What Is 12th Night or What You Will

Overview

Twelfth Night, or What You Will is one of William Shakespeare’s most beloved romantic comedies, blending mistaken identities, unrequited love, and festive revelry. Written around 1601, the play was composed during the final years of Queen Elizabeth I’s reign, a period marked by flourishing English drama. Its full title combines a reference to the Christian feast of Epiphany—celebrated on January 6, the twelfth night after Christmas—with the subtitle 'What You Will,' suggesting a spirit of whimsy and indulgence.

The play is set in the fictional coastal region of Illyria, a poetic stand-in for the Adriatic coast, allowing Shakespeare creative freedom in crafting a world governed by emotional chaos rather than strict realism. The narrative centers on Viola, a noblewoman who disguises herself as a young man named Cesario after surviving a shipwreck that separates her from her twin brother, Sebastian. This central conceit drives the plot’s intricate web of romantic misunderstandings and identity confusion.

Twelfth Night holds a significant place in Shakespearean literature for its exploration of gender roles, emotional vulnerability, and the absurdity of love. It was among the last of Shakespeare’s pure comedies before he transitioned into the great tragedies like Hamlet and Othello. Its enduring popularity is evidenced by over 400 years of continuous performance, adaptation, and scholarly analysis, making it a cornerstone of English theatrical tradition.

How It Works

The play’s structure follows a classic comedic arc, driven by deception, disguise, and eventual reconciliation. Shakespeare employs dramatic irony extensively, allowing the audience to know more than the characters, which heightens both humor and emotional tension. The plot unfolds over several days, during which romantic entanglements escalate due to Viola’s dual identity and the arrival of her long-lost twin.

• Shipwreck: The story begins with a violent storm that separates Viola from Sebastian, prompting her to assume a male identity for safety and employment.
• Disguise as Cesario: Viola becomes a page to Duke Orsino, serving as his emissary to woo the Countess Olivia on his behalf.
• Love Triangle: Olivia falls for Cesario (actually Viola), while Viola falls for Orsino, creating a complex romantic knot.
• Sebastian’s Return: Sebastian reappears, mistaken for Cesario, leading to confusion and sudden marriages.
• Malvolio’s Subplot: Olivia’s steward, Malvolio, is tricked into believing Olivia loves him, resulting in comic humiliation.
• Resolution: The twins reunite, identities are revealed, and multiple marriages resolve the chaos.

Key Details and Comparisons

The table highlights how Twelfth Night stands out among Shakespeare’s comedies through its layered romantic resolutions and thematic depth. Unlike As You Like It, which ends with four marriages, Twelfth Night features three unions, each resolving a different strand of the plot. The character of Feste is more introspective than other Shakespearean fools, often commenting on the transient nature of love and joy. The play’s reliance on twins and mistaken identity echoes The Comedy of Errors, but with greater emotional nuance. Its festive tone, tied to the Twelfth Night holiday, sets it apart from comedies set in forest or pastoral environments.

Real-World Examples

Twelfth Night has inspired countless adaptations across media and cultures. In 1996, director Trevor Nunn released a film version starring Imogen Stubbs as Viola and Ben Kingsley as Feste, setting the story in the 19th century. This adaptation emphasized the play’s melancholic undercurrents, particularly through Feste’s haunting songs. Another notable production was the 2017 all-female Royal Shakespeare Company staging, which reimagined the play in a 1950s-inspired setting, highlighting gender dynamics.

The play’s influence extends beyond theater into music and television. The 2006 pop song Twelfth Night by indie band Death Cab for Cutie draws lyrical inspiration from the play’s themes of longing and miscommunication. Shakespeare’s Globe in London regularly stages Twelfth Night, with a 2022 production featuring Joseph Arkley as Viola receiving critical acclaim. Its accessibility and emotional resonance continue to make it a favorite for modern reinterpretations.

1. 1996 film adaptation by Trevor Nunn
2. 2017 all-female RSC production
3. 2022 Globe Theatre staging with Joseph Arkley
4. 1958 Broadway revival starring Maurice Evans

Why It Matters

Twelfth Night remains a vital work in global literature due to its timeless exploration of identity, love, and human folly. Its themes resonate across centuries, making it a staple in both academic curricula and performance repertoires. The play’s examination of gender fluidity through Viola’s disguise continues to inspire discussions on identity in modern society.

• Impact: Influenced modern LGBTQ+ narratives through its exploration of gender performance.
• Educational Use: Taught in over 75% of high school literature programs in the UK and US.
• Cultural Reach: Adapted into operas, films, and novels across six continents.
• Language Legacy: Introduced phrases like 'Some are born great' into common usage.
• Theatrical Innovation: Inspired experimental stagings, including gender-swapped and minimalist productions.

Ultimately, Twelfth Night endures not only as a comedy but as a profound meditation on the masks people wear in love and society. Its balance of laughter and melancholy captures the complexity of human emotion, ensuring its continued relevance. From Elizabethan stages to modern classrooms, the play invites audiences to reflect on how identity is constructed and perceived. As long as questions of love and self remain, Twelfth Night will continue to be performed, studied, and cherished.