Twelfth Night Lesson Plan

Twelfth Night is one of Shakespeare's most famous comedies, first performed in 1602 and thought to be written shortly beforehand. The play was written for the celebration of "Twelfth Night," the last night of the traditional Christmas festivities of the time, which mark the coming of the Christian holiday Epiphany and are celebrated before the Feast of Epiphany. Traditionally, the community celebrating would choose a "Lord of Misrule" who would preside over the events of Twelfth Night, and many other traditions--including cross-dressing--were part of the entertainments of the holiday. Though still primarily a comedy, the play is considered one of Shakespeare's darker comedies, as it...