Copyright J V Ward. 14th August 2003
Notes on Shakespeare’s
Twelfth Night
HOW TO USE THE NOTES
All Shakespeare’s plays are divided into 5 Acts. Each Act is sub divided into scenes. The Notes take each scene (denotes as A to R) and provides the following information.
1 Glossary. Explanation of difficult or obscure words.
2 Summary. A condensation of the scene showing how the plot is developing.
3 Commentary. A detailed literary commentary on the text.
It is suggested that you start by working one scene at a time (A,B,C etc.) working closely with the text. If you would like a synopsis of the plot, then read A2, B2, C2 etc.. This should familiarise you with the play, after which you should attend to the commentary sections (A3, B3, C3 etc.).
ACT ONE SCENE ONE A1
GLOSSARY
Cloistress nun E'er ever Element the outside world Eye offending brine tears, salt water Fell wicked Golden shaft Cupid's golden arrow causes love. His leaden one brings hate. Hart stag like animal; popular as object of hunting Liver/heart/brain the liver used to be considered the location of passion, the brain of thought, the heart of love. One self king one and the same master (viz. Orsino himself) O'er over Pestilence
disease Quick lively Season keep fresh (In Shakespeare's time, foodstuffs were preserved with salt) Soe'r whatsoever Strain fragment of music Surfeiting eating too much 'Tis it is
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ACT ONE SCENE ONE A2
SUMMARY
Count Orsino is in a gloomy mood as he is sick with love for Olivia. His servant Curio tries to cheer him up and offers to take him hunting, but Orsino still pines for Olivia. Valentine enters with news. He says that Olivia has sworn to remain indoors, out of sight of the world for seven years, in memory of her brother who has recently died. Although Orsino is disappointed he tries to cheer himself up by reflecting that a woman who can love a brother so much, will love him, Orsino, all the more when she does eventually fall for him.
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ACT ONE SCENE ONE A3
COMMENTARY
Note that some editors interchange scene 2 with scene 1. This is because in scene 2 , Orsino is mentioned by the sea captain and given a full introduction and description. It would therefore seem sensible to give these facts to the audience before introducing Orsino on stage. However, this scene makes a better introduction to the play as its imagery gives us a complete introduction to the essentials of the play. In the Folio edition (see appendix B) this scene is placed first.
Note the imagery of hunting made more poignant by the pun on the word "hart". The play is all about lovers 'hunting' the objects of their affection. Orsino pursues Olivia, Olivia pursues Viola, Viola Orsino and Malvolio Olivia. In each case, as love is not returned, the affair takes on the aspect of a hunt.
Also observe the imagery of death in 'sicken and so die', 'dying fall' and 'brother's dead love'. This prepares us for the constant references to death in the play. Olivia's brother is dead, Viola and Sebastian are each thought to be dead and there are also other references throughout the play particularly the death imagery in Act II scene 4 and the song 'Come Away Death'.
Note the imagery of the sea in 'receiveth as the sea'. There are various references within the play to the sea being all consuming. In particular having supposedly swallowed up Viola and Sebastian and in Act II scene 4, where Orsino declares that his love is 'all as hungry as the sea'.
This scene shows Orsino in his changeable moods. He is depressed at the beginning of the scene (note the imagery of 'sicken and so die') and elated at the end (love thoughts lie rich). This behaviour is typical of his mood swings later in the play. In particular refer to Act II scene 4 where Feste describes his mind as 'a very opal', suggests a doublet of changeable taffeta' and declares that men of such constancy 'should take to the sea'.
