is wrecked.
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Masculinity and Femininity in "Twelfth Night", 2004.
An analysis of how sexuality and gender differences are presented by Shakespeare in "Twelfth Night".
2,179 words (approx. 8.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 67.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how the play "Twelfth Night" by William Shakespeare, is concerned essentially with deception on various levels. It looks at how although deception is often a comic device, in this play it is often a means of deepening the ideas, allowing the audience to explore gender and sexuality, mainly through Orsino and the Viola/Cesario plot.
From the Paper
"With the part of Viola, Shakespeare immediately presents the idea of gender confusion and interchangeability between the sexes. When the play was first performed, the cast would have been entirely male, so by the end of the first scene, the audience is aware that we have a boy playing a girl who is playing a boy on the stage. These levels of ambiguity suggest that gender roles will be important. Shakespeare then continues to explore this throughout the play, through the character of Cesario (Viola in disguise) and his relationships with other major characters such as Orsino and Olivia. Orsino sends Cesario to seduce Olivia on his behalf, and, unfortunately for the duke, Olivia falls in love with Cesario. The reasons for this are dramatised at the end of act one, scene five. Olivia asks Cesario to explain what he himself would do if in Orsino's position of lust towards her, so effectively asking his opinion of Orsino's technique and encouraging him to imagine that he loved her himself."
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