After reading Shakespeare's works such as Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello, Benedick and Beatrice, Romeo and Juliet, I think the other works translated into our language seem rather dull. I don't think I will be eager to read the other works that I haven't read after this. Yes, according to its time, it may be very valuable and groundbreaking, but I don't think it is relevant for today. My three stars are also only because of Shakespeare.

Shakespeare's plays are renowned for their complex characters, profound themes, and beautiful language. However, when compared to some of the more contemporary works, they may seem a bit outdated. The language can be difficult to understand at times, and the themes may not resonate as strongly with modern audiences.

Despite this, Shakespeare's works still have a place in our literary canon. They offer a glimpse into a different time and culture, and they can teach us about human nature and the human condition. While I may not be as eager to read the other works that have been translated into our language, I will always have a respect for Shakespeare and his contributions to the world of literature.

Reading Shakespeare is almost like descending into the basement of literature and meticulously examining its very foundations.

So frequently, I discover the origins of those elements that have now become trite and overused. And yet, Shakespeare remains the fountain from which so much creativity springs. This is particularly true in the case of "Twelfth Night." It becomes abundantly clear that countless comedies and romances throughout the centuries have been significantly influenced by this remarkable play.

The play is not only a source of inspiration but also highly entertaining. It weaves a captivating tale filled with humor, love, and mistaken identities. The characters are vividly drawn, and their interactions keep the audience engaged from start to finish.

As I look at the image accompanying this text, it seems to capture the essence of the play. The colors and the composition give a sense of the lighthearted and romantic atmosphere that "Twelfth Night" creates. It makes me eager to delve deeper into the play and explore its many layers.

Overall, reading Shakespeare, especially a play like "Twelfth Night," is a rewarding experience that enriches our understanding of literature and its evolution.

I came across this as part of my Open University studies and I have to say that I really, truly enjoyed it. It was like a hidden gem that I discovered during my academic journey. The content was not only engaging but also thought-provoking. It made me look at things from different perspectives and expand my knowledge in ways I hadn't expected. I found myself completely immersed in it, eager to learn more with each passing page. The concepts were presented clearly and concisely, which made it easy for me to understand and apply. Overall, it was a great learning experience and I'm glad that it was included in my studies. It has definitely enhanced my understanding of the subject matter and has left a lasting impression on me.

This is a really fun play. However, it's not my absolute favorite. It has a certain charm that keeps you engaged throughout, but there's just something missing for it to claim the top spot in my heart.

As I was watching this play, it actually made me have a strong desire to watch another movie called She's the Man. Maybe it's because there are some similarities or maybe it's just the mood that the play put me in.

She's the Man is a classic and I remember really enjoying it the last time I watched it. The story, the characters, and the overall atmosphere of that movie are just so appealing. I think I might just go ahead and watch it again soon to satisfy this sudden urge that this play has given me.

I'm curious to see if watching She's the Man will enhance my appreciation for this play or if it will make me realize even more why it's not my favorite. Only time will tell.

The treatment of Malvolio seems to be a little too cruel. He is made to look like a fool and is publicly humiliated. Belch and Aguecheek, on the other hand, are a little too coarse. Their behavior and language are rather vulgar. Additionally, the resolution of the story feels a little too abrupt. It seems to happen almost too quickly, without enough build-up or explanation.

However, despite these flaws, this excellent Shakespearean comedy still has many wonderful aspects. The poetry about music is truly beautiful and adds a touch of magic to the play. The songs themselves are also wonderful and enhance the overall atmosphere. Viola and Orsino are charming characters, and their love story is both sweet and engaging. And of course, Feste is the wisest and best of clowns. His wit and humor bring many laughs to the audience.

Overall, while this play may not be perfect, it is still a great work of art that showcases Shakespeare's genius.

2014 was yet another remarkable year for the works of the Bard. Appropriately, it began on the twelfth day of Christmas, which is Epiphany. During this time, I had the pleasure of watching a captivating production of the play featuring Helena Bonham Carter and Richard E. Grant. The performance was truly enchanting, and it brought the story to life in a whole new way. You can find more information about this production at http://www.amazon.com/Twelfth-Night-H....

Nigel Hawthorne's portrayal of Malvolio was simply priceless. One couldn't help but wonder if the man was truly acting or if he had become the character himself. His performance added an extra layer of depth and humor to the play.

Fast forward to 2018, and it was midwinter madness on the last day of Christmas. This time, the celebration took on a different tone, but the magic of the season was still palpable.

Twelfth Night holds a special place in my literary journey as it was the very first Shakespearean play I ever read. At that tender age, I might not have fully grasped the depth and genius of Shakespeare, but I clearly recall having a great affinity for it. So, when the urge to revisit Shakespeare struck me once more, it seemed only natural to commence with Twelfth Night.

To my profound disappointment, upon this second reading, I felt a sense of vacancy and bareness in the play. I simply couldn't fathom that it was the same work I had once adored. I was left wondering if it was the fault of the edition I was reading or perhaps my mood at the time. Determined to give it another chance, I told myself I would return to it yet again. And I'm truly elated that I did, for it rekindled my earlier admiration for the play.

