Twelfth Night | Simple Shakespeare Series

By Jeanette Vigon

Discover the subtleties and ethical dilemmas of Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" through Jeanette Vigon's engaging adaptation, part of the Simple Shakespeare series. This modern version distills the original's complex English into approachable, contemporary language while preserving its engaging plot, turning Shakespeare's intricate poetry into clear, modern prose. This retelling highlights the emotional dynamics and social intricacies of Illyria, making it highly accessible to contemporary audiences.

This adaptation is designed to captivate both Shakespeare newcomers and aficionados seeking a novel perspective, exploring the profound implications of identity, disguise, and love. It addresses perennial themes like gender roles, love's irrationality, and societal expectations, showcasing their ongoing relevance.

Ideal for students new to Shakespeare and educators in search of lively classroom resources, this reinterpretation of "Twelfth Night" brings the festive mishaps and romantic entanglements to life with renewed vibrancy and emotional depth. Through her narrative, Vigon bridges past and present, illustrating the enduring impact of Shakespeare’s insights and their capacity to enlighten and engage.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jeanette Vigon
• Release date: May 3, 2024
• ISBN: 9791223036631

Book preview

TWELFTH NIGHT

SIMPLE SHAKESPEARE SERIES

JEANETTE VIGON

Copyright © 2023 Jeanette Vigon

All rights reserved.

This edition within the Simple Shakespeare series is a modern adaptation of William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, tailored for a broad audience by simplifying the language and reimagining scenes for contemporary understanding. While it preserves the core story and characters from Shakespeare's original, this version introduces significant modifications aimed at making the timeless tale accessible and engaging for modern readers. The adaptation respects the essence of the original work, offering a bridge between Shakespeare's Elizabethan English and today's vernacular, ensuring that the themes of love, conflict, and fate resonate with a 21st-century audience.

CONTENTS

Why I wrote this book the way I did

Introduction

ACT I

scene 1

scene 2

scene 3

scene 4

scene 5

ACT II

scene 1

scene 2

scene 3

scene 4

scene 5

ACT III

scene 1

scene 2

scene 3

scene 4

ACT IV

scene 1

scene 2

scene 3

ACT V

scene 1

THE END

For Further Reading

About the Author

Afterword

WHY I WROTE THIS BOOK THE WAY I DID

Crafting the Simple Shakespeare series was an endeavor fueled by a passion to make Shakespeare's timeless tales accessible and relatable to a modern audience, while retaining the essence that has captivated readers for centuries. The decision to reinterpret these classic plays in modern English and in a past tense novel style was rooted in the desire to bridge centuries of linguistic evolution, bringing the stories to life for contemporary readers who may find the original Early Modern English daunting.

The choice of a past tense novel format was a deliberate one, aimed at transforming the dynamic and immediate action of Shakespeare's plays into narratives that unfold with the thoughtful pace and introspection of a novel. This allows readers to immerse themselves deeply in the worlds Shakespeare created, experiencing the depth of character development and plot intricacies in a new light.

Translating Shakespeare's complex language and themes into modern English required careful consideration to preserve the nuanced storytelling and rich emotional tapestry of the original works. It was imperative to maintain the integrity of the stories, ensuring that the modernized versions stay true to the spirit of Shakespeare's intentions. This involved not only translating the language but also adapting the cultural and historical contexts to be more understandable, without diminishing the plays' original meanings and the universal themes they explore.

Furthermore, adapting these plays into a past tense narrative form necessitated a reimagining of Shakespeare's dramatic structure. The original acts and scenes, designed for the stage, were transformed into chapters and sections that flow seamlessly in written form, offering readers a cohesive and engaging narrative journey.

The Simple Shakespeare series is an homage to the enduring relevance of Shakespeare's work, crafted with the belief that the core of these stories—themes of love, power, fate, and human nature—are as resonant today as they were in Shakespeare's time. By presenting these tales in a form that is both familiar and fresh, the series aims to spark a new appreciation for Shakespeare among readers who might otherwise shy away from his work due to its original linguistic complexity.

