Sunday, November 3, 2019

Write an analysis of Shakespeare's use of language in Act 1 scene 5 of Essay

Write an analysis of Shakespeare's use of language in Act 1 scene 5 of Twelth Night. You should also comment as appropriate on the relationship between language - Essay Example o-earth characters who appeal to the working classes, side-by-side with complexities of plot which would satisfy the appetites of the aristocrats among the audience† (Geraghty, 2002). To create these complexities that could interest the aristocracy as well as the commoners, Shakespeare’s plays usually contained some form of commentary upon his society and its values within the text and Twelfth Night, or, What You Will is no exception. The play is a romantic comedy, relating the story of a pair of twins washed up separately upon the same shore, each thinking the other is dead, which happen to come individually upon a pair of nobles and romantic foolishness ensues. Through a variety of language styles, diction and word play, Shakespeare manages to convey social position as well as degree of intelligence within his characters in such a way that calls into question the prevailing assumptions and conceptions of his day as can be seen through an analysis of Act 1, Scene 5 of t he play. This scene is neatly divided by the arrivals of two of the characters to Olivia’s house. At the opening of the scene, Feste, the house jester, returns after an unexplained absence and must charm his way back into his mistress’ good graces. In doing so, he makes jokes with the other characters present until the scene is interrupted by the arrival of Viola, disguised as Cesario, delivering a message of love from Duke Orsino for Olivia. The conversation between Olivia and Cesario sparks an immediate and intense interest from Olivia. In both halves of this scene, language variety reveals social class as well as sincerity of intention within the characters portrayed. An example of how variety of language style is used in the first part of this scene can be found as the language style of Feste changes depending upon whom he is speaking with. As he speaks with fellow servant Maria, his responses are quick witticisms based upon sexual innuendo: â€Å"He that is well hanged in this

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