Twelfth Night: Summary And Analysis

Twelfth Night: Summary

Act One

scene one

This scene introduces us to the Duke, who is in love with a girl called

Olivia. His servant goes to ask her wether or not she would like to go out with the Duke. The message back from her servant is that Olivia will not be seen in public for seven years because of the death of her brother.

Scene Two

After a shipwreck, Viola finds herself of Illyria, a coastal town. She believes that her brother has been killed in the shipwreck, and that she will never get off this island. After learning about the Duke, she arranges with the captain of the ship to disguise herself and to serve the Duke. He may then fall in love with her.

Scene Three

They are also talking about Sir Toby's drinking and friend,

Sir Andrew, a foolish knight that has been brought to the castle as a suitor to

Olivia. Sir Andrew says he is going to leave, but Sir Toby persuades him not to, as Olivia is not interested in the Duke. Maria leaves, and Andrew and Toby dance.

Scene Four

Viola, already disguised as Cesario (she is referred to as Cesario instead of Viola throughout the play), has already became a servant to the Duke.

Her first job is to try and persuade Olivia to go out with the Duke. Viola has fallen in love with the Duke.

Scene Five

Maria and Feste the clown are talking when Olivia enters with

He asks Cesario for his purse back, and Cesario doesn't know what he is saying. He then calls Cesario Sebastian, which gives her/him a hope. Toby and

Andrew see this, and are disgusted.

Act Four

Scene One

Feste goes to collect Cesario, and sees Sebastian. He takes him to

Olivia's house mistaking him. When he gets there, Andrew hits Sebastian, also mistaking him. The latter then smacks Andrew. Toby draