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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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Comedy in "Twelfth Night", 2008.
An analysis of the use of comedy as a form of instruction in William Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night".
1,754 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 56.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how "Twelfth Night" is a powerful vehicle for teaching its audiences several important lessons and how the play draws people in because it is an entertaining romantic comedy, complete with cross-dressing and the titillating misunderstandings that derive from the cross-dressing. It argues that the lessons are made more accessible because they are conveyed by characters and actions in a romantic comedy, frequently in a comic way, than they would have been if the lessons were simply stated in a didactic way.
From the Paper
"In Shakespeare's time, his plays provided entertainment and often comedy to people who had far less access to entertainment than we do in our time, with our highly commercialized and ubiquitous entertainment industry. His plays were therefore much enjoyed, and any lessons he intended were keenly listened to. This is the first reason why the comic antics portrayed in Twelfth Night would have been likely to communicate the lessons Shakespeare intended - simply because the play would have been so greatly enjoyed. It is a classic romantic comedy, dealing as it does with the never-failingly-interesting topic of romance, and providing the audience with a satisfying happy ending. "
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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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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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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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"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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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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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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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", 2002.
A discussion of William Shakespeare's blurring of gender roles in his play "Twelfth Night".
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 5 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This essay will argue that Shakespeare's use of this device in "Twelfth Night" is much more complex and significant than in "Comedy of Errors", as it is central to the theme of blurring gender roles in the play. As will be seen, Viola's transvestite impersonation of the male Cesario creates a site of gender confusion that challenges our understanding of the major characters and, in a broader sense, subverts the audience's certainty as to the nature of love and the permeability of gender lines.
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"Twelfth Night", 2008.
An analysis of William Shakespeare's moralizing throughout his play, "Twelfth Night."
3,440 words (approx. 13.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 97.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes William Shakespeare's play "Twelfth Night." It discusses the way in which Shakespeare subtly moralizes throughout the play's plot and how Shakespeare plays with the notion of social mobility to assert that with worthy intentions, a transgression of class can be acceptable. The paper provides examples and quotes from the play to illustrate its points.
From the Paper
"Shakespeare also moralizes by denouncing ill-disguised simulacrums of love and teaches that incompetence, greedy self-gain and a thirst for dominance as motives cannot lead to what is desired. False love is a running motif throughout the play; just as Orsino's "love" for Olivia is more a stage for his self-indulgence, Malvolio's "love" for his mistress is more a gateway to an elevated social status. Never once does he spend time to speak of his alleged love for Olivia, nor does he ever verbally profess any love for her. At most, Malvolio tosses out flimsy comments about dedication to his lady, and the focus of his dreams is clarified when he muses on the power made accessible through a marriage to Olivia. Malvolio's love is only for himself and his inability to think unselfishly about anyone else inevitably marks him as someone to be detested (I.v.73). The other characters comment on his ignorance, that "so crammed (as he thinks) with excellencies, that it is his grounds of faith that all that look on him love him" (II.iii.126-129). Malvolio displays a glaring ignorance for how others feel about him; he is not perceptive or sensitive to the reactions of others, and this indicates, again, that provincial love of self that is to be his downfall. Malvolio never really has a chance to begin with, for from the start of the play, his sour egotism is unabashedly apparent."
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Love in "Twelfth Night", 2008.
An analysis of the relationships and love portrayed in William Shakespeare's play, "Twelfth Night."
700 words (approx. 2.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 24.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the theme of true love, as it is depicted in William Shakespeare's play, "Twelfth Night." It explores the idea of true love and its possibilities and then looks at how much of love is, in fact, an illusion. The paper discusses the plot of the play and the various relationships that exist and also briefly looks at the implications of that love.
From the Paper
"One of the ways this theme is often depicted is in terms of lovers who seem mismatched so that their faithlessness is almost expected. Duke Orsino in this play is a man who has a wandering eye when it comes to women, so it would seem that he is not likely to remain faithful, though he would become apoplectic if his wife were to stray as he does. He proposes to Viola in a less than convincing manner and claims that all women are unfaithful. At this stage, Orsino is doing no more than projecting his own character onto the women he meets, and he does learn a lesson in the course of the play."
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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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Gender in "Twelfth Night", 2007.
This paper explores the issue of gender from the perspective of the character of Viola in Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night".
1,657 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses Viola's presentation of gender in "Twelfth Night", which implicitly challenges the strict binary gender system that prescribes different and opposite behaviors for the two genders. The paper shows how the character of Viola stands in stark contradiction to long-standing prejudices about the weaknesses and frailty of women. The paper also points out, however, Viola remains a victim of the prejudices of her society, in that from her own perspective, she continues to see women as frail.
From the Paper
"In Twelfth Night, Viola and Sebastian are twins, but they are separated in a storm at sea. Viola adopts male garb, and the name Cesario, as a survival strategy - to enable herself to get a job working for the Duke Orsino. Thus, Violet is not explicitly making a statement about gender when she begins passing as a male - rather, she is simply making a statement about wanting to survive. However, the necessity for her to adopt this strategy does of course arise from the strict sex-based segregation of the times. Despite the fact that Viola does not intend to buck the binary-gender system in any way, she certainly seems to enjoy "being a man," and moreover, the fact that she adopts a male persona inevitably leads to gender-based complications. For example, the Countess Olivia falls in love with her, while "Cesario" falls in love with Duke Orsino, and "Cesario" is challenged to a duel by the jealous Sir Andrew. Viola's gender switch thus lays the foundation for much of the plot. However, despite being a plot device, it also makes it possible for Viola to present an alternative representation of gender."
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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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