Read Twelfth Night.
- Do a close-reading of the Duke’s opening monologue, discussing how it specifically sets up the tone and themes of the play.
- Discuss the alternate title of the play, What You Will, as it is relevant to the play as a whole, then point to 1 scene in detail that supports your ideas.
- Notice how Shakespeare uses different types of language (rhymed verse, blank verse, prose, etc.) to differentiate between characters (ie. serous/comical; nobility/social climbers) or to create other effects (increased solemnity or silliness; poetic effects; song). How does the type of language in 1 scene add to the meaning(s) Shakespeare is attempting to convey?
- How does the comic relief of drag in Twelfth Night — the comical effect of mistaken identity which produces the error plot — dispel ideas of gender (or other identity categories)? Considering that (gender) identity is a social performance, discuss who has identity in the play? Discuss 1 scene closely.
- Write down 1 critical question you have about the play, and be prepared to share it in class.
NOTE: All responses must be brief but detailed. Bring a hardcopy to class.