ACT ONE SCENE TWO B1
GLOSSARY
Arion A character in Roman mythology who charmed a dolphin with his music and was able to ride on its back. Abjur'd sworn to keep away from And though that…pollution it often happens, that people who are evil look innocent Compass achieve Eunuch a young manservant Elysium where the souls of the dead go: A pagan heaven Hap happen Haply conveniently Hold acquaintance with the waves Illyria country in the Balkans: now called Croatia I prithee I ask you Made mine own occasion mellow waited until my own sorrow had become less painful. Murmur rumour Perchance
by chance/ by a piece of luck Provident in peril
Prattle gossip Shape….wit do not tell anyone about this plan
ACT ONE SCENE TWO B2
SUMMARY
Viola and a ship's captain have landed on the shore of Illyria after having been shipwrecked. Viola thinks that her brother has been drowned in the wreck but the captain tries to comfort her by saying that he may have survived. The captain tells viola that the country is ruled by Duke Orsino who is trying to charm Olivia, a lady who has sworn to keep away from men, in mourning for her late brother. Viola resolves to become a servant to Orsino. She asks the captain to get her some men's clothing so that she can disguise herself and become a manservant to Orsino. _____________________________________
ACT ONE SCENE TWO B3
COMMENTARY
This scene serves to introduce the character of Viola and to supply information on the background to the plot. Although the greater part of the scene is given over to recounting background facts, two major themes are evident.
Note that Viola presents the captain with gold. The theme of gifts (gold, jewels, coins etc.) runs through the play. Olivia presents a pearl to Sebastian( IV/3), Orsino sends a jewel to Olivia(II/4), Olivia claims to have received a ring from Viola(I/5), Sebastian receives Antonio's purse (III/3) and Feste continually receives coins from the other characters.
Also observe the theme of disguise and of not appearing as one rally is. Note particularly how Viola states "a beauteous wall doth oft close in pollution". Compare this with Antonio's remarks on Viola (III/4) "Thou hast done good feature shame" i.e. looks good on the outside but is bad inside. Disguise and misrepresentation run through the play. Viola is disguised as a man, Feste disguises himself as Sir Topaz (IV/2), Olivia throws a veil over her face (I/5), Sir Toby misrepresents the fighting abilities of Viola and Sir Andrew, and most importantly, Malvolio appears completely out of character in yellow stockings, cross gartered.
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ACT ONE SCENE THREE C1
GLOSSARY
Allay lessen Viol-de-gamboys musical instrument: something like a modern day cello Fie shame Prodigal
spendthrift Ducat gold coin Any's any man that is Wooer a man who courts a woman Confine "Confine" has two meanings: "stay within" and "dress up". Maria here means the former. Sir Toby mischievously takes the latter meaning. Plague what a pity it is Care worry O' of Cousin/ niece "cousin" here means relative. "Cousin" can be substituted for niece. Ill hours coming home late Except, before excepted I would rather she took exception to me than I had to take exception to her. They be not if there are not Gust liking By this hand a mild oath. He promises on his 'hand' that it is true. Substractors a malapropism for detractors Coistrel a low person who looks after horses O' th' toe go round and round Parish top a top was a child's toy which span at speed. A parish top was one maintained for the use of villagers. Wench girl Castiliano vulgo an exclamation: the meaning is obscure Shrew a bad tempered woman Accost greet courteously Undo bring you to disaster Board confront Front confront By my troth a mild oath. "upon my word" or similar. Fare you well goodbye Marry mild swear word. Literally the Virgin Mary. Buttery bar literally a bar or ledge where beer tankards are placed. But Maria refers to her breasts. Wherefore what do you mean Metaphor joke Lack'st
are in need of Canary sweet wine somewhat like modern day sherry. From the Canary Isles. Christian in this context "any other Christian". Eater of beef in Tudor times beef was supposed to dull the brain No question without doubt Forswear give it up Porqoui Why? (French) Bestowed given (i.e. spent some time) Tongues
foreign languages Bear-baiting a popular Tudor sport where a bear is chained to a stake and taunted Hadst thou you would have had Mended put right Past question of course Seest can see Flax on a distaff flax on a spinning wheel Faith
an exclamation She'll none of me she won't have anything to do with me Match above her degree marry a man of higher status Estate, years or wit wealth, age or intelligence Tut meaningless exclamation Lif in't where there's life there's hope Masques plays Revels dances Kiskshawses a type of dance Galliard a lively dance Cut a Caper perform a quick dancing step Cut the mutton caper also means a sauce served with mutton--(Sir Toby's little joke) Back trick a backwards dancing step Gifts talents Curtain before 'em covered up Take dust get dusty by being left unused Mistress Mall's picture sadly there is no reliable explanation of who was 'Mistress Mall' Coranto a quick dance Sink-a-pace a five step dance: from the French "cinque paces" Is this a world to hide virtues in? Do not conceal your talents in this cold-blooded world. Stock stocking Taurus Astrological sign of the Bull. Each sign of the Zodiac was supposed to govern a part of the body. Taurus governed the feet.
