Viola then visits Olivia, proposing again on the Duke’s behalf. But Olivia intervenes and invites Sebastian into the house, also thinking him to be Cesario (this is clearly a common mistake). Malvolio departs promising revenge. Malvolio does not notice her dismay and believes his hopes are coming to fruition. The Duke hopes that Viola’s youthful innocence will appeal to Olivia, but Viola would rather be Orsino’s wife than woo Olivia on his behalf. After realising that they might get into trouble for treating Malvolio this way, they allow him a pen and paper to be able to write a letter to Olivia. Pericles Summary. Sir Toby Belch, Olivia’s uncle, converses with Maria, her lady-in-waiting, about Sir Andrew Augecheek, Sir Toby’s companion and another of Olivia’s willing suitors. Twelfth Night—an allusion to the night of festivity preceding the Christian celebration of the Epiphany—combines love, confusion, mistaken identities, and joyful discovery.. After the twins Sebastian and Viola survive a shipwreck, neither knows that the other is alive. Act 3. Already a member? The Image and Metaphor of "Drowning" in Twelfth Night, Worm i'the bud: The Games of Love in Twelfth Night, Present Me As An Eunuch: Female Identity in Twelfth Night, Malvolio and the Eunuchs: Texts and Revels in Twelfth Night, On Not Being Deceived: Rhetoric and the Body in Twelfth Night, Twelfth Night Literary Criticism (Vol. Titus Andronicus Summary . The letter demands that Malvolio appear in yellow stockings, cross-gartered, and smiling to show his love for Olivia. Antonio gives Sebastian his purse and money and sends him off to enjoy the town’s monuments. The three men taunt Malvolio, and the steward leaves in disgust, but Sir Toby desires revenge. A street. The Merry Wives of Windsor Summary . Nearby, a group of sailors arrive on shore with a young girl, Viola, whom they have rescued from a storm at sea. She resolves to fend for herself by dressing as a boy to get work as a page to Duke Orsino. However, the sea-captain Antonio passes by and mistakes Cesario for Sebastian, and intervenes to defend his friend. In the play’s final act, the Duke recognizes Antonio as his enemy, and Antonio, still thinking Viola is Sebastian, denounces Viola’s unfaithfulness. S hakespeare's Twelfth Night is a 1602 comedy about the confused romantic pursuits of the nobles of Illyria.. After being shipwrecked off … Maria initiates the love letter prank on Malvolio, and Sir Toby and Sir Andrew, joined by another servant, Fabian, watch in hiding as Malvolio talks to himself about his fantasies of power and honor, referring to himself as “Count Malvolio.” He finds the letter, solves its “riddle,” applies Olivia’s love to himself, and reads its instructions aloud. What are differences and similarities between Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and the movie She's The Man? Kenneth Deighton. The Duke sends Viola, now disguised as Cesario, to Olivia to plead his suit, even to the point of rudeness if necessary. Viola then reveals she is a girl and marries Orsino. Twelfth Night: Act 1, scene 3 Summary & Analysis New! London: Macmillan. Twelfth Night Summary. The Duke, however, is suspicious because Antonio claims three months’ acquaintance with the “young man,” and Orsino knows that Viola has been with him for the past three months. The Duke recognizes Viola’s womanhood, accepts her love, and proposes to her. Next. Maria and the three men enjoy this performance and expect more hilarity when Malvolio meets Olivia in person. Viola-as-Cesario has returned to the Duke's palace, where she discusses the nature of love with Orsino. Cesario/Viola fell in love at first sight with her master Orsino, so she goes to court Olivia unwillingly. We’ve discounted annual subscriptions by 50% for COVID-19 relief—Join Now! Sir Toby, Fabian, and Maria taunt Malvolio until he departs in anger. Antonio rushes in to defend Viola, whom he thinks is Sebastian, but he is arrested by Illyrian officers. Act 1, scene 4. Viola tells him of her “sister,” who loved a man yet never told him of her feelings. The Tempest Summary . Orsino is in love with the Countess Olivia, and sends Viola to court her for him, but Olivia falls for Viola instead. 1-3. ©2021 eNotes.