The "TWELFTH NIGHT" is considered a Shakespearean comedy with a fun storyline and great humor.
The movie SHE'S THE MAN starring Channing Tatum and Amanda Bynes is based off of this play and is an amazing film to watch!
Get ready to enjoy some humor!!
Ok the "Twelfth Night"! Here we go!
ReplyDeleteSo the play starts out with us meeting the man-candy of the story, Orsino-Duke of Illyria. We see him doing typical guy stuff: lounging, pining over a girl who has sworn off men, listening to music, and whining to his friend. Yet what doesn't make sense to me about this guy, is why he chooses to go after Olivia, who has turned herself away from men? Why not see that she's off the market and move on? Is this something that men do often? Yes, she is said to be beautiful and amazing by the standards of Orisno, but she turned herself into a nun for 7 years because of losing her father and brother! Guys are weird. So let's move on!
We then see my favorite character, and the it-girl of the play, Viola! She is on a boat with some guys that she doesn't know, because she was capsized from her boat along with her brother, however, he is not on the boat with her. But that's not the point! After asking a few questions and figuring out where she is, she finds out that she is in the land of non other than Duke Orsino. But here is where I get confused again.
Let's map this out shall we? Viola is shipwrecked after traveling to or from somewhere with her brother and a crew. She is known as the Lady of Messaline, and with the title of LADY, it means that she comes from some sort of stature of money, and to confirm that it was a private boat she was on when mentioned in the play that it was just her and her brother. Now, she has also heard of the Duke, when, "...my father name him/ He was a bachelor then" (1.2.24-25). Meaning that her father could have been suggesting him as a possible suitor to her, also meaning that he has probably heard of her before. So... why does she do this? "I prithee-and I'll pay thee bounteously-/Conceal me what I am and be my aid/..." (1.2.48-49). Why does she hide who she truly is? What gives her the idea to hide herself from someone who might help her? I am confusion!
However, as confused as I am, I am also curious to see the plan that Viola has play out. She seems like a smart cookie, so I wonder what she has up her sleeve.
Tag your it, you giant biscuit!
Entry Two (Act 1, Sc 3-5)
ReplyDeleteThis play is a hoot to read already! I am beyond excited to read it. To answer your questions, some guys just can’t take no for an answer. I mean, look at Bill Cosby. However that is beside the point. Maybe Viola hides her identity because she wants to understand the situation in Illyria as it is instead of arriving as a noblewoman and be lied to or treated differently.
In scene 3, we are introduced to Sir Toby Belch, uncle to Olivia, and Maria, handmaiden to Olivia. Immediately the talk of drinking and partying is brought up as Maria scolds Sir Toby for his excessive partying that is worrying Olivia, “By my troth, Sir Toby, you must come in earlier o’ nights. Your cousin, my lady, takes great exceptions to your ill hours” (I.3.4-8). Already, it is clear that much of the men in this play are fools who are hardcore parties, love-struck, or actual fools! This is reinforced when we meet Sir Andrew who makes advances on both Maria and Olivia. Maria quickly becomes my favorite character as she roasts Sir Andrew like a rotisserie chicken, “A dry Jest, sir/ Are you full of them/ Ay sir, I have them at my fingers ends. Marry, now I let go your hand, I am barren.” (I.3.70-73). I am sensing much of the females in this play will have more common sense than all the men combined.
In scene four, we see that Viola has made her way into Duke Orisino’s entourage and is making her way into his good graces disguised as a man. Yet, I find it quite hilarious no one can tell Viola is actually a girl. The duke even comments on her feminine features, “And all is semblative a woman’s part” (I.4.34). This furthers my opinion all the men in this play are idiots. Anyways, Orisino convinces Viola to travel to Olivias house and demand to see her. Viola reluctantly agrees, however she wonders how this will work out since she is trying to marry Orisino herself!
