Act 3, Sc 4

Please respond to these two questions:

1. Why has Feste not been involved in the plot against Malvolio? Maria said she would involve him.

2. Olivia says that love, like guilt, shows itself clearly in a person's face and behavior. "Love's night is noon" (3.1.144). Do you agree? Does love always show itself clearly? Can any of your deepest feelings remain private to you and hidden from others?

Act 3, Sc 1-3 Points of interest

1. Discussion: What are we make of Viola's interaction with Feste at the start of 3.1? As Katya noted, Viola seems something in Feste others do not, so does that lead us believe she sees something in Orsino, too? Viola and Feste clearly engaged verbally, but how do they engaged physically?

2. Together: Re-read 3.1.90-160. What stands out the most about what Viola has said? Olivia? Is there desperation in Olivia's words? Evidence of real, true, awesome love? In what different places could Viola and Olivia be having their conversation in 3.1? Playing tennis, sitting on the couch, driving in a car ... And in what time period? Modern day, Elizabethan England, 1960s Marin ... Small group activity: rewrite and condense the interaction between the two women and get ready to perform it.

3. Discussion: What are we to think of Sir Andrew? In all the commotion, we're forced to focus on the love triangle and the Malvolio incident, but poor, poor Andrew gets bullied and knocked around and teased. Do you feel bad? Even Fabian (who the heck is Fabian and what's his purpose in the play?) is trying to get Andrew to stay and pay for more cakes and ale.

4. Discussion: Who is Antonio and how does he fit in this play? How does he act around Sebastian? What are we to make of his language and his relationship to Sebastian?

Act 3, Sc 1-3

Please post two comments on passages/moments/ideas that you loved.

Act 2 notes/ideas

1. Scene 1: Antonio & Sebastian — What are we to think of their relationship? Implications of the nature or love? How do our heteronormative ideas inform our impression of this scene?

2. Scene 3, lines 77-end — The knuckleheads, Malvolio and the plan.

3. Scene 4, lines 14-end — What are we think of Orsino and Viola? Compare their language? Is there sincerity in either character's language?

4. Scene 5, lines 76-166 — How does Malvolio read the letter? How does we stage each sentence or phrase? How do the actors entertain the audience? What are the overhearers doing whilst Malvolio is reading?

Let's talk about LOVE

The much awaited longer response question ...

Does Shakespeare present an over idealized version of love? As Orsino says, "For as I am, all true lovers are:/ Unstaid and skittish in all motions else / Save in the constant image of the creature that is belov'd." (2.4) Is Orsino correct? Is Shakespeare correct? What are your thoughts on the portrayal of love in this play thus far. Hint: translate these lines for yourself before responding.

Share, comment, inform in 3 lovely paragraphs ... more if you like. Less if you dare.

Act 2, Sc 4 & 5

Let's finish up Act 2 with a bang. One comment should be focused on the usual: awe-inspiring moment when you think, "Yeowzers! This Shakespeare guy knows his stuff." The other comment should be focused on this: What character is most like you and why? Have some fun with that one.

Excellent! Super duper! Amazing! Wow! Fantastic! All of those words describe your performances today. I was thrilled. I hope you enjoyed the work you did; I hope you are proud of your performance; I hope you learned something from your peers.

Remember -- meet in LIB 207 on Friday. It's movie time! Yah.

Act 2, Sc 1-3

Back to two posts about your most favorite lines. There are oodles of goodies in these scenes.

12th Night: Act 1, Scene 5 Notes/ideas

From previous reading

1. Scene 3: the knuckleheads. We're offered comedic relief and some prose. Look at Sir Toby's wordplay and his wit. What is Sir Andrew's role? Look at lines 93-124.
2. Scene 4: Viola & Orsino are quick friends. Is Valentine jealous? Look at lines 1-4. How are they delivered? Jealousy? Angry? Superior? Indifferent? Mocking? Friendly? What tone works best and why? Look at the entire scene for the dramatic irony (see terms list). How does Viola respond to Orsino's words of love? Look closely at lines 24-41. Are we witness to love at first sight? What does Viola see in Orsino?

From last night's reading

1. Ideas from nightly posting.
2. Scene 5: Look at lines 154-291 and compare the tone, movement, and intention to 1.4.18-42. How is Viola different in the two scenes?
   

Act 1, Sc 5

Keep up the excellent work. The first night of commenting was fantastic! I especially loved how you answered each other's questions. So be sure to check back if you do post a question/confusion as the answer might well show up from a peer. Otherwise, we'll try to address questions in class.

For this post, I'd like you to comment on one moment from the play, but for your second comment tell me about where you would set your version of Twelfth Night. You are aware of the major action and you have some serious details about the main players. Now you just have to put all of this action and all of these people somewhere in time and space. Where? When? Be creative. Have fun.

12th Night: Act 1, Sc 1-4 notes/ideas

1. Brainstorm: Twelfth Night have TWO titles, the second one being "What You Will." How does each one affect our impression of the play? Why are there two titles?
   
2. Review some questions raised from comments
3. Three story lines: 1. Orsino & Olivia (serious, brooding lovers), 2. Sebastian & Viola (poor, separated siblings), 3. Maria, Sir Toby & Sir Andrew (noting but comedy)
4. Scene 1: we get a clear picture of Orsino and Olivia. What are we to think of these two lovers? Look at lines 25-32 for hints about Olivia
5. Scene 2: we learn about Viola. Is she really in distress or is she a sneaky mistress? Look at entire scene. Pay close attention to lines 28-29, and 47-61. What major theme is Viola playing on in this final speech?
6. Scene 3: the knuckleheads. We're offered comedic relief and some prose. Look at Sir Toby's wordplay and his wit. What is Sir Andrew's role? Look at lines 93-124.
7. Scene 4: Viola & Orsino are quick friends. Is Valentine jealous? Look at lines 1-4. How are they delivered? Jealousy? Angry? Superior? Indifferent? Mocking? Friendly? What tone works best and why? Look at the entire scene for the dramatic irony (see terms list). How does Viola respond to Orsino's words of love? Are we witness to love at first sight? What does Viola see in Orsino?

Act 1, Sc 1-4

Share, share, and share some more ....

Feel free to respond to others and engage in some Shakespearean discourse.