Twelfth Night - Lecture Flashcards

Flashcards cover key facts, characters, themes, and dramatic devices from the Twelfth Night notes, including setting, plot points, major and minor characters, motifs, and the festival context.

What is the full title of Shakespeare's play commonly known as Twelfth Night?

Twelfth Night, or What You Will.

When and where was Twelfth Night written?

Written around 1601 in England.

Where is Twelfth Night set?

Illyria, an ancient Adriatic coast region.

What literary period and genre describe Twelfth Night?

The Renaissance; Genre: Comedy.

What is the climax of Twelfth Night?

The weddings of Viola and Orsino, and Sebastian and Olivia (with Maria and Toby also marrying privately).

Who disguises herself as Cesario in the play?

Viola.

Who is Viola's twin brother who is believed dead after the shipwreck?

Sebastian.

Who is Olivia's steward that becomes the target of the Malvolio prank?

Malvolio.

Who are the main pranksters who trick Malvolio?

Maria, Sir Toby Belch, and Sir Andrew Aguecheek.

Who serves as the clown and trickster figure in the play?

Feste.

Which two social worlds are contrasted, reflecting the Twelfth Night festival's inversion of order?

The noble court (Orsino and Olivia) and the servant world (Maria, Toby, Andrew, Malvolio).

What is the Feast of Misrule and its significance to the play?

A Renaissance English holiday on January 5 where social order is inverted; associated with disorder and revelry.

What is the alternate title reference for the play's holiday-based naming?

Twelfth Night, or What You Will—the second title hints at ritualized disorder and freedom to act out fantasies.

Who are the three central lovers driving the main plot's love triangle?

Duke Orsino, Olivia, and Viola (as Cesario).

What theme arises from Viola's disguise regarding identity and gender?

Gender and sexual identity; the play questions fixed male/female roles and suggests performativity and fluidity.

What is the key prank letter on Malvolio and its initials?

A forged Olivia-style letter claiming Olivia loves Malvolio; initials spell M.O.A.I.

What symbol does Olivia use to woo Cesario and later tease Malvolio?

A ring that Olivia gives to Cesario.

What famous opening line expresses Orsino’s view of love?

If music be the food of love, play on.

What is the primary dramatic device behind the 'play within a play' moments in Twelfth Night?

Disguise, deception, and performance; characters pretend to be who they are not.

What is the main theme suggested by the costumes and disguises in the play?

Costumes symbolize changing identities and social roles; gender and class are performative.

How are high and low characters reconciled by the play's end?

The couples Viola/Orsino and Olivia/Sebastian resolve, Maria and Toby marry, Malvolio’s fate is left unresolved/humiliated, and the disguises are shed.

Which two subplots parody traditional romantic rituals (duel and prank) and how do they function?

The duel between Cesario (Viola) and Sir Andrew, and the Malvolio prank; both mirror and mock the main love plots.