Twelfth Night is based on the prose tale of "Apolonius and Silla" in Barnabe Riche's "Riche his Farewell to Militarie Profession" (1581). In assessing the extent of aggressive comedy in Twelfth Night it is important to look at the source material. ... These undertones show that Twelfth Night is based upon a turbulent story. ... The sword fight gives Twelfth Night aggressive comedy in the literal sense of the phrase. ... I would go further in saying that at times Twelfth Night has undertones of the Revenge Tragedy genre. ...

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

Twelfth Night, for example, takes place in Illyria, a semi-historical, semi-mystical place. ... An important theme in Twelfth Night is "carpe diem," Latin for "seize the day." ... Youth's a stuff will not endure" (Twelfth Night II.iii.47-52). ... Twelfth Night contains other words of wisdom as well in the "love" letter given to Malvolio, telling him to "be not afraid of greatness" (Twelfth Night II.v.144). ... Again, Twelfth Night is a classic example of a love triangle situation. ...

• Word Count: 1601
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

However, Shakespeare's use of religion in Twelfth Night is a bit different. Starting with the plot of the play, Twelfth Night is part of the Christian holiday to celebrate the birth of Christ. The Twelfth Night is January 5th, the last day of the Christmas Season before Epiphany (January 6th), and often included feasting along with the removal of Christmas decorations. French and English celebrations of Twelfth Night included a King's Cake, remembering the visit of the Three Magi, and ale or wine (a King's Cake is part of the observance of Mardi Gras in French Catholic culture...

• Word Count: 1416
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School