Kumamoto University:
Comparative Culture

Rick Lavin

Shakespeare: Twelfth Night

William Shakespeare is very famous, but many people think his work is very difficult. Modern movies of Shakespeare's work makes it much easier to. Let's take a look at Trevor Nunn's film of Twelfth Night. You may like to prepare for the lecture by considering the following questions:

• When did Shakespeare live?
• Who was King or Queen of England at the time?
• Who might Olivia represent in real life?

Here are some lines from the play, the 1st lines from each of the 5 Acts. This will help you to see how the structure of the play is translated to film:

• If music be the food of love, play on
• Will you stay no longer? nor will you not that I go with you?
• Save thee, friend, and thy music: dost thou live by thy tabour?
• Will you make me believe that I am not sent for you?
• Now, as thou lovest me, let me see his letter.

Questions to consider

What other Shakespeare plays do you know?

What other playwrights (writers of plays) do you know?