Despite the problem facing viola, she still goes to Olivia’s house to speak with her. However, before she arrives at the house, the Fool is cast onto the scene. Despite him being scorned by nearly everyone he speaks with, the fool makes many quick and wise points about Sir Toby’s drunkenness and good men versus bad men. I would like to think the Fool is a wise character with a good wit, but what do you think about him? Soon, Viola arrives and she begs for Olivia to se Orisino. Olivia still refuses, yet is beginning to fall for the handsome “Ceasrio”. My question is why does Olivia so readily give up her vow to not marry for some random messenger dude? That seems kind of sudden to me. I also find it funny that Viola is making more of a name for herself than she would have coming as a noblewoman.
What do you think so far? How will all this craziness of Viola pretending to be a man and such work out in her favor?
Guess what? You're Up, ya nerd!
I definitely agree with you in the sense that all of the men in this play are idiots. It's so funny how they don't realize that Viola is a freaking girl!! Olivia is a very curious character already. I honestly have no idea why she is giving up her no man promise for "Ceasrio", but the name Ceasrio is an interesting choice of name! I think that this play is slowing becoming one of my favorite ones so far! However, your question is honestly the same as mine, I'm not too sure how Viola's craziness will help her out, but I can't wait to see how it goes!
DeleteJumping ahead fro where you left off, we meet the character of Sebastian! He is the brother of Viola and seems like a sweet guy! Sebastian is in the company of Antonio, who has cared for him after the ship wreck. But what I love is this coincidence, "I am bound to the Court Orsino's court. Farewell" (2.1.38). Stuff is gonna get interesting and I am so excited! But I m also curious, who is Antonio and what is his beef with Orsino?
Skip ahead a little bit and we come across a monologue by Viola as Ceasrio. She is confused, and upset, and honestly a mess of emotions because of becoming Ceasrio. O time, thou must untangle this, not I./It is too hard a knot for me to untie!" (2.2.39-40). She conflicted with being the love interest of Olivia, and the woman who is also crushing on Orisino, while being dressed up as a man. I am curious how Viola will grow as a character from this situation that she is stuck in.
The comic relief that is spread throughout this entire play is honestly the best. From Viola acting as a man, from Sebastian eventually showing up to where Viola is, my favorite piece of humor is definitely this conversation between Sir Andrew, Sir Tony Belch, and The Fool. They are so funny! They remind me of the band members from Romeo and Juliet.
So what are you thinking so far about this play? Is it too much comedy jammed pack into one play? Or is it perfectly balanced out in Shakespearean fashion?
Time to write it out Cub Scout!!
(Entry 4: Act 2, Sc 3-5)
ReplyDeleteI am also quite curious what a nice guy like Antonio has against Orisino and how their beef started. I do like that Antonio and Sebastian seem like sensible males unlike the rest of the lot. I am honestly loving the comedy in this play and I feel that the jokes are both hilarious and thought out.
As we dive into scene three, we are greeted with a drunk Sir Toby and Sir Andrew who stumble around, call for the Fool, and make a general ruckus of things. This attracts the attention of Maria and Malvolio, the head servant or Olivia, who scold them for their loud and awful singing. It is soon clear to see that the other characters absolutely hate Malvolio and his straight-laced ways, “Twere as good a deed as to drink when a mans a-hungry, to challenge him the field and then to break promise with him and make a fool of him” (II.3.116-120). I share the characters opinions of Malvolio as he continually is rude to other characters except Olivia to win her good graces. Even Maria, who can put up with drunk Sir Toby, cannot stand Malvolio. So much so that they all decide to play a trick on Malvolio that Olivia secretly loves him. Though I find this funny, I wonder if it isn’t altogether to mean? Does Malvolio deserve this?
We then switch back to Viola’s point of view as she and Duke Orisino talk about Olivia’s stubbornness to not see him. Orisino moans and groans how his heart holds so much love for Olivia that no woman could understand, “There is no woman’s sides can bide the beating of so strong a passion, as love doth give my heart. No woman’s hear, So big, to hold so much. They lack retention” (II.4.91-94). I am annoyed by Orisino’s comment here because he is a bigger fool than most in this play and he still says women cannot understand love. He can’t even pick up on Viola’s “subtle” hints of how she loves Orisino. I honestly think Viola is too good for a man like Orisino. What do you think??
Scene five is instantly one of my favorite scenes as Sir Toby, Maria, and Sir Andrew pull their prank on Malvolio. Malvolio is soon depicted as immensely egotistical as he has wild fantasies of marrying Olivia and putting Sir Toby in his place. It is clear to see Malvolio has aspirations to become higher socially, do you think this will occur more often in future scenes? Anyways, Maria drops a love letter that Malvolio reads that is clearly about him and he thinks it is form Olivia. It gives Malvolio instructions to wear yellow, smile, and be condescending to those lower than him. Basically, it asks him to ruin his life for Olivia and he is so willing to do it! Honestly this is less about Olivia then it is Malvolio becoming successful. I cannot wait to see how Sir Toby’s prank works out.
What about you? What are you most excited to see? Do you think everyone will get happy endings? Or will some ruin their lives inadvertently?
Your Up!
Well, to answer one of your questions, I am not to sure that Viola is "too good" for Orisino, because she is currently dressed as a man in his court. So I totally him not picking up on her subtle hints, seeing as Orisino isn't exactly paying attention to a dude flirting with him. I think that I am most excited too see what happens when Viola in her facade sees Sebastian! That's gonna be good! I'm sure that someone will be happy in the end!
ReplyDeleteIn Act three we start out by seeing Viola chatting with the Fool. The Fool has become my favorite character by far!! (sorry Viola step aside). I swear that this guy is actually a genius! Feste makes some jokes and makes some puns with Viola, "Oh, you’re a clergyman?" "No, I live by the church because I live in a house, and my house is by the church" (3.1.3-5). I feel as if Feste has mastered the art of appealing to the upperclassmen, and give advice that is never taken seriously. One of my favorite lines by Feste (which like I said earlier is super wise), "Troth, sir, I can yield you none without words, and words are grown so false, I am loath to prove reason with them" (3.1.21-23). Here he basically says, that words are unreliable and usually false, therefore in serious situations he tends to stay quiet. I mean for a fool he sure is a wise man.
Moving on from Feste the freaky wise, he parts to leaves to announce Viola's arrival to Olivia-a slightly drunk Sir Andrew and Sir Toby meet Cesario for the first time. The experience is extremely awkward and uncomfortable for Viola, yet the moment is brief and quick before Olivia and Maria arrive. Then everyone is dismissed by Olivia so that her and Viola can speak alone.
Their conversation turns into a rejection from Cesario to Olivia, considering it is Viola rejecting the feelings of another woman. I find it quite humorous however, that this is supposed to be a serious scene, yet all I can think of is a woman saying no to another woman while one of them is dressed as a man and is trying to get the other to fall in love with another man. (lol that's so confusing I'm sorry). However the best part of the scene is when this happens, "By innocence I swear, and by my youth I have one heart, one bosom, and one truth, And that no woman has, nor never none Shall mistress be of it, save I alone.
And so adieu, good madam. Nevermore/Will I my master’s tears to you deplore" (3.1.150-155). She swears off having any woman steal her heart in memory of Olivia. Oh man I sure do love Shakespeare!
In the next scene Sir Andrew has decided to leave because he feels that Olivia will never have feelings for him after seeing her with Viola in the orchard. However, Sir Toby, being the great friend that he is doesn't want him to leave seeing that Andrew is his cash cow. So he comes up with the greatest plan of having Sir Andrew stay around and duel Cesario for the heart of Olivia! If that's not great friendship, I'm not too sure what is. But I have a question, why is it, in almost every Shakespearean play out there, that someone has to duel someone else to prove a point? Why can't they just argue? I mean does someone always have to die? Ugh Will whatcha doin fam? But to make up for that frustrating topic, Maria reports that Mavalio is doing everything that was required of him in the prank and ruining his self image. Man this play just gets better and better!
What do you think that Olivia is most attracted to in Viola or rather Cesario? What is Viola going to do to get the attention of Orisino and win his heart from Olivia?
Come on pool boy your up!
(Entry Six: Act 3, Sc 3-4)
ReplyDeleteI think Olivia is most attracted to Ceasrio’s sensibility and “hard-to-getness”. I mean she has all these men wanting her and then this one guy comes along who doesn’t even care. That’s going to drive a girl crazy. I mean maybe I don’t know girls. As for Viola winning over Orisino, I think Viola will have to give up her disguise to show Orisino she is a hot lady who wants him. I mean the strangest thing I find about this play is how, um, hormonal the characters are.
Anyways, scene three brings us back to Sebastian and Antonio as the have arrived in Illyria and discussing their next steps. We soon find out Antonio’s reasoning for being an enemy of the Duke, “I do not without danger walk these streets: Once in a sea-fight 'gainst the Count his galleys, I did some service, of such note indeed, That were I ta'en here it would scarce be answered.” (III.3.25-29). Despite the obvious danger of being in Illyria, I love how Antonio is willing to risk himself for Sebastian and help him out. I need me a bro like that!
Moving away from bromance, we are met with the cringe worthy performance by Malvolio as he continually flirts with Olivia who just wanted him for his serious and depressing mood. I mean that is a strange request but then again, Olivia is a strange girl. I love Malvolio following the orders the letter gave him especially when he insults Maria, “At your request! Yes, nightingales answer daws!” (III.3.33). Malvolio is set up to look like a fool as he continually pines for Olivia and insults others. The best part is that he believes that nothing can stop him form achieving his dream of marrying Olivia and becoming noble. I honestly laughed so hard during this scene, especially when Fabian wanted to get a urine sample to make sure he wasn’t possessed. Fabian is definitely one of my favorite characters.
I thought this play couldn’t get much better, until Sir Andrew arrived and declared how he would duel Ceasrio. I enjoy how Sir Toby manipulates Sir Andrew to do things he wouldn’t do since he is a coward and quite stupid. The dynamic is interesting as Sir Toby uses Sir Andrew for money and companionship while Sir Andrew makes hopeless plans that only make him miserable. Yet, somehow, he lets Sir Toby and Fabian cajole him into fighting Viola. When Viola learns of this, she is in a bit of a predicament as she is a woman and has never fought before. This scene makes me hate Sir Toby as he blatantly manipulates both Viola and Sir Andrew to prosper form their ill fortune. The day is only saved by the timely arrival of Antonio who confuses Viola as Sebastian. In the confusion, Antonio is arrested and is heartbroken that “Sebastian” turned his back on him. Yet, Viola is uplifted by the fact that her brother is still alive and rushes to find him.
That was one crazy scene! What did you think about scene four? Will all these unlucky mistakes work out? Hopefully Sir Toby gets what he deserves and Malvolio makes a fool of himself.
Your turn, cripple!
Hey! I'm not cripple just slightly bruised!! But to answer your question, I really liked scene four, and in total I really just liked the third act as a whole! A lot happened, but it just kinda flowed! But my favorite part was definitely the bromance scene. Like you I need a bro like that in my life!!
DeleteMoving on, let's dive into act 4! So this act is a bit wonky, and very quick paced. It starts out with Sebastian and Feste having a conversation, however poor Sebastian has no idea to what is going on! This is what is going to happen throughout the ENTIRE act! Viola isn't in this act at all, however, all of the other characters in this act have been in her presence as Cesario not Sebastian. Poor kid. So he first sees the clown, as mentioned, then, he gets into fisticuffs with Sir Andrew, who thinks that he is Cesario. "Why, there’s for thee, and there, and there. Are all the people mad?" (4.1.23-24). I love imagining Sebastian just walking around in this town, being approached by people and people just coming at him to fight when he hasn't done anything to deserve this. I also love how pathetic Sir Andrew is, when Sebastian actually knows how to fight and starts to beat him up, Andrew just wimps out and whines for Sebastian to stop. I feel so bad for Sebby, the poor guy thinks that he is surrounded by mad men!
When Sebastian tries to leave the situation before beating up Sir Andrew anymore, Toby grabs him... instant face palm. Naturally, being two men with a lot of testosterone-they pull out their swords to fight and "duel"... face palms again. Thankfully (wow never thought I'd say that) Olivia shows up and breaks it apart before anyones limbs get hacked off. She then takes a bewildered Sebastian with her with him. responding, "What relish is in this? How runs the stream? Or I am mad, or else this is a dream. Let fancy still my sense in Lethe steep. If it be thus to dream, still let me sleep!" (4.1.56-59). If I was a dude I would stay in that dream too Sebastian!
