Study Notes on Twelfth Night & Shakespeare's Cultural Influence

Chapter 1: Twelfth Night: Why Shakespeare?

I. Shakespeare as Culture Hero

  • Culture Hero Definition:

    • A legendary or historical figure who shapes or influences a culture through contributions that leave a lasting societal impact.

  • Shakespeare’s Role:

    • Shakespeare is hailed as a pivotal culture hero in English literature and drama, having profoundly influenced the English language, storytelling, and theater.
    • His works delve into universal themes such as love, power, identity, and fate, maintaining relevance across different times and cultures.
    • His innovative language introduced a plethora of words and phrases still prevalent today.
    • Complex characters and dramatic structures he created established standards for modern storytelling.
    • Influence extends beyond literature to impact film, art, and philosophy, marking him as an iconic figure in Western culture.
    • Continuous performances, adaptations, and scholarly works related to his plays reinforce his significance as a central part of global cultural heritage.

II. Introduction: Why Study Shakespeare?

  • Shakespeare’s Reputation:

    • Regarded as the greatest writer of his age, in the English language, and potentially the greatest writer in history.
    • For over 400 years, his plays have dominated world drama and are a benchmark for timeless artistic endeavors.
    • Shakespeare is integrated into educational curriculums globally, with wide consensus on the greatness and importance of his works.

  • Intimidation Factor:

    • First-time study of Shakespeare may raise questions due to the perceived difficulty of his language and the cultural differences from modernity as he lived over 400 years ago (1564-1616).
    • Queries arise about the validity of his superstar status and the longevity of his influence beyond his own time.
    • The chapter aims to address such questions within the context of "Twelfth Night," focusing on themes of love and the societal frameworks of romantic relationships.

III. The First Folio

  • Overview:

    • The First Folio, published in 1623, is the premier collected edition of Shakespeare’s works, curated posthumously by friends John Heminges and Henry Condell.
    • Contains 36 plays, including 18 that had not been printed before, critical for the survival and recognition of plays like "Macbeth," "Julius Caesar," "The Tempest," and "Twelfth Night."
    • Organized into three categories: comedies, histories, and tragedies.
    • Features a portrait of Shakespeare by Martin Droeshout, marking its historical significance.

  • Cultural Impact:

    • The prefatory material includes Ben Jonson’s notable poem extolling Shakespeare as “not of an age, but for all time,” cementing his literary reputation.
    • The dedication and introductory notes in the First Folio emphasize Shakespeare’s greatness and encourage appreciation of his works as serious literature.
    • The First Folio is considered highly valuable, with approximately 230 copies remaining, revered as a significant artifact in libraries and museums worldwide.

IV. Shakespeare’s Portrait

  • Droeshout’s Portrait:
    • Engraved image of Shakespeare is peculiar; crafted when Droeshout was very young, likely derived from another image rather than directly from Shakespeare.
    • The portrait presents a disproportionate relationship between the head and body, critiqued for lacking realism and psychological depth.
    • Jonson advises readers rely on Shakespeare’s written works rather than the engraving for true understanding.

V. ‘Not of an age, but for all time’

  • Jonson’s Praise:
    • Jonson’s poem serves as a significant endorsement, placing Shakespeare on par with revered figures like Geoffrey Chaucer and ancient Greek dramatists like Aeschylus, Euripides, and Sophocles.
    • Highlights the uniqueness of Shakespeare, proclaiming
      • “Rejoice, my Britain, you have someone to boast about,
      • Someone to whom all of Europe pays respect,
      • He wasn’t just for his time; he’s timeless, you see.”
    • Invokes the Muses, Apollo, and Mercury, indicating Shakespeare-induced a Golden Age in writing, transcending the timeline of his life.

VI. Shakespeare’s Language

  • Difficulties Encountered with Language:
    • Jonson’s poem reveals cultural assumptions and the gap in understanding Shakespeare’s textual nuances today.
    • Example Analysis: Close scrutiny of specific dialogues in "Twelfth Night" highlights variations in language styles, including more formal speeches versus casual banter.
A. The Priest’s Speech (Act 5, Scene 1)

  • Textual Analysis of the Priest’s Speech:

    • The speech outlines a betrothal and is characterized by complex wording, showcasing Shakespeare’s penchant for intricate language.
    • Themes include ritual practices within a marriage context, connecting the speech to the Book of Common Prayer.

  • Understanding Diction:

    • Key Terms:
      • “Joinder” means joining; “interchangement” denotes exchange; both highlight Shakespeare’s creativity in word formation.
      • The attempt to paraphrase the speech exposes expectations of Elizabethan audiences regarding language and verbosity.

  • Cultural Differences:

    • Historical context of audience preferences for lengthy speeches contrasts with modern concise dialogue outcomes.
B. Comic Dynamism in Shakespearean Comedy

  • Definition and Characteristics:

    • Comic dynamism refers to the energetic and fluctuating nature of humor through witty dialogue, mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, and irony in Shakespearean comedies.
    • Twelfth Night employs mistaken identities and humorous subplots, contributing to the play's chaotic yet engaging quality.
    • Notable Characters:
      • Feste (the clever fool) and Sir Toby Belch (who produces physical comedy through antics).

  • Humor Elements:

    • Blend of verbal wit and situational comedy, emphasizing unpredictability and audience engagement.
C. Blank Verse and Iambic Pentameter

  • Blank Verse Defined:

    • A poetic form that avoids rhyming at the end of lines but follows a rhythmic structure that mirrors natural speech.
    • Very popular in English literature, particularly in works from the 16th to the 20th centuries, including Shakespeare’s numerous plays.

  • Iambic Pentameter Explained:

    • Iambic indicates a rhythmic unit called an iamb, consisting of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable (da DUM).
    • Pentameter signifies that five iambs are present in a line, creating a beat reminiscent of natural speech.
    • Example: “If music be the food of love, play on.”

VII. Viola’s Soliloquy

  • Definition of Soliloquy:

    • A dramatic device revealing a character’s inner thoughts, typically spoken alone on stage, sometimes directly engaging with the audience.

  • Analysis of Viola's Soliloquy (Act 2, Scene 2):

    • Key lines depict her internal conflict: “I left no ring with her. What means this lady?” highlighting her complex affections and disguise repercussions.
    • Examination centers on the emotional turmoil arising from her disguise as Cesario, complicating her feelings for Orsino and Olivia's attraction.

  • Metaphors and Figurative Language:

    • “The pregnant enemy” construed as a metaphor for the deceptive nature of circumstances, contributing to discussions on femininity and agency in the play.
    • Insights suggest Viola’s lament on female susceptibility in romance, extending criticisms on misogynistic cultural norms present in Elizabethan society.

VIII. Conclusion and Summary

  • Reflection on Shakespeare’s Timelessness:

    • Although historical differences in language and societal norms create initial barriers, Shakespeare's exploration of universal emotions in relationships continues to resonate.
    • Cultural Contexts:
    • Gender roles and sexual mores deeply interconnected with audience interpretations further explore themes within "Twelfth Night."
    • Characters represent enduring complexities, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of Shakespeare's work in the spectrum of human experience.

  • Final Thoughts:

    • Shakespeare's continued appeal lies in his ability to voice intricate human conditions through layered characters and inventive language.

  • Quote:

    • “Even if the specifics of Shakespeare’s language are remote from our world, the characters he introduces and their particular ways of expression continue to resonate with audiences.