ACT ONE SCENE THREE C2
SUMMARY
Sir Toby Belch is Olivia's uncle and a guest at her house. Maria, Olivia's maid, rebukes him for his drunkenness and his habit of coming home late. Sir Andrew Ague cheek is one of Sir Toby's drunken cronies. Maria plays a trick on him and he is bemused. Sir Toby has brought Sir Andrew to Olivia's house for him to court Olivia but Sir Andrew says that Olivia will have nothing to do with him and he will go home. Sir Toby persuades him to stay a while longer.
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ACT ONE SCENE THREE C3
COMMENTARY
This scene introduces us to the characters of Sir Toby and Sir Andrew. Maria's interaction with Sir Toby tells us all we need to know of their pesonalities and prepares the audience for what follows in later scenes. i.e. Sir Toby keeps "ill hours" (III/3), his continual quaffing and drinking (I/5, II/3). Also Sir Andrew is "a fool and a prodigal".(note how he is made a fool of by Maria I/3 and by Sir Toby III/2 and III/4). We find out that Sir Andrew has "the gift of a coward" (see III/4 and IV/1) and is "drunk nightly" with Sir Toby (see Malvolio's discourse in II/5).
The scene also introduces the theme of a lover trying unsuccessfully to develop his courtship. This comic scene is indicative of the theme which runs through the play. Note how Sir Andrew is encouraged to "accost Maria, how he is beguiled by her, how he is duped and finally abandoned.
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ACT ONE SCENE FOUR D1
GLOSSARY
In man’s attire dressed as a man Humour fickleness Call in question query Continuance permanence Love liking for Inconstant fickle On your attendance I am ready Stand you a while aloof leave us alone for a while Know'st know Unclasp'd revealed Address thy gait get over to Audience an interview Abandon'd given up to Clamorous uproarious Leap all civil bounds forget normal politeness Unprofited return come aback with nothing Discourse a lecture Faith true intentions Become....... woes you are the best person to present my case Nuncio messenger Grave aspect looking more mature and serious Belie misrepresent Diana Roman Goddess known for her beauty Small pipe shrill voice As the maiden's organ like a girl's voice Semblative seeming like Constellation destiny Apt well fitted Four and five attend him four or five of you go with him Live as freely enjoy the master's property as if it were your own Barfull strife an unpleasant task Myself would be his wife I want to marry him myself
ACT ONE SCENE FOUR D2
SUMMARY
Viola, now dressed as a man, is working for Orsino. She is using the name Cesario. Orsino is to use her as a messenger to Olivia. Orsino tells Viola to go and press his case with Olivia and be persistant, even to the point of rudeness. Orsino says that Viola is perfect for the part as he (she) is so young and looks like a woman (little knowing the truth). When she is about to set on her way, Viola confesses (to the audience and not to anybody else) that she has fallen in love with Orsino.
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ACT ONE SCENE FOUR D3
COMMENTARY
It seems that Orsino is already in love with Viola although he does not propose to her or even realise that she is a woman until V/1. Orsino praise her female beauty as in ‘Diana’s lip’ ‘smooth and rubios’. His references to his love for Olivia in ‘passion’ and ‘dear faith’ are interspersed with imagery of sadness as in ‘woes’ and ‘abandoned to sorrow’. It is clear that Orsino is in love but is pursuing the wrong woman.
Note the imagery of the open book in ‘unclasped to thee the book even of my secret soul’. (In Tudor England, books could be locked). It would seem that Viola has fallen for Orsino because she can ‘read’ him.