Touching on a plethora of themes such as love, desire, deception, and mistaken identity, Twelfth Night stands as one of Shakespeare's more intricate comedies. The play weaves together several distinct storylines: the love triangle involving Duke Orsino, Countess Olivia, and Viola; the chaos that ensues as a result of mistaken identity; and a cruel trick played on someone's heart as a means of revenge. All these disparate tales are masterfully interwoven and neatly tied up in the end.

Twelfth Night boasts an engaging cast of characters, with Viola and Countess Olivia being my personal favorites. The play is replete with satire, humor, and witty prose. The writing, while not possessing the pure lyrical beauty of some of Shakespeare's other plays like Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night's Dream, is nonetheless beautiful and graceful. Additionally, there is a healthy dose of action to keep the reader captivated.

In conclusion, it was an enjoyable read that I thoroughly loved. I'm extremely satisfied with the outcome of this rereading. Now, I can wholeheartedly state that Twelfth Night is my favorite Shakespearean comedy.

“Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them.” This profound statement by William Shakespeare in his play Twelfth Night holds great significance. It reminds us that greatness is not something to be feared or shied away from. There are different paths to attaining greatness. Some individuals are fortunate enough to be born into circumstances that seem to predispose them to greatness. They may have certain talents or advantages from the very beginning. Others, however, have to work hard and strive for greatness. They put in the effort, make sacrifices, and continuously improve themselves to achieve it. And then there are those for whom greatness is thrust upon them. Maybe it's due to unforeseen circumstances or a twist of fate. In any case, we should all embrace the possibility of greatness within us and not let fear hold us back.

This Christmas, I had an amazing time reading aloud with my family.

We gathered around the fireplace, all cozy and warm. The soft glow of the fire added to the festive atmosphere.

As I started reading, the words seemed to come alive, painting vivid pictures in our minds. My family listened intently, their faces filled with expressions of joy and wonder.

We laughed together at the funny parts and were touched by the heartwarming stories. It was a truly special moment that brought us closer as a family.

Reading aloud this Christmas was not only a source of entertainment but also a wonderful way to create lasting memories. I can't wait to do it again next year.

Besides "Much ado about nothing", Twelfth Night is my favourite Shakespeare play.

The major character is Viola. After losing her twin brother, she is compelled to disguise herself as a boy to survive in a strange and hostile land, namely Illyria which is at war with her home county, Messaline. She summons all her courage to hide her pain over the supposed death of her brother. However, her struggles do not end there as she also has to conceal her passionate love from Orsino, the Duke of Illyria whom she serves.

Her position is doubly difficult. She soon becomes Orsino's confidant, but to ease his sufferings, she undertakes to act as a "courier" for pursuing his hopeless love, the Countess Olivia. Then comes another Shakespearean twist: Olivia, who won't listen to Orsino's passion, falls for Cesario/Viola. Meanwhile, Sebastian, believing his beloved sister, Viola is dead, also sets off for Illyria.

As in comedies, all things that are messed up will sort themselves out in the end. However, this is not a light-hearted kind. The shadow of the tragic hovers over the whole drama shaped in one of the subplots. The play seems to balance on the very narrow edge of tragedy and comedy all the time despite the many hilarious moments.

Viola is undoubtedly one of the strongest and feistiest heroines you come to admire. She is an upright woman who, despite the disguise she is forced to wear, is the most honest of all, especially compared to the characters of Orsino and Olivia, both of whom are deluding themselves with imaginary feelings.

Via the twin + gender swap plots, Shakespeare presents some more nuanced feelings of/for Olivia and Orsino. Self-indulgent and blind as they are, of course they remain blissfully unaware of the homoerotic attachment they have towards Viola. Olivia likes a girl who is dressed up as a boy, while throughout the play we can witness that Orsino is very much drawn to her thinking she is a boy (well, more fun for them and this gives their HEA some spice).

January 2025:

This was an absolute delight to read and listen to on Twelfth Night! I have a genuine passion for this comedy, and it was even more enjoyable upon a re-read.

Rating Shakespeare almost seems absurd. However, I truly relished this particular play and found it effortless to follow the plot. The twin twist was quite entertaining, although it was relatively easy to anticipate. Additionally, this play contains the famous "Patience on a Monument" quotation, which I have heard Wodehouse reference. Currently, my metric for evaluating Shakespeare is based on how many quotes I recognize due to my familiarity with Wodehouse.

As a person named Olivia, I truly wish I could have enjoyed this comedy to a greater extent.

I went into the theater with high hopes,期待着能被那些幽默的情节和精彩的表演逗得捧腹大笑。However, to my disappointment, it didn't quite meet my expectations.

The jokes seemed a bit forced at times, and the story lacked the depth and originality that I was hoping for.

While there were a few moments that elicited a smile from me, overall, it failed to leave a lasting impression.

I still believe that comedy has the power to bring joy and laughter into our lives, but unfortunately, this particular one just didn't do it for me.

Maybe it was just a matter of personal taste, but I can't help but feel a little let down.

I'll continue to search for that perfect comedy that will have me rolling in the aisles and forget all my worries.