William Shakespeare’s romantic comedy Twelfth Night, or What You Will, has enthralled audiences for centuries with its witty dialogue, intricate plot, and memorable characters. Written in 1601 and first performed in 1602, the play has stood the test of time, inspiring countless adaptations and interpretations.
Twelfth Night: A Joyful Christian Festival of Old
At the heart of Twelfth Night is the story of Viola, a young woman who disguises herself as a man named Cesario in order to serve the Duke Orsino. Along the way, she falls in love with him, while also catching the eye of the Countess Olivia, who believes Cesario to be a man. Meanwhile, Viola’s twin brother Sebastian is lost at sea, leading to a series of mistaken identities and romantic entanglements.
One of the things that makes Twelfth Night such a timeless masterpiece is Shakespeare’s brilliant use of language. From the first line (“If music be the food of love, play on”) to the last, the play is filled with clever wordplay, puns, and poetic imagery. For example, when Viola describes the Duke Orsino’s love for Olivia as a “barren, sterile, brawling love,” she uses oxymorons to convey the conflicting emotions he feels.
But Shakespeare’s mastery of language is only part of what makes Twelfth Night so captivating. The play is also filled with memorable characters, such as the fool Feste, who provides a comical commentary on the action, and Malvolio, the haughty steward who is tricked into believing that Olivia loves him. And then there’s Viola/Cesario, who embodies both masculine and feminine qualities, challenging traditional gender roles and expectations.
Unearthing Treasures: A Trip Through Rare and Unique Collections
Of course, understanding the nuances of Twelfth Night requires more than just reading the text. That’s where the Smithsonian Libraries come in. In their collection, they have a wealth of resources that shed light on Shakespeare’s world and the context in which he wrote. For example, they have a manuscript from the early 17th century that contains a recipe for a medicinal drink called “plague water,” which gives us a glimpse into the medical practices of the time.
The Smithsonian Libraries also have illustrations and engravings from Shakespeare’s era, showing what clothing, architecture, and even animals looked like at the time. These can help us better imagine the world of Twelfth Night, with its elegant courtiers, lush gardens, and bustling streets.
In addition to these primary sources, the Smithsonian Libraries also have a collection of critical works about Shakespeare and Twelfth Night, ranging from scholarly analyses to popular adaptations. These can help readers deepen their understanding of the play, as well as appreciate the many ways it has been interpreted and adapted over the years.
In conclusion, Twelfth Night remains a masterpiece of English literature, thanks to its clever use of language, memorable characters, and timeless themes. To fully appreciate this play, readers should turn to the many resources offered by the Smithsonian Libraries, which provide a fascinating glimpse into Shakespeare’s world and the context in which he wrote. Whether you’re a student, a scholar, or simply a fan of great literature, Twelfth Night is a play that continues to captivate and inspire.