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ACT ONE SCENE FIVE E1
GLOSSARY
Clown jester/funnyman
Hang thee kill you (an exageration)
Fear no colours fear no enemy
Make that good explain that
Lenten answer a weak reply (Lent is a time of fasting)
In the wars….your foolery you might well mention war because you are now at war with the mistress
God give….talents Let God give more wisdom to those who already have it . Fools can look after themselves with cunning.
Turned away fired and put out of the house.
Let summer bear it out it won't be so bad on the streets in summer.
Gaskins trousers (the two points are belt and braces).
Piece of Eve's flesh a woman (Eve was the first woman[Genesis]).
Peace be quiet
You were best you had better
Wit, and't be thy will [Wit here is personified] Oh Wit, would you please
Put me into good fooling let me do well in my comic routine
Quinapalus a philosopher invented by Feste
Go to go away
Dry boring
I'll no more of you I don't want you around any more
Botcher a clothing mender
Syllogism philosophical proof
As there is flower Feste rambles nonsense
Misprision misunderstanding
Cucculus non fecit monacham Latin the habit does not make the monk. I.e. just because someone is dressed in a certain way does not mean that he is that person.
Motley patchwork clothing worn by jesters
I wear not motley in my brain I am not a fool in my head.
Dexteriously very well indeed
Catechise cross examine
Good my mouse of virtue a Tudor expresssion: dear sweet lady
For want of other idleness as I have nothing else to do
Why mourn'st thou? What are you grieving for?
Mend improve
Shall do…….shake him he will keep getting better until he dies
Infirmity loss of mental capacity
I marvel I am surprised
Minister occasion to him set up his jokes for him
Zanies fool's stooges
Sick of ill with
Distempered infected
Bird bolts shot for shooting birds
Canon-bullets canon balls
No slander in an allowed fool a jester has special permission to be disrespectful
Rail rant
Reprove reprimand
Mercury a Roman god known for lying
Endure thee with leasing give you a long life
Fair good looking
Who of my people? Which one of my servants?
Hold him in delay is dealing with him
Fetch him off get him away
Madman madman's talk
Fie on him damm him
Jove Roman god, oldest and wisest of the gods
Pia mater membrane of the brain
A plague o' curse
How now helllo
Sot drunkard
How have…..lethargy? Why are you drunk so early in the day?
Lethargy idleness
Lechary lust
There's one there is a person
Marry exclamation "Virgin Mary"
What is he? What sort of person?
Let…….all one I don't care if he's the Devil
One draught above heat one drink too many
Mads makes him mad
Crowner coroner. Official who investigates unusual deaths
Sit o' make a judgement on
Coz cousin
Yond that (short for yonder)
Sheriff's post a wooden stake outside the sheriff's office where notices were posted
Personage and years type and age
Squash/peascod unripe peapod/ripe peapod
Codling unripe apple
In standing water in between
Well favoured good looking
Shrewishly shrilly
Your will? What do you want?
Loath unwilling
Penned well written
Pains trouble
Con learn by heart
Sustain undergo
Compatible sensitive
Sinister usage mockery
Comedian actor
I am not that I play I am not the same person as the character I am playing
From my commission I am digressing from my mission
Have reason are sane
Time of moon phase of the moon. The lunar cycle was associated with madness
Skipping frolicking
Hoist sail depart. As a sailing ship
Swabber seaman (continuing the nautical analogy)
To hull to stay (again nautical)
Mollification appeasement
Giant sarcastic: Maria is a short person (see Act III scene 2 where Sir Toby calls her 'the youngest wren of nine")
Tell me your mind tell me what you think
Fearful terrible
Overture declaration
Olive olive-branch (a symbol of peace)
Entertainment reception here
Maidenhead virginity
Divinity a religious discourse
Profanation blasphemy
Give us the place alone (to the servants) go away and leave us alone.
Comfortable doctrine comforting text
Chapter part
In the first firstly
Out of your text departing from your speech
I was this present I was just now
Well done good looking
If God did all if God made it (i.e. if it is not done with cosmetics)
In grain ingrained (i.e. natural)
Blent blended
Cunning clever
She female
If you will………to copy die before you have a daughter to inherit your beauty
Divers many
Labelled to my will added to my will as a codicil
To proud…..the devil Lucifer( the devil) fell from heaven because of his pride
Recompens'd receive its due
Nonpareil unequalled
Thunder bellow out
Of great estate very rich
In voices well divulg'd well spoken of
Free generous
In dimensions…..nature well built
In my master's flame with the same intensity as my master
What would you? What would you do?
