Question
__ c) Identify the themes in Twelfth Night __ __ __ d) Identify the settings in Twelfth Night __ PART D-Media studies Write a critique of a movie viewed in EAE 1D, citing three reasons you either liked or disliked the film Write in a well-structured explanatory paragraph. __
Solution
3.6
(215 Votes)
Alden
Professional · Tutor for 6 years
Answer
**c) Themes in *Twelfth Night****Twelfth Night* explores several interwoven themes:* **Love and its complexities:** The play delves into various forms of love – romantic love, infatuation, unrequited love, and self-love. Shakespeare examines the irrationality of love, its transformative power, and the blurring lines between fantasy and reality it can create. The different love triangles and mistaken identities highlight the capricious and often painful nature of romantic pursuits.* **Disguise and deception:** Disguise is central to the plot, driving much of the comedy and confusion. Viola's adoption of the Cesario persona creates a cascade of misunderstandings and allows her to observe the dynamics of power and desire from a unique perspective. The play explores the fluidity of identity and the performative nature of gender roles.* **Gender roles and identity:** The play questions societal expectations of gender through Viola's cross-dressing. Her male disguise allows her access to spaces and opportunities denied to women, highlighting the limitations placed upon them. The play also explores the complexities of masculinity and femininity through characters like Orsino and Olivia.* **Melancholy and festivity:** While *Twelfth Night* is a comedy, it also touches on themes of loss, grief, and melancholy. Orsino's initial lovesickness, Olivia's mourning for her brother, and Feste's melancholic songs create a bittersweet undercurrent to the festive atmosphere. The play suggests that even in the midst of celebration, there is an awareness of life's fleeting nature and the inevitability of change.* **Social order and disorder:** The play's festive setting, the Twelfth Night celebration, represents a temporary inversion of social hierarchies. Servants like Maria gain power and influence, while the aristocratic characters are often made to look foolish. This temporary disruption of order ultimately reinforces the existing social structure by the play's end.**d) Settings in *Twelfth Night***The primary setting of *Twelfth Night* is **Illyria**, a fictional duchy on the Adriatic coast. While not a real place, Illyria evokes a sense of exoticism and romantic possibility. Shakespeare uses the setting to create a world removed from the everyday realities of Elizabethan England, allowing for a greater sense of freedom and fantasy.Within Illyria, several specific locations are important:* **Orsino's court:** This represents the world of power, nobility, and romantic longing.* **Olivia's household:** This setting contrasts with Orsino's court, representing a more secluded and melancholic atmosphere.* **Public spaces:** Streets, gardens, and the seacoast provide opportunities for chance encounters and comedic misunderstandings.**PART D - Media Studies (Example)**I thoroughly enjoyed the film *Parasite* (2019) for its masterful blend of genres and thought-provoking social commentary. Firstly, the film's seamless transitions between dark comedy, suspense, and thriller elements kept me on the edge of my seat. The director Bong Joon-ho expertly balances humorous moments with moments of intense tension, creating a viewing experience that is both entertaining and unsettling. Secondly, the film's exploration of class inequality is both insightful and disturbing. The stark contrast between the wealthy Park family and the impoverished Kim family highlights the deep-seated societal divisions and the desperation that can arise from economic disparity. Finally, the film's clever use of symbolism, particularly the recurring motif of the "smell of poverty," adds another layer of depth to the narrative. This subtle yet powerful symbolism effectively conveys the invisible barriers that separate social classes and the dehumanizing effects of poverty. For these reasons, *Parasite* is a truly captivating and unforgettable cinematic experience.