Modern Crossdressing
A comparison of Shakespeare and Amanda Bynes by Meg Johnson
Comparisons
- Viola and Sebastian are siblings
- Viola is pretending to be a boy
- Viola must help Duke Orsino try to woo Olivia
- Viola is in love with Duke Orsino
- Olivia falls in love with Viola in disguise
- Olivia later falls in love with Sebastian
- Duke Orsino falls in love with Viola
Contrasts
She's the Man
- Malvolio is a spider
- Olivia's had a bad breakup
- Sebastian took a trip to London and Viola's pretending to be him
- Viola goes back and forth between dressing as a girl and a boy
12th Night
- Malvolio is a person
- Olivia's brother died
- Viola believes Sebastian dead and is dressing as Cesario
- Viola stays dressed as a boy until she reveals herself
Farce
Violet brings tampons to the boarding school and must pretend that she uses them to stop nose bleeds.
Comedy of Manners
"Dost thou think, because thou art virtuous, there shall be no more cakes and ale?" (2.3.115-116)
Sir Toby mocks Malvolio.
Comedy of Ideas
"I was adored once too" (2.3.181)
Sir Andrew's response to Sir Toby speaking of Maria's adoration of himself.
Low Comedy
"I am a great eater of beef, and I believe that does harm to my wit." (1.3, 84-86)
Sir Andrew Aguecheek, who is known for being quite dull, contemplates his own idiocy. While this is not typical low humor, the quote leaves us laughing at the expense of a character which is a definite aspect of low humor.