When Was Twelfth Night Written

When Was Twelfth Night Written? Unraveling the Mystery of Shakespeare's Festive Comedy

Determining the precise date when Shakespeare penned Twelfth Night, or What You Will remains a captivating scholarly pursuit. While we can't pinpoint the exact day or even month, careful examination of historical records, stylistic analysis, and contextual clues allows us to narrow down the timeframe and understand the circumstances surrounding its creation. This article delves into the evidence, offering a comprehensive understanding of the likely period of composition, along with the fascinating historical and theatrical backdrop that influenced this beloved comedy.

The Evidence: A Detective Story in Literary History

Unfortunately, Shakespeare left behind no detailed diary or annotations to clarify the exact date of his works. However, several clues offer valuable insights into the likely composition period of Twelfth Night.

1. The First Performance and Publication: A Delayed Debut

The earliest record of a performance of Twelfth Night comes from a manuscript entry noting a performance at the Middle Temple on February 2, 1623. However, this is a considerably late date, long after the play's likely composition. The first printed version appeared in the First Folio of 1623, which collected Shakespeare’s plays after his death. This late publication date doesn’t help us pinpoint the writing date itself.

2. Stylistic Analysis: Comparing Notes with Other Plays

Scholars analyze Shakespeare's plays using stylistic analysis, comparing vocabulary, sentence structures, and thematic concerns to other works with known or estimated dates. By comparing the linguistic features of Twelfth Night with other Shakespearean plays, researchers can place it within a broader chronological framework. This approach indicates a period aligning with Shakespeare's "late-period comedies," a time when his style was evolving, incorporating more complex characters and sophisticated plot devices.

3. Contextual Clues: Societal Shifts and Theatrical Trends

Understanding the historical context surrounding the play's themes and references helps narrow down its possible writing period. Twelfth Night reflects specific societal attitudes and cultural trends prevalent during a particular era. The presence of specific fashion references, political allusions, or cultural practices can give clues. For instance, if the play references a specific court masque or political event, we can try to date it around the occurrence of that event. However, this type of evidence needs careful interpretation, as Shakespeare sometimes drew inspiration from earlier periods or generalized themes.

4. Thematic Resonance: Exploring the Play's Underlying Concerns

The themes explored in Twelfth Night—the exploration of gender identity, the complexities of love and desire, the transformative power of disguise, and the celebration of festive revelry—offer clues about the social and cultural climate it reflects. A detailed thematic analysis can help align it with periods in Shakespeare's life when such concerns were particularly relevant.

The Likely Period: Between 1599 and 1601 – A Refined Guess

Considering the combined evidence from stylistic analysis, thematic resonance, and contextual clues, most scholars agree that Twelfth Night was likely written between 1599 and 1601. This period aligns well with Shakespeare's late-period comedies, featuring sophisticated character development and complex plots. The play's festive and celebratory atmosphere further suggests a composition date around a time of revelry, perhaps even connected to the Twelfth Night celebrations themselves.

The Historical and Theatrical Context: A Rich Tapestry

To fully understand the potential writing period, we need to look at the broader historical and theatrical context of late 16th and early 17th-century England:

• The Elizabethan Era and its End: Shakespeare wrote Twelfth Night during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, a period of relative stability and prosperity, but also one marked by political intrigue and the looming question of succession. The play reflects the era's fascination with disguise, deception, and the blurring of social boundaries.

• The Rise of the Globe Theatre: The Globe Theatre, where many of Shakespeare’s plays were performed, was built in 1599. The success and popularity of the Globe might have spurred Shakespeare to write more plays suited to this specific venue and its audience.

• The Popularity of Festive Comedy: The period saw a rise in popularity of festive comedies, plays that celebrated the joyous spirit of seasonal festivals like Twelfth Night. These plays often involved elaborate disguises, mistaken identities, and happy resolutions. Twelfth Night perfectly embodies this genre.

• The Influence of Italian Comedy: Shakespeare's comedies often drew inspiration from Italian commedia dell'arte, a form of improvisational comedy featuring stock characters and farcical situations. The influence of this tradition is discernible in Twelfth Night, particularly in the characters of Feste and Malvolio.

• The Exploration of Gender: The play's exploration of gender fluidity through Viola's disguise and the examination of gender roles in a patriarchal society suggests it might have been written at a time when these issues were actively being debated or reflected upon within society.

Beyond the Dates: The Enduring Legacy of Twelfth Night

While we may never know the precise date of Twelfth Night's composition, the scholarly effort to approximate it sheds light on the creative process of Shakespeare and the rich cultural context that shaped his work. The play's enduring popularity testifies to its timeless themes of love, loss, identity, and the enduring power of human connection. The fact that it continues to be studied, performed, and enjoyed centuries later underlines its importance in the literary canon and its significant contribution to the world of theatre. The mystery surrounding its exact creation date only adds to the intrigue and allure of this remarkable comedy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why is it so difficult to pinpoint the exact date of Twelfth Night's composition?

A: Unlike modern authors, Shakespeare did not leave behind meticulous records of his writing process. The absence of a personal diary or detailed annotations makes precise dating extremely challenging.

Q: Are there any other clues that could potentially help researchers narrow down the writing period?

A: Researchers continue to explore new avenues of investigation, including detailed analysis of the paper used in early manuscripts (if any survive), the evolution of Shakespeare's handwriting, and further comparative study of his other works. However, the absence of direct evidence remains the biggest hurdle.

Q: How does the lack of a precise date affect our understanding and appreciation of the play?

A: While the exact date is unknown, it does not diminish the play’s artistic merit or its significance in literary history. Understanding the probable period helps us connect the play to its historical context and appreciate the social, political, and theatrical influences that shaped its creation.

Q: What other Shakespearean plays are considered to be from a similar period?

A: Twelfth Night is often grouped with other "late comedies" such as Measure for Measure, All's Well That Ends Well, and Problem Plays such as Troilus and Cressida and Measure for Measure. These plays exhibit similar stylistic characteristics and thematic concerns.

Q: Is there ongoing research into the dating of Twelfth Night?

A: Yes, scholarly research continues. New techniques and approaches in literary and historical analysis are constantly being applied to Shakespeare's works, potentially yielding further insights into the likely period of composition of Twelfth Night in the future.

Conclusion: A Timeless Comedy with a Mysterious Past

The quest to determine when Shakespeare wrote Twelfth Night is an ongoing scholarly endeavor. While we cannot pinpoint the exact date, the combined evidence strongly suggests a composition period between 1599 and 1601. Understanding the historical and theatrical context of this period provides a richer appreciation of the play's themes, character development, and lasting appeal. The enduring legacy of Twelfth Night stands as a testament to Shakespeare’s genius, irrespective of the exact date when he put pen to paper to create this masterpiece of comedic brilliance. The enduring mystery surrounding its exact creation date only adds to its charm and invites continued exploration and discussion.