Member-only story

Or What You Will: A Literary Journey Through Twelfth Night, As You Like It, and Much Ado About Nothing

Bruce Snyder

·14.9k Followers· Follow

Published in Twelfth Night: Or What You Will (Folger Shakespeare Library)

7 min read

189 View Claps

23 Respond

Save

Listen

William Shakespeare's comedies are some of the most beloved and enduring works of English literature. In Or What You Will: A Literary Journey Through Twelfth Night, As You Like It, and Much Ado About Nothing, renowned Shakespeare scholar Stephen Greenblatt offers a comprehensive analysis of three of the Bard's most popular comedies.

Greenblatt's book is a rich and rewarding exploration of these three plays. He examines their themes, characters, and language, and provides insights into their historical and cultural context. Greenblatt also discusses the plays' performance history and their influence on later writers and artists.

Twelfth Night: Or What You Will (Folger Shakespeare Library)

by William Shakespeare

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	16216 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Print length	:	212 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

Or What You Will is an essential read for anyone interested in Shakespeare's comedies. Greenblatt's insights are invaluable, and his writing is both engaging and accessible. This book is sure to deepen your understanding and appreciation of these three great plays.

The Themes of Twelfth Night, As You Like It, and Much Ado About Nothing

The three comedies that Greenblatt examines in Or What You Will share a number of common themes. These include:

Love and marriage: All three plays explore the nature of love and marriage. In Twelfth Night, Viola falls in love with Orsino, but he is in love with Olivia. In As You Like It, Rosalind falls in love with Orlando, but he is in love with Phebe. In Much Ado About Nothing, Beatrice and Benedick fall in love, but they are both too proud to admit it.
Disguise and deception: All three plays also involve disguise and deception. In Twelfth Night, Viola disguises herself as a man in order to serve Orsino. In As You Like It, Rosalind disguises herself as a shepherd in order to escape the court. In Much Ado About Nothing, Beatrice and Benedick disguise their feelings for each other in order to protect themselves from being hurt.
The power of music: Music plays an important role in all three plays. In Twelfth Night, music is used to create a sense of magic and wonder. In As You Like It, music is used to express the characters' emotions and to create a sense of unity. In Much Ado About Nothing, music is used to celebrate the power of love and to bring about a happy ending.

These are just a few of the many themes that Greenblatt explores in Or What You Will. His book is a comprehensive and insightful analysis of these three great comedies.

The Characters of Twelfth Night, As You Like It, and Much Ado About Nothing

The characters in Shakespeare's comedies are some of the most memorable and beloved in all of literature. In Or What You Will, Greenblatt offers a close reading of the characters in Twelfth Night, As You Like It, and Much Ado About Nothing.

Greenblatt examines the characters' motivations, their relationships with each other, and their role in the play. He also discusses the ways in which the characters have been interpreted by actors and directors over the centuries.

Greenblatt's insights into the characters are invaluable. He helps us to understand the characters' complexities and their motivations. He also helps us to see how the characters are connected to each other and to the play's overall themes.

The Language of Twelfth Night, As You Like It, and Much Ado About Nothing

Shakespeare's comedies are known for their beautiful and poetic language. In Or What You Will, Greenblatt examines the language of Twelfth Night, As You Like It, and Much Ado About Nothing in detail.

Greenblatt discusses the plays' use of metaphor, simile, and other literary devices. He also examines the plays' use of puns and wordplay. Greenblatt's analysis helps us to appreciate the richness and complexity of Shakespeare's language.

Greenblatt also discusses the ways in which the plays' language has been interpreted by actors and directors over the centuries. He shows us how the language can be used to create different effects on stage.

The Historical and Cultural Context of Twelfth Night, As You Like It, and Much Ado About Nothing

Shakespeare's comedies were written in a specific historical and cultural context. In Or What You Will, Greenblatt discusses the ways in which the plays reflect the values and beliefs of Elizabethan England.

Greenblatt examines the plays' use of music, dance, and other cultural references. He also discusses the plays' relationship to the court of Elizabeth I and to the social and political issues of the time.

Greenblatt's analysis helps us to understand the plays in their original context. He shows us how the plays were shaped by the world in which they were written.

The Performance History of Twelfth Night, As You Like It, and Much Ado About Nothing

Shakespeare's comedies have been performed for centuries. In Or What You Will, Greenblatt discusses the performance history of Twelfth Night, As You Like It, and Much Ado About Nothing.

Greenblatt examines the ways in which the plays have been staged over the centuries. He discusses the different interpretations of the plays that have been offered by actors and directors.

Greenblatt's analysis helps us to understand how the plays have been brought to life on stage. He shows us how the plays can be used to create different effects on audiences.

The Influence of Twelfth Night, As You Like It, and Much Ado About Nothing

Shakespeare's comedies have had a profound influence on later writers and artists. In Or What You Will, Greenblatt discusses the ways in which the plays have been adapted and imitated over the centuries.

Greenblatt examines the plays' influence on playwrights, novelists, poets, and filmmakers. He shows us how the plays have been used to create new works of art.

Greenblatt's analysis helps us to understand the lasting impact of Shakespeare's comedies. He shows us how the plays continue to inspire and entertain audiences today.

Or What You Will: A Literary Journey Through Twelfth Night, As You Like

Twelfth Night: Or What You Will (Folger Shakespeare Library)

by William Shakespeare

4.5 out of 5