Willow cabin a workman's hut. The willow is a symbol of sorrow
Cantons songs
Contested thwarted
Haloo holler
Reverberate echoing
Parentage background: social class
Above my fortunes yet my estate is well although I have no money, I am of good class
Perchance perhaps
Spend this for me she gives him a tip
Fee'd post delivery boy who is grateful for tips
Love make….love I hope that the man you fall in love with is as heartless to you as you are to my master
Fair cruelty beautiful yet cruel woman
Five fold blaze show off in five ways
Soft! soft! Wait a minute
Even so…..plague can you catch the plague as quickly as you fall in love?
Methinks I believe
Methinks…..mine eyes this young man's charm has overpowered me
Peevish tiresome
County the count
Hie thee get on with it
I do…..what I don't know what I'm doing
Mine eye…..mind my eye has deceived my brain
Ourselves we do not owe none of us have control over our emotions
ACT ONE SCENE FIVE E2
SUMMARY
Feste, the jester, is Olivia's servant. He is scolded by Maria for being away without permission and told that Olivia is angry with him and may well fire him and put him out of the house. Feste hopes that he can amuse Olivia and get back in her favour. Olivia enters with her steward Malvolio. Feste performs a comic routine which amuses Olivia but Malvolio is unimpressed. Malvolio makes some nasty comments about Feste. Olivia is told that there is a young man from Orsino's court who wishes to speak to her and that he was met at the gate by Sir Toby. Sir Toby comes in drunk and tells Olivia that she has a visitor. He is so drunk that he can't remember who it is. Olivia sends Malvolio to say that the visitor is a very young man and very persistant in wanting to speak to Olivia.
Olivia says she will see the visitor but first puts a veil over her face. Viola enters, dressed as a man. Viola tries to deliver a speech which she has written and practiced but Olivia and Maria keep interupting and teasing her so that she cannot finish. Viola asks Olivia to unveil herself and then forgets her speech and gives genuine praise to Olivia's beauty. Viola speaks of Orsino's love but Olivia says she is not interested. Olivia asks Viola to leave and tells her she may be asked to come again. After Viola has gone, Olivia confesses to the audience (but nobody else) that she has fallen in love with Viola. She sends Malvolio to follow Viola and return a ring which she says that viola thrust upon her.
N.B. Feste is usually referred to as 'the clown' or 'the fool' or is addressed by some other name. His actual name is Feste but this is mentioned only once in the text (Act II scene 4). For the sake of consistency we will call him 'Feste' throughout the Critique.
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ACT ONE SCENE FIVE E3
COMMENTARY
First part of the scene (up to line 140)
This section deals with the theme of foolishness. The main character is Feste who interacts with each of the other characters to demonstrate their foolishness. Although Feste himself is 'an allowed fool' he shows himself to be shrewder than the others. This can be seen in the quotes "I wear not motley in my brain" i.e. I am not a fool in my mind, only in my exterior. Also "better a witty fool than a follish wit". I.e. better to be a good clown than a foolish serious person.
Feste proves that Olivia is a fool for weeping for her late brother who assuredly is in heaven. (Note in Act I scene 1, she promised to keep away from men for seven years and 'water once a day her chamber round with eye-offending brine')
Feste shows Malvolio's foolishness in lacking humour. He is 'sick of self love' in not laughing at 'an allowed fool'. His 'foolish wit' is shown in his caustic comment 'infirmity that decays the wise doth ever make him the greater fool'. Note that when in Act V scene 1, Feste confesses to have conspired against Malvolio, he gives as his reason the fact that Malvolio called him a 'barren rascel'
Finally the extremity in foolishness is demonstrated by the entrance of the pathetic drunkard, Sir Toby, who is described by Feste as a madman. Notice how the theme of madness reappears later in the play. Sebastian describes the people around him as mad (Act IV scene 1) and also he thinks that Olivia may be mad. Sebastian himself is called a madman when he attacks Sir Andrew. Later in Act I scene 5, Olivia accuses Viola of being mad. Most importantly of all, Malvolio is pronounced mad by all, even those who know him to be sane.
