Twelfth Night refers to the last night of the Twelve
Days of Christmas, traditionally celebrated on the eve of the Feast of the
Epiphany, January 5th, marking the end of the Christmas season. The title of
Shakespeare's witty comedy, "Twelfth Night, or What You Will,"
carries more weight than a simple calendar reference. It's a doorway into the
play's themes, setting the stage for the festive chaos and social disruption
that unfolds
1. Twelfth Night: A Time of Revelry and
Misrule
"Twelfth Night" refers to the twelfth
night after Christmas, also known as the Epiphany Eve. This was a historical
period of merriment and social inversion. The rigid social hierarchy loosened,
with servants dressing as their masters and indulging in pranks and frivolity.
This festive atmosphere permeates the play. We see characters like Feste, the
fool, thriving in this chaotic space, while Malvolio, the uptight steward,
embodies the resistance to such revelry. The play's plot, fueled by mistaken
identities and romantic confusion, mirrors the topsy-turvy nature of the
holiday.
2. A Celebration of Disguise and
Deception
Twelfth Night celebrations often involved people
dressing up and adopting new identities. This theatrical tradition finds its
way into the play with Viola's central role. Disguised as a young man named
Cesario, she navigates the complexities of love and social expectations. The
play explores themes of identity, illusion, and the blurring of lines between
reality and performance.
3. A hint of Subversiveness
The holiday's temporary suspension of social order
carries a hint of subversion. The play reflects this by challenging societal
norms around love, gender, and class. Viola, disguised as a man, becomes
confidante to the Duke while pursuing him romantically. Olivia, a countess,
falls in love with her, further disrupting the expected order of courtship.
These transgressions create both humor and a commentary on the constructed
nature of social structures.
4. "What You Will": Ambiguity
and Audience Invitation
The subtitle, "or What You Will," adds
another layer of meaning. It can be seen as a playful invitation to the
audience. Shakespeare seems to be suggesting that the play can be interpreted
in various ways, reflecting the open-ended nature of the festive season itself.
Some scholars interpret "What You Will" as a reference to the
unpredictable nature of desire, which plays a significant role in the plot.
5. A Bittersweet Undercurrent?
While the title evokes a spirit of merriment, the
play doesn't shy away from exploring the darker aspects of human nature. The
deception and mistaken identities can be hurtful, and the resolution feels
somewhat forced. Perhaps the title serves as a reminder that the revelry of
Twelfth Night is fleeting, and a return to normalcy, with its complexities,
awaits.
In conclusion, "Twelfth Night" is more
than just a calendar reference. It's a carefully chosen title that sets the
tone for the play's exploration of love, identity, and social structures. It
reflects the festive spirit of the holiday while hinting at the play's deeper
themes of deception and the impermanent nature of joy.