In creating this series, it was my hope to demystify Shakespeare, proving that his plays are not relics of the past but living stories that continue to enlighten, entertain, and inspire. It has been a journey of discovery, not only in translating words but in unveiling the timeless humanity at the heart of Shakespeare's plays. I invite readers to explore these reimagined classics, to find joy in the stories that have shaped our literary heritage, and to see in them reflections of our own lives and times.

It has been a profound privilege to journey through the worlds of Shakespeare in this new light, and I am eager for readers to experience the magic of these stories, told anew.

INTRODUCTION

In this modern English rendition of Twelfth Night, William Shakespeare's acute observations on identity, love, and the follies of societal conventions are ingeniously adapted to captivate today's audiences while preserving the original's emotional depth. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Renaissance Illyria, the language has been updated to reflect current conversational styles, enhancing the play's relevance and immediacy.

Viola, disguised as the young man Cesario, navigates the intricate social hierarchies of Duke Orsino’s court, bringing fresh perspectives on gender and identity politics. Her situation emphasizes the fluidity of identity and challenges traditional gender expectations, making the themes of love and deception more accessible and resonant with contemporary discussions on these issues.

Malvolio, the pompous steward, becomes a focal point in a subplot rich with themes of ambition, ridicule, and social mobility. His misguided aspirations and subsequent humiliation are portrayed in a way that invites viewers to reflect on the nature of social justice and personal dignity.

Sir Toby Belch and Maria’s scheming, along with the comic antics of Sir Andrew Aguecheek, provide a humorous counterpoint that explores the limits of festivity, foolery, and the human condition. Their interactions are portrayed in a language that today’s audience will find humorous yet thought-provoking.

By updating Shakespeare's lyrical prose to contemporary vernacular, this adaptation not only makes the story more accessible but also ensures that the play’s rich tapestry of romance, disguise, and comedy resonates deeply with modern viewers. It invites audiences to engage with the delightful complexities of Twelfth Night, reflecting on timeless themes of love, identity, and societal norms that continue to be relevant today.

ACT I

Chess

SCENE 1

Duke Orsino stood in his palace, surrounded by his lords and the soft melody of musicians. He waved his hand, encouraging the music to continue.

Keep playing. I want so much of it that I grow tired of love itself, Orsino declared, caught in his feelings. Play that part again—it sounded like it was fading away. Oh, it was like the sweetest sound brushing against a bed of violets, both taking and giving scent! He paused, his mood shifting. Stop, that's enough. It doesn't sound as sweet as it did at first.

Orsino sighed, reflecting on the nature of love. Oh, love, you're so vibrant and alive, yet nothing truly stays valued in your presence. Even the most wonderful things seem to lose their worth in just a moment. Love’s imagination is so varied that it's almost fantastical.

Curio, seeing the Duke lost in his thoughts, tried to distract him. Shall we go hunting, my lord?

Orsino looked puzzled for a moment. Hunting? What game?

The deer, replied Curio.

Yes, indeed, the noblest game, Orsino responded, his mind drifting to his own romantic pursuits. Oh, when I first saw Olivia, it was as if she cleared the air of all illness. At that moment, I was transformed into a hunted deer, with my desires chasing after me like vicious hounds.

Just then, Valentine entered, bringing news from Olivia. Orsino eagerly asked, What does she say?

Valentine looked uncomfortable. My lord, I wasn’t allowed to see her. But her maid gave me this message: Olivia will not show her face openly for seven years; she will live secluded, veiling herself and crying daily to mourn her brother's death, trying to keep her love for him alive and undiminished.

Orsino pondered Olivia's intense devotion. If she can love her brother so deeply, imagine how she will love when she’s free from that sorrow. When love occupies all her emotions, what kind of love will that be! Inspired by the thought, he gave a