Claire's Notes
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for GCSE and beyond
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Twelfth Night
by William Shakespeare
Welcome to your ultimate guide to mastering 'Twelfth Night' by William Shakespeare. In these comprehensive YouTube tutorials, Claire breaks down each act with clear, engaging explanations, covering themes, character development, and historical context. Whether you're grappling with the play's complex language or need help understanding the Elizabethan setting, Claire's expert insights make learning accessible and enjoyable. Perfect for GCSE students aiming to enhance their literary analysis skills and achieve top grades, these videos are your go-to resource for excelling in your studies. Subscribe now and uncover the timeless tragedy of 'Romeo and Juliet' with Claire's Notes!
"Twelfth Night," a delightful comedy by William Shakespeare, delves into themes of love, identity, and mistaken identities. Set in the fictional land of Illyria, the play begins with Viola, shipwrecked and separated from her twin brother Sebastian. Disguising herself as a man named Cesario, she enters the service of Duke Orsino, who pines for the beautiful Lady Olivia. A complex love triangle ensues, filled with humorous misunderstandings and poignant moments. As characters fall in and out of love, Shakespeare masterfully explores the fluidity of gender and the folly of human desires. "Twelfth Night" remains a beloved testament to the joy and chaos of love.
Themes:
The theme of love (Part 1)
(Detailed commentary and analysis)
Orsino is in love with Olivia, who is in love with Cesario/Viola, who is in love with Orsino...
It's a bit of a mess! Can it ever be sorted out?
The theme of love (Part 2)
(Detailed commentary and analysis)
Sir Andrew is in love with Olivia, who is in love with Cesario/Viola, who... isn't in love with Olivia. Although that's not what Sir Toby and Fabian have made Sir Andrew believe. Challenging Cesario to a duel is the only way he can get Olivia's attention and prove his love... apparently.
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While all the practical jokes have been being played, Sir Toby has fallen for Maria's quick wit and bawdy sense of humour. Will their being from different classes keep them apart?
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Antonio and Sebastian have a very intense friendship, but is there more to it than that?
Characters:
Malvolio: a study in "self-love" and ambition
And Malvolio just loves himself...
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When he threatens to tell Olivia that Maria has allowed Sir Toby and Sir Andrew to treat her house like a night club, they decide to get their own back by humiliating him once and for all with a practical joke that will exploit his "self-love" and his ambition. But will it all go just a little bit too far?