Twelfth Night [Paperback]

William Shakespeare (Author)

Book Description

Series: Simply Shakespeare

Because Orsino is hopelessly in love with the aloof Countess Olivia, he doesn't notice Viola, who, disguised as a boy, is in love with him. This comedy's plot bristles with intrigues galore, but all finally ends happily as lovers are paired. Books in this new, illustrated series present complete texts of Shakespeare's plays. However, the lines are set up so students can see the bard's original poetic phrases printed side-by-side and line-by-line with a modern "translation" on the facing page. Starting in the late 1580s and for several decades that followed, Shakespeare's plays were popular entertainment for London's theatergoers. His Globe Theatre was the equivalent of a Broadway theater in today's New York. The plays have endured, but over the course of 400+ years, the English language has changed in many ways—which is why today's students often find Shakespeare's idiom difficult to comprehend. Simply Shakespeare offers an excellent solution to their problem. Introducing each play is a general essay covering Shakespeare's life and times. At the beginning of each of the five acts in every play, a two-page spread describes what is about to take place. The story's background is explained, followed by brief descriptions of key people who will appear in the act, details students should watch for as the story unfolds, discussion of the play's historical context, how the play was staged in Shakespeare's day, and explanation of puns and plays on words that occur in characters' dialogues. Identifying icons preceding each of these study points are printed in a second color, then are located again as cross-references in the play's original text. For instance, where words spoken by a person in the play offer insights into his or another character's personality, the "Characters" icon will appear as a cross-reference in both the introductory spread and the play proper. Following each act, a closing spread presents questions and discussion points for use as teachers' aids. Guided by the inspiring format of this fine new series, both teachers and students will come to understand and appreciate the genius of Shakespeare as never before.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series (December 3, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764120883
• ISBN-13: 978-0764120886
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #624,585 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in April 1564, and his birth is traditionally celebrated on April 23. The facts of his life, known from surviving documents, are sparse. He was one of eight children born to John Shakespeare, a merchant of some standing in his community. William probably went to the King's New School in Stratford, but he had no university education. In November 1582, at the age of eighteen, he married Anne Hathaway, eight years his senior, who was pregnant with their first child, Susanna. She was born on May 26, 1583. Twins, a boy, Hamnet ( who would die at age eleven), and a girl, Judith, were born in 1585. By 1592 Shakespeare had gone to London working as an actor and already known as a playwright. A rival dramatist, Robert Greene, referred to him as "an upstart crow, beautified with our feathers." Shakespeare became a principal shareholder and playwright of the successful acting troupe, the Lord Chamberlain's Men (later under James I, called the King's Men). In 1599 the Lord Chamberlain's Men built and occupied the Globe Theater in Southwark near the Thames River. Here many of Shakespeare's plays were performed by the most famous actors of his time, including Richard Burbage, Will Kempe, and Robert Armin. In addition to his 37 plays, Shakespeare had a hand in others, including Sir Thomas More and The Two Noble Kinsmen, and he wrote poems, including Venus and Adonis and The Rape of Lucrece. His 154 sonnets were published, probably without his authorization, in 1609. In 1611 or 1612 he gave up his lodgings in London and devoted more and more time to retirement in Stratford, though he continued writing such plays as The Tempest and Henry VII until about 1613. He died on April 23 1616, and was buried in Holy Trinity Church, Stratford. No collected edition of his plays was published during his life-time, but in 1623 two members of his acting company, John Heminges and Henry Condell, put together the great collection now called the First Folio.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A truly delightful comedy, May 23, 2007

By 

S. Schwartz "romonko" (alberta canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Twelfth Night (Paperback)

The characters are what make this play so wonderful. The play was originally written to be performed for a Christmas progam. The play is a glorious irony in that it is so joyful, but that is played off the terrible sadness of the principal characters. Shakesepeare also reinforces this plot with some glorious poetry. Shakespeare also makes use of identical twins in this one. This would be a wonderful play to use as an introduction to the genius that is Shakespeare

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Twelfth Night, William Shakespeare, February 6, 2007

By 

Elizabeth S. Gibbs "educational consultant" (Ottawa, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Twelfth Night (Paperback)

As a tutor and retired teacher with thirty years experience, I have found this series particularly helpful. The students that I tutor, on thewhole, have problems such as learning difficulties or a distaste for reading in general. In our school system, grades nine to twelve must take English whether it is Academic or Applied. Each year, one Shakespear play is required on the curriculum. As you can imagine, their can be quite the antipathy for him. The chore of reading his plays in Rennaisance English is "boring" or "too hard". Having the modern English translation beside the original, immediately breaks these barriers. The students soon get hooked on the plot. They do not have to resort to many of the commercial notes which do not include the texts, therefore, cannot convey the feel of the original. Once that is accomplished, they can then enjoy the language of the bard, his expressions, the humour or powerful emotions as the case might be. The series, and this case, Twelfth Night ic a valuable teaching tool. I hope Barrons continues to add to this series.