Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Influences in Twelfth Night
William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night is a beloved play, filled with humorous misunderstandings, clever wordplay, and intricate character relationships. While it’s typically studied through a Western lens, many connections to Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cultures are worth exploring.
One of the most interesting ways Twelfth Night bears traces of Middle Eastern influence is through the setting of Illyria. Scholars believe that Illyria is meant to represent a region in the Balkans, modern-day Croatia and Montenegro. However, several details in the play suggest a Mediterranean or Middle Eastern touch – for example, the mention of a beautiful “olive copse” (Act 2, Scene 5) and the name of the ship that Viola is traveling on, which is called the “Taurus” (Act 1, Scene 2).
Another aspect of Twelfth Night that highlights Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences is the food mentioned throughout the play. The feast scenes, in particular, are filled with dishes that would be familiar to anyone who has dined in these regions. For example, we see references to “stewed plums” (Act 1, Scene 3), “quinces” (Act 1, Scene 3), and “flagon of wine” (Act 2, Scene 3), all of which would be typical of Mediterranean cuisine.
Divine References in Twelfth Night
One of the most exciting ways Twelfth Night reflects Mediterranean culture is through the many references to the god Bacchus, who was associated with wine, fertility, and revelry. Bacchus is mentioned several times in the play, and his drinking habits are frequently alluded to – for example, when Maria suggests that Sir Toby Belch is “a kind of puritan” because he doesn’t drink as much as he used to (Act 2, Scene 3).
Another intriguing divine reference in Twelfth Night is the cold springs mentioned in the play. Scholars believe these springs may reference the cult of Cybele, a goddess worshipped in the Mediterranean and Middle East. Cybele was associated with fertility and was often depicted as emerging from a pool of water – which may explain why the cold springs are so significant in Twelfth Night.
Conclusion
While Twelfth Night is typically taught and interpreted through a Western cultural lens, many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences are worth exploring. From the setting of Illyria to the food and drink mentioned throughout the play to the divine references of Bacchus and the cold springs, Twelfth Night reveals a rich and complex cultural tapestry that extends far beyond the traditional Western canon.