Twelfth Night by Willaim Shakespeare

Universal values are attached to Shakespeare’s comedies that make them classics in the literature world. Although these types of plays go on to entertain audiences, these plays are not comedies in the modern sense of the word. In fact, comedy long ago is very different that our modern comedy. There are certain feature of the Shakespearean comedy that makes it distinctive than Shakespeare’s tragedies and histories.
On of the features is the comedy through the language. Reading through the play twelfth night, I noticed that it is filled with metaphors, funny insults, and clever word play. The name of the play is a metaphor itself. Twelfth night is a holiday in which things are said to be turned upside down, like the events of the play. “If the music be food of love, play on,” is the very fist line of the play. This line is a very good example of Shakespeare comedy use through language. The line refers to music as an important metaphor for love.
Another important feature is the theme of love. In Shakespearean comedy, often times there are sets of lovers who by time overcome the obstacles in their relationship and unite. In the Twelfth Night, we find out that the Duke is in love with lady Olivia but she rejects him. Also, Viola has come to find that she has feelings for the Duke himself. Olivia’s love for Cesario, Viola in disguise, is another example of a set of lovers. I find it more interesting when there is a love story involved.
Additionally, Shakespearean comedies are known to have complex plots. His comedies are filled with twist and turns of events that often times are tricky to keep up with. The love triangle between Olivia, Cesario, and the Duke is a perfect example. What’s complex about is that Cesario is really a woman, which is a bit disturbing because Olivia’s feelings towards Cesario seem very genuine. Also, playing the prank on Malvolio, which leads to believe that Olivia is interested in him, just adds to complex mix of love. Another thing is the