Twelfth Night: Maria

This 30-slide lesson explores Maria in Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’.

With academic scrutiny, the lesson analyses one of Shakespeare’s key characters, beginning with an overview of her key lines, attributes, and role in the plot. This then leads to interesting contextual points which might illuminate Maria’s character, and some structural analysis of her role in the play.

Maria’s key lines and moments are explored, including her relationships with Olivia, Sir Toby and Malvolio. Interesting viewpoints from a range of critics, directors, and actors are discussed, and we look at how Maria has been presented in a range of theatrical productions.

Crucially, we also explore how Maria’s character relates to the key themes of the play and is central to the comedy of ‘Twelfth Night’. The Carnivalesque atmosphere of the play is analysed in light of Maria’s character, with close focus on themes including social mobility, revelry and marriage.

Questions, discussion points, and essay questions are featured throughout. Students are encouraged to consider Maria’s character at a high level, so this lesson would be ideal for students aged 16+.

PowerPoint saved as both an editable PowerPoint and PDF (to retain aesthetic choices).