Let's Change Gears... Stuarts and To Penshurst

Stuarts Reign: This was not what Henry envisioned it to be....

Tudor dynasty ended in England in 1603. Henry VIII vision of long lasting royal bloodline has ended with his daughter Elizabeth who did not produce a heir to the throne of England. England has transformed during Elizabeth's reign. England now was the king of the seas and defender of the protestant faith. When James VI of Scotland, took the English Crown to be come James I, his son would eventually ruin England and lead them to a civil war in 1649.
James I reign was marked, with the creation of the King James Bible and the exploitations of the Americas and the establishment of Jamestown, Virginia.

James assumed the role as authoritative ruler, who had control of the government. James hated dealing Parliament and refused to call it into session many time during his reign. James kept England out of foreign conflicts in Europe and maintain peaceful terms with Spain. He also had to deal with continuing problem of religious conflict in England, between the Catholics and Protestants. The Gunpowder Plot was planned by devoted Catholic's aimed at bombing Parliament building while the nobles and the King were present. The plan was foiled in time and the Plotters were made examples to the public.

Charles I didn't fair too well either in the English system. Many of the people were upset at some to the policies and decisions he made. The people were fed along with Parliament. They decided to spark a civil war for regime change. In the end, Charles was arrested and executed ending the monarchy for the first time in English history and setting up Oliver Cromwell Parliamentary government, which proved to be no better than the monarchy. So Cromwell was overthrown and the monarchy was restored, Charles II took over as King of England.

To Penshurst:
Ben Jonson describes in great detail about this house and it's surroundings. This house is ideally what you would want a King to visit. Jonson goes on to how the garden is perfect and has lavish fruit growing ready to be picked. The animals in the yard and pond represent an ideal manor of the court. Jonson poem brings out a lot imagery to describe this manor of Penshurst.

Twelfth Night Acts 2-3

ACT 2:

Act 2 begins with Antonio and Sebastian, (Viola twin brother) Sebastian has recently survived a shipwreck at sea and is in a dire search to find out the whereabouts of his sister. He fears that she may have perished in the shipwreck. Antonio saved Sebastian from the shipwreck and vows to help him search for his missing sister, begin to travel to the Duke's residence.

Olivia shows no affection towards the Duke, Orsino. She begins to develop affection towards Cesario(Viola). Viola was given the ring by Malvolio, which belonged to Olivia. Viola has now realized that Olivia is coming on to Cesario. She has made things very complicated at the court. She may be in way over her head now, but she continues on to pose as Cesario.

Also later on in Act 2 we see, the beginning of the downfall of Malvolio's character. Sir Toby, Sir Andrew and Feste are being rather noisy and are enjoying a late night drink. Maria comes in telling the men to be quiet, because Olivia is trying to sleep. Malvolio steps in trying to get the men to be quiet, instead makes Maria upset and decides to play a cruel prank on him. She writes a letter in Olivia's hand writing, professing her love to him. The three catch wind of Maria's plan. Malvolio receives the letter, which he must wear yellow stockings to show his love for Olivia. Malvolio is now madly in love with Olivia, he is totally unaware of the setup that he is in for.

Viola now has to decide whether she is in over head and decide to end this charade. She has a talk with Orsino where she position to reveal her identity, but backs down.

ACT 3:
We see the continuing saga between Cesario and Olivia. Viola tries to distant herself from Olivia when she says: (Viola)
By innocence I swear, and by my youth,
I have one heart, one bosom, and one truth,
And that no women has, nor never none
Shall mistress be of it save I alone.
And so adieu, good madam. Never more
Will I my master;s tears to you deplore.(1112)
Viola feels bad for Olivia's predicament, She isn't sure how shes going to come clean from this ordeal now. Olivia is still determined to win Cesario's heart no matter what.

Sir Andrew urged on by Sir Toby and Fabian to challenge Cesario to a duel in order for him to win the affection of Olivia. Now everyone seems on trying to win Olivia affection...
Now Antonio and Sebastian reach the city, Antonio is very paranoid, because he has enemies in the city. Antonio gives Sebastian his purse, and he heads into a inn.

Now, Malvolio is commencing his downfall when appears before Lady Olivia in yellow stockings and begins to profess his love for her. Olivia says she did not write a letter to him and has been told a lie. Malvolio is devastated by the current situation.

Viola is now forced into the challenged duel by Sir Andrew, Antonio is walking and notices Viola(Cesario) thinking that it is Sebastian, wants to fight in his behalf. Before the fighting could begin, Antonio is arrested and cries toward Viola to give him his purse thinking that its Sebastian. Viola is confused by this and refuses Antonio request as hes being dragged away. Antonio is shocked and now feels betrayed by Sebastian.

It's already leading towards a chaotic ending. The ending will effect many of the characters.