twelfth night by william shakespeare (preloved)

Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare, with commentary by Keir Elam from the Bloomsbury series, offers a detailed exploration of the play, providing both an analysis of its themes and insights into its historical and theatrical context. This edition is a part of the renowned Shakespeare’s Globe series and aims to make the play accessible to modern readers while preserving its original wit and humor.

In this play, Shakespeare weaves a tale of mistaken identities, love triangles, and comic misunderstandings. The story unfolds in the fictional land of Illyria, where the shipwrecked Viola disguises herself as a man, Cesario, and becomes entangled in a romantic triangle with the Duke Orsino and the Lady Olivia. Themes of gender, love, and social status are explored through the play’s complex characters and situations.

Keir Elam’s introduction and analysis focus on the intricacies of Twelfth Night, examining its use of disguise, gender roles, and the idea of “festivity” as central to its structure. The commentary enhances the reader’s understanding of the text, offering historical context and literary criticism, making it a valuable resource for both students and enthusiasts of Shakespeare’s work.