Second part of the scene(from line141)
The second part of the scene begins with confusion as to who is the lady to be addressed. (notice how important this is when Orsino's emotions of the previous scene are considered.) The theme of confusion and disguise emphasise Viola's disguise as a man: 'I swear that I am not that I play'. There is also a theme of rudeness in 'saucy at my gate' and learned from my entertainment'. The theme changes abruptly when Olivia removes her veil and reveals her face as 'beauty truly blent'. From now on the scene continues in blank verse [appendix A] and the theme becomes more agreeable. Note the imagery of cleanliness in 'noble', 'virtuous', 'stainless' and of fire in 'thunder love', 'sighs of fire', 'my master's flame'. The scene reaches a climax when Olivia resigns to her fate in the last four lines of the scene which are poignantly written in rhyming verse.
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ACT TWO SCENE ONE F1
GLOSSARY
Stars shine darkly over me my horoscope predicts bad fortune
Malignancy of my fate my bad fortune
Distemper infect
Crave ask
Whither where
Sooth exclamation [literally 'by God's truth']
Determinate voyage travel plans
Extravagancy waste of time
But I……express myself you haven't asked me but I'll tell you anyway
Which I called Rodrigo I pretended to be called Rodrigo
Messaline a city invented by Shakespeare
He left behind him he died leaving
If the heavens had been pleased …ended If only God had let us die together
Before…drowned my sister drowned before you rescued me
Alas the day Oh what a fateful day
Was yet…..call fair many people said she was very beautiful. I wouldn't go that far but she was fairly good looking and was quite clever.
Again with more with more salt water i.e. tears
Bad entertainment my poor company
Near the manners of my mother like a woman, about to weep
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ACT TWO SCENE ONE F2
SUMMARY
Antonio is talking to Sebastian. From the conversation we find out that Antonio, a sailor, has rescued Sebastian from a shipwreck. Sebastian is Viola's twin brother. They look very much alike but Sebastian thinks that Viola was drowned in the shipwreck. Sebastian is on his way to see Orsino. Antonio says that although he has many enemies at Orsino's court, he will go with Sebastian because he likes him so much.
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ACT TWO SCENE ONE F3
COMMENTARY
There is 'dramatic irony' [Appendix] in that Sebastian believes that Viola is dead while the audience know differently. Sebastian's belief that Viola is truly dead is communicated in the sombre imagery in 'stars shine darkly', 'malignant fate' and 'bear my evils'. Notice also the imagery of weeping in 'salt water' and 'mine eyes will tell tales of me'.
ACT TWO SCENE TWO G1
GLOSSARY
At several doors from different sides of the stage
Ev'n now just now
On a moderate pace walking slowly
If it be worth stooping for Malvolio throws the ring on the ground
My outside have not charmed her my disguise has not made her fall in love with me
Made good view of me kept staring at me
In starts distractedly as if she were not paying attention
Disguise Viola personifies disguise and speaks to him
Pregnant enemy the devil
Proper false good looking but lying men
Waxen hearts pliable emotions
To set their forms impress themselves
Our frailty women's weakness
Fadge turn out
Fond dote
As I am a man in my man's disguise
My state is desperate for my master's love I am striving in my master's cause
What thriftless…breathe poor Olivia doesn't stand a chance
Oh Time Time is personified
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ACT TWO SCENE TWO G2
SUMMARY
Malvolio catches up with Viola. He rudely tells her to take the ring. As Viola refuses to take it, he throws it to the ground and leaves. Viola thinks about the situation and then realises that Olivia has fallen in love with her.
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ACT TWO SCENE TWO G3
COMMENTARY
The ring is, of course, symbolic of marriage. The exchange between Viola and Malvolio encapsulates the theme of courtship with the ring being offered, refused, repeatedly offered and cast aside. 'peevishly threw it at her' is representati