Ok this next scene I just don't like. I get that Malvolio was a jerk in the beginning and really doesn't seem like a great guy... but come on, does he really need to be held in a dark room and told that he is possessed? I actually feel bad for the guy, because everyone is just abusing the poor guy! Feste is dressed up as a priest, and sits in the room with Mavolio, insisting that he is mad while he sits there and defends his sanity. I mean there is pranking, then there is just bullying and I think that this is too far. Yes like I said, he was a jerk and deserved the letter and all of the humiliation of that, but I think that this is too far. What about you? Do you think that Mavolio deserved this?
After the scene of Mavolio, we jump back to Olivia and Sebastian, hitting it off really well. I mean ultimately Sebastian is just so confused and doesn't know what to do, in fact he asks to find Antonio for help because he just has no idea what is going on. But things work out for the clueless twin of Viola, as Olivia and Sebastian vow to each other to get married, "I’ll follow the priest and go with you; and after I’ve sworn to be faithful, I’ll be faithful forever." "Then lead the way, father. I want the skies bright and shining to show its approval of our wedding." (4.3.32-35). So I guess that Sebastian can't complain about anything no matter how confused he is, because he just got the girl that no one could!
This act is absolutely hilarious and I love it so much. Sebastian thinks that he's in a dream yet he almost gets into 2 duels and manages to fins a wife all in like an hour or two! But do you think that it went to quickly? I mean sure he didn't think that it was real, but do you think that this act should have flowed a little slower than it did? Do you ship Olastian? (or should it be called Selivia?) Either way this act was a trip!
We are waiting for you Mr. President!
ReplyDeleteI loved all of Act four and believe it was done really well. I also totally ship Olivia and Sebastian as it gives both characters what they want! I mean, Sebastian never said he wanted to get married but Olivia is pretty so, like you said, he can’t complain. As for Malvolio, I agree that maybe the prank has gone too far, but I can’t help but laugh at his misfortune.
Act five is a virtual whirlwind of activity, confusion, and happiness. Viola is instantly thrust under the spotlight as Antonio claims he nursed her back to health, but doesn’t realize that it is not Sebastian he is talking too. I feel bad for poor Antonio as he only wanted to help and be a bro! As soon as Antonio is done attacking Viola, Olivia confronts her thinking she is Sebastian and claims that they have made marriage vows, “O, welcome, father! Father, I charge thee, by thy reverence, Here to unfold (though lately we intended To keep in darkness what occasion now Reveals before ’tis ripe) what thou dost know Hath newly passed between this youth and me” (V.1.147-152). I honestly love the confusion that is rampant in this play as even the characters disguising themselves do not understand what is going on. Soon the idiot of the play, Sir Andrew not the actual Fool, enters and accuses Viola of assaulting him and Sir Toby. I am honestly so done with Sir Toby and Sir Andrew as the complain about every bit of misfortune that comes their way. However, all these allegations clear up when Sebastian enters and everyone sees the proverbial light as brother and sister reunite! Immediately, Orisino realizes that Cesario is actually Viola and proposes on the spot which I have a lot of respect for. Way to go Orisino! Things begin to clear as Malvolio is soon declared sane, though very hurt, and it is revealed Maria and Sir Toby are getting married which surprised me as much as being told I’m crazy and being locked in a dark room. Twelfth Night wraps all loose ends quite nicely as our main characters get married to their true loves, those put in jail are released, and Malvolio remains as prideful as ever. I honestly believe that Twelfth Night is one of Shakespeare’s greatest comedies as he uses confusion, love, and dry humor to create a masterpiece!
I'm glad you folks followed the humor so well! (You even did a good job of mostly remembering to quote the original instead of the No Fear version--is that what you were reading?) Your observations on the Fool are classic--whenever you read Shakespeare nad often other older lit, the Fool is actually as you say one of the wisest (see even in tragedies like King Lear). The trope is that only the fool has permission to work outside the hierarchy, to speak truth to power, so to speak, without getting his head literally chopped off. In your last MOR, see if you can track a few more lit devices through to their MOWAW. For example what do the motifs of music or disguises say in this play about the truth or value of love/emotion? Thanks!
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