GCSE: English Literature: Drama: By Author: William Shakespeare: Twelfth Night Coursework

About Twelfth Night

Shakespeare's "Twelfth night" starts with a shipwreck that separates the twins Sebastian and Viola. Although they are brother and sister they appear to be identical. Cast ashore in a strange land Viola disguises herself in men's clothing and becomes the friend of the ruler, Duke Orsino. Sebastian has survived as well, allowing Shakespeare to create comic scenes of mistaken identity. Further comedy is provided by some of the servants, and the play ends happily with Orsino discovering Viola's secret and realising that she is more than a friend.

Twelfth Night: What Will I Study?

Studying "Twelfth Night" for GCSE English Literature means you developing a good understanding of the plot and characters in the play. In the exam you'll be asked to answer question on extracts from the text, but you'll need that good background knowledge to gain extra marks. You'll be asked to explain the characters' motives and describe how an audience would respond the action.

Many students have to watch and compare film or TV versions of the play. You could be asked about the choices the directors have made, or even write advice to the actors playing the different characters.

Twelfth Night... What Comes Next?

A level English Literature should give you the chance to study another of Shakespeare's plays. Shakespeare and other Elizabethan playwrights can form part of a degree in literature if you decide to go on to university.

The plot of "Twelfth Night" provided the inspiration for the 2006 film "She's the Man". A girl pretends to be her brother so she can play football for the school team.

More About Twelfth Night

http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/shakespeare/60secondshakespeare/themes_index.shtml

http://www.clicknotes.com/TN_Navigator/index.html

http://www.englishbiz.co.uk/mainguides/play.htm