The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background. The latest generation of titles in this series also feature glossaries and visual elements that complement the classic, familiar format. In CliffsNotes on Twelfth Night, you follow several separate groups of characters whose stories are flawlessly woven together to produce one of Shakespeare's lightest, most popular, and most musical comedies—full of intricate plots and subplots and witty banter that only Shakespeare could write. Summaries and commentaries take you through Shakespeare's masterpiece, and character analyses of such memorable characters as Viola, Olivia, and Duke Orsino clue you in on their motivations. You also get these additional features: A section on the life and background of William Shakespeare A review section that tests your knowledge A selected bibliography Classic literature or modern-day treasure—you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.

Mistaken Identity--Viola and her twin brother Sebastian are shipwrecked. While coming ashore they are separated and she assumes he has drowned. Upon reaching shore Viola decides to disguise herself as a young man. Mistaken identity and romance ensue.'Tis beauty truly blent whose red and white Nature's own sweet and cunning hand laid on: Lady you are the cruell'st she alive If you will lead these graces to the grave And leave the world no copy.

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Numbering more than 150, Shakespeare's sonnets have contributed significantly to discussions of the elusive character of the Bard. While most of the poems are addressed to a young man, others invoke the renowned Dark Lady. Each sonnet is interpreted, focusing on language particular to the poem, as well as on how the sonnet form furthers meaning. In addition, Shakespeare's major themes of love and beauty; mutability; and time and immortality are explored.

The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background. The latest generation of titles in this series also feature glossaries and visual elements that complement the classic, familiar format. In CliffsNotes on The Tempest, you follow the famous story of Prospero and his daughter Miranda. Through magic, Prospero conjures up a storm that brings a ship full of his enemies to the island on which he and Miranda live. What follows is Shakespeare's comic masterpiece that's full of intrigue and romance. Summaries and commentaries lead you, act by act, through this Shakespearean classic, and critical essays give you insight into the play as a political romance. Other features that help you study include Character analyses of the main characters A character map that graphically illustrates the relationships among the characters A section on the life and background of William Shakespeare A review section that tests your knowledge A Resource Center full of books, articles, films, and Internet sites Classic literature or modern-day treasure—you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.