Shakespeare
Assignment Sheet #1: Twelfth Night and Sonnets
M. D’Antonio
Each reading / writing assignment is due on the date listed below. Remember that there may be unannounced reading quizzes. Feel
free to read ahead, but always review the assigned reading before class. You must bring your text to class with you. The questions
that accompany each assignment will guide your reading and prepare you for class discussion.
January 25
Introduction to the course (syllabus, memorization, vocabulary, and honors option)
Film clip from Shakespeare in Love
Introduction to Shakespearean comedy
January 26
Read Twelfth Night Act I, Scenes 1-3
Notice the excessiveness of the nobility (Orsino and Olivia).
Complete character activity that I’ll hand out in class.
January 30
Read Twelfth Night Act I, Scenes 4-5
Given the fact that Sir Toby and Andrew are not particularly admirable characters, why does the audience stay on their
side against Malvolio? What value system does Malvolio seem to represent?
Several complications are introduced and dramatic possibilities are widened. Follow them as you read.
January 31
Read Twelfth Night Act II, Scenes 1-3
Look at the plots listed in your study guide. How is each one developing in this section?
February 1
Read Twelfth Night Act II, Scenes 4-5
What does Viola (as Cesario) reveal about herself? What does Malvolio’s interpretation of the letter reveal about him?
February 2
Vocabulary quiz #1 [didactic-doleful]
Watch film version of Twelfth Night
February 6
Read Twelfth Night Act III
Think about all of the characters that play the fool in this play.
Scene four is a climactic scene where the plots converge.
February 7
Read Twelfth Night Act IV
How do you feel about the revenge on Malvolio? Is it justified? To what extent?
February 8
Read Twelfth Night Act V
Which value systems are reinforced at the end of the play? Which are called into question? Is this a satisfying resolution?
Why or why not?
February 9
Vocabulary quiz #2 [dolt-effrontery]
Watch film version of Twelfth Night
February 13
Read sonnets 18, 29, 30, 40, 73, review sonnet form
These sonnets were written to a young man. What themes do you see developed in these sonnets?
February 14
Read sonnets 127, 129, 130, 147
These sonnets were written to a “dark lady.” What themes do you see developed in these sonnets?
February 15
Watch film on Shakespearean theater
Recitations
February 16
Vocabulary quiz #3 [effulgent-enure]