... that although there was an intention by Shakespeare to have an air of conflict in the play it was a festive comedy to be shown to Queen Elizabeth on the Twelfth Night of Christmas. The light-hearted humour with an aggressive edge is evident during the sword fighting we see in the play. It is important to note that it ends without bloodshed; which is typical ... of sword fights in Shakespeare's Romantic Comedies. The sword fight gives Twelfth Night aggressive comedy in the literal sense of the phrase. The comedy comes from pitting a man ... not continue. Such subtle hints of conflict ar...

• Word Count: 1722
• Approx Pages: 7
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... that in Elizabethan times, there would be an all male cast for Twelfth Night, so Viola would be played by a man, even when she is a woman in the play. In Elizabethan times women were seen as the weaker sex, yet Shakespeare portrays both sexes as being equally susceptible to the plights of unrequited love, and typically feminine and passive positions. However, ... this portrayal becomes imbalanced by the end of the play, as it is the male characters that suffer, and the women that marry who they desire. Through the medium of human characteristics, Shakespeare explores how the audience's ...

• Word Count: 2131
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... reoccurring motifs. When comparing this comedy and this tragedy, specific parallels can be drawn. Setting is a significant part in Shakespeare's plays. The mood of the play and characters change with the different locations. In Twelfth Night, Olivia's house and the Duke's palace are the prominent settings. In this play, the head of the household sets the tone for that environment. A feeling of sorrow and mourning can be felt, upon entering ... Cyprus, many characters die and confusion is present everywhere. Clowns, musicians, and witty, inebriated characters all bring comedic relief to S...

• Word Count: 2423
• Approx Pages: 10
• Grade Level: High School