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. A summary of Part X (Section10) in William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. Sir Toby suggests that Sir Andrew compose an insulting challenge to Cesario. The name likely comes from a performance of the play twelve days after Christmas, on the Feast of the Epiphany, possibly at Whitehall Palace in 1602. Find out more, Malvolio, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, 1996. They have survived a shipwreck, but Viola is certain that her brother has drowned. What is the significance of Shakespeare's title Twelfth Night, and how did the title come into use? Various critics divide Twelfth Night into various types of plots and/or subplots. Orsino asks Cesario to woo Countess Olivia for him, but Olivia falls for Cesario instead. 34), Twelfth Night Literary Criticism (Vol. Meanwhile, Malvolio presents himself before Olivia, perfectly following the instructions in her supposed love letter, complete with the yellow stockings and crossed garters. 74), Twelfth Night Literary Criticism (Vol. Viola, separated from her twin Sebastian, dresses as a boy and works for the Duke Orsino, whom she falls in love with. Orsino's fool, Feste, brings a letter from Malvolio, and on his release, Maria's letter is revealed to be fraudulent. Most of the characters in Twelfth Night are in a state of identity confusion.Thematically, Shakespeare sets up the plays to actions to reinforce that identity will always … The action then shifts back to Sebastian and Antonio. The two go to a nearby chapel for their betrothal ceremony. Twelfth Night Summary. She has forsworn men's company for seven years while she mourns the death of her brother and rebuffs all his advances. He is recognised by Orsino's men and arrested. Viola's twin brother, Sebastian, who she assumed died in the shipwreck, arrives in Illyria. She sends her proud steward, Malvolio, after him with a ring. Sebastian arrives, causing a flood of mistaken identity, and marries Olivia. Olivia mistakes Sebastian for Cesario and is betrothed to him, leading Orsino to accuse Cesario of treachery. 26), Twelfth Night Literary Criticism (Vol. In the meantime, Sir Toby, Sir Andrew, and Feste engage in noisy revelry until Maria appears and tells them that Malvolio has threatened to throw them out. They then plan the next phase of their prank: they will lock Malvolio up as a madman. Sir Andrew's affections for Olivia lead him to be jealous of Cesario, and he decides to declare a duel between them. Scene 1. 85), I need a very short summary of plot, themes and characters in "Twelfth Night.". Maria and Sir Toby have already married in celebration of the success of their plot against the steward. Sir Andrew enters and reads his letter of challenge, which Sir Toby plans to deliver orally to try to frighten Cesario. OLIVIA's house. The fool Feste proves to Olivia that she herself is a fool for mourning to such extremes. Antonio would like to follow, but he has enemies at the Duke’s palace. The play centres on the twins Viola and Sebastian, who are separated in a shipwreck.Viola (who is disguised as Cesario) falls in love with Duke Orsino, who in turn is in love with Countess Olivia. The Taming of the Shrew Summary . Thank you for your support to help care for the world's greatest Shakespeare heritage and keep his story alive. The Captain explains the current situation in Illyria, including Orsino’s love for Olivia, and Viola resolves to serve the Duke disguised as a young man. Viola (as Cesario) delivers the Duke’s message of passion and suffering, but Olivia remains firm in her rejection. Explore the different themes within William Shakespeare's comedic play, Twelfth Night.Themes are central to understanding Twelfth Night as a play and identifying Shakespeare's social and political commentary.. Word Count: 1268. Why did Shakespeare title his play Twelfth Night? Themes and Colors Key LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Twelfth Night, which … Scene 3. Twelfth Night Summary Feste, now disguised as the priest Sir Topas, taunts Malvolio, who is locked in a dark house, and Malvolio begs for light, paper, and ink to write a letter to Olivia pleading his case. TL;DR: Viola thinks her brother is dead. Realising his own attraction to 'Cesario', Orsino promises that once Viola is dressed as a woman again, they will be married as well. Sir Andrew also happens to be seeking the hand of Olivia. The prank against him is revealed, and Olivia promises him justice, but he vows revenge on everyone. Olivia appears then and announces Cesario as her husband, which comes as a shock to both Orsino and Viola. Viola’s deception has created a knot she cannot untie, for she loves the Duke; the Duke loves Olivia; and now Olivia loves Viola’s male alter ego. Much Ado About Nothing Summary . Sir Andrew rushes in, calling for a surgeon for himself and Sir Toby, for they have been attacked by Sebastian, who enters shortly. Olivia, however, is attracted to the “young man” before her, and when Viola leaves, she sends Malvolio after her with a ring, supposedly to return it but actually to draw the “young man” back to her. Despite his former rejection, Orsino sends his new page Cesario (Viola in disguise) to court Olivia for him. Everyone thinks that she is her brother. Everyone thinks that her brother is her. Viola pities Olivia and warns her, “I am not what I am.” Still, Olivia declares her love for the “young man.” Viola, however, has only one heart and will never give it to a woman. Our summaries and analyses are written by experts, and your questions are answered by real teachers. Olivia thinks he has gone crazy. Richard III Summary . Act 2 opens with a conversation between Viola’s brother, Sebastian, who did not die, and his rescuer, Antonio. Troilus and Cressida Summary . Olivia and Sebastian are married that night. Perfect for acing essays, tests, and quizzes, as well as for writing lesson plans. Act 4 starts with a confrontation between Sir Andrew and Sebastian, whom the former mistakes for Cesario. Olivia, summoned by Feste, invites Sebastian inside. The company is amazed to see Sebastian and Viola side by side, and the siblings discover that they are both still very much alive. Sebastian, trained in combat, wins the fight. Act III Summary: Scene 1: Viola enters, on her way to see Olivia; she comes across Feste, who is full of wit and foolery as usual.Feste expresses his dislike for Viola, which Viola does not take personally; Viola gives him a few coins for his wordplay, and mentions the … Twelfth Night study guide contains a biography of William Shakespeare, literature essays, a complete e-text, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. Later, Sebastian comes along and is challenged by Sir Andrew, who thinks he is Cesario. eNotes.com will help you with any book or any question. Malvolio, held in the dungeon for being a madman, is psychologically tortured by Maria, Sir Toby, and Feste, the court fool. This mounting identity crisis culminates in the final scene, when Viola finds herself surrounded by people who each have a different idea of who she is and are unaware of who she actually is. Thus, a genuine love triangle arises between Olivia, Viola/Cesario, and Orsino. Celebrating Shakespeare is at the heart of everything we do. © 2021 Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Registered Charity Number 209302, Read the latest about our response to Covid-19 Together, they use a letter to trick Malvolio into believing Olivia loves him. Malvolio, now freed from confinement, comes in, furious and accusatory. Learn exactly what happened in this chapter, scene, or section of Twelfth Night and what it means. Meanwhile, members of Olivia's household plot to expose the self-love and aspirations of the steward, Malvolio. Sebastian will enter Illyria and seek the court of Duke Orsino, for now that his sister has drowned, he has nothing left but memories and sorrows. Start your 48-hour free trial and unlock all the summaries, Q&A, and analyses you need to get better grades now. Regardless of the exact number of plots and subplots, however, the main thing is that they are all woven together with immense skill to ultimately compose a single pattern or tapestry. Sir Toby assures Sir Andrew that Olivia will not accept the Duke, for she will not marry above her station. Romeo and Juliet Summary . Viola goes into service with Count Orsino of Illyria, disguised as a young man, "Cesario." Olivia cares nothing for Orsino but admits to sending the ring after Cesario. The Duke proclaims that women can never love as strongly and passionately as men, and again he refuses to accept Olivia’s denial of his love. Shakespeare's Twelfth Night is a 1602 comedy about the confused romantic pursuits of the nobles of Illyria. Olivia scolds Malvolio for his self-centered, opinionated sternness. Just after Sir Andrew leaves to write his letter, Maria arrives to report that Malvolio is following his own letter in detail. Viola, separated from her twin Sebastian, dresses as a boy and works for the Duke Orsino, whom she falls in love with. Last Updated on February 25, 2021, by eNotes Editorial. The play ends as Orsino approves the union between Olivia and Sebastian. Viola reveals her true identity and dispels the confusion. Olivia is entertained by Feste’s argument, but her steward, Malvolio, is horrified by Feste’s brazenness. Orsino is in love with the Countess Olivia, and sends Viola to court her for him, but Olivia falls for Viola instead. Understand every line of Twelfth Night. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em. Malvolio exits and the company follows him, hoping to “entreat him to peace.” Only Feste remains to perform a closing song. Thanks to a prank by Sir Toby, both Andrew and Cesario believe that their opponents intend to fight to the death. Richard II Summary . These include Olivia's uncle, Sir Toby Belch, her servant, Maria, and Sir Toby's friend, Sir Andrew Aguecheek. He is to wear yellow stockings with crossed garters; act with pride, disdain, and rudeness; immerse himself in his exalted status; and smile constantly. Arguably, the whole of Twelfth Night debates the very nature and morality of comedy, in a manner informed by contemporary arguments about the religious politics of mirth. Midsummer Night’s Dream Summary . Meanwhile, Viola and the Captain land in Illyria. Sir Andrew arrives shortly, and both “knights” engage in revelry and drunken foolishness. Log in here. The setting is less important than the domestic comedy that takes place in The Duke’s palace, the house of Olivia and in the streets around it. Orsino asks Viola to marry him, and she accepts. 46), Twelfth Night Literary Criticism (Vol. He comes to Illyria with his sea-captain friend, Antonio, who is a wanted man for former piracy against Orsino. The latter has followed his friend into Illyria but will remain safely at the inn to avoid Illyrian officers. Maria plans to drop a “love letter,” supposedly from Olivia, before Malvolio and then enjoy observing the consequences. Scene 2. Fabian assures him, however, that Olivia only showed favor to Cesario as proof of her love for Sir Andrew. Back in Illyria, Malvolio returns Olivia’s ring to the confused Viola, who realizes that Olivia has fallen in love with her disguise. In the beginning of act 3, Viola and Feste discuss the frivolity and wantonness of words, and Viola recognizes Feste’s wisdom. Antonio is brought to talk with Orsino, and upon seeing Cesario, he accuses him of betrayal. Viola laments the loss of her twin brother, Sebastian, in the shipwreck. Olivia proposes to Sebastian, who cannot decide if he is fortunate or crazy. Othello Summary. Shenanigans ensue. Read our modern English translation of this scene. When Twelfth Night begins, Orsino, the Duke of Illyria, is lamenting his passionate but unrequited love for Olivia, who is mourning for her dead brother and has vowed to scorn the company of any man for seven years. The name Twelfth Night has no particular connection to the events in the play. Because of her disguise, she must be both herself and Cesario. Viola is meeting with Olivia, still insisting that the latter give her love to the Duke, when Sir Toby issues the challenge. Identity. ... — Twelfth Night, Act 1 Scene 1 Twelfth Night … The Captain assures her that there is hope, for he saw her brother strap himself to the ship’s mast. The independent charity that cares for the world’s greatest Shakespeare heritage sites in Stratford-upon-Avon, and promotes the enjoyment and understanding of his works, life and times all over the world. OLIVIA's garden. Meanwhile, Viola's twin brother, Sebastian, has also survived the shipwreck. Just then, the real Sebastian arrives to apologise for fighting Sir Toby. Maria announces a young man at the gate, and when Malvolio fails to send him away, Olivia agrees to see Cesario. The twins see each other and discover that they are both alive. They both shirk the fight. Orsino, Duke of lllyria, is despairing that he is spurned by the Countess Olivia. The Duke sends Viola back to Olivia. He thinks that she is dead. The Twelfth Night play is set in Illyria, an imaginary country. Scene 4. Feste dresses up as a priest to convince Malvolio that he is, in fact, mad. The bewildered Viola refuses it, for she worries that a fight will reveal her true state. Next: Twelfth Night, Act 1, Scene 2 Explanatory Notes for Act 1, Scene 1 From Twelfth Night Or What You Will.Ed. Twelfth Night, or What You Will is a romantic comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written around 1601–1602 as a Twelfth Night's entertainment for the close of the Christmas season. 62), Twelfth Night Literary Criticism (Vol. After being shipwrecked off the coast of Illyria, Viola disguises herself as a male servant named Cesario and enters the service of Duke Orsino. Sir Andrew overhears the conversation between Viola and Olivia and is furiously jealous. To make matters more complicated, Olivia continues to reject Orsino but is attracted to Cesario. Were Twelfth Night not a comedy, this pressure might cause Viola to break down. After he does so, the Countess is horrified and has Malvolio shut up in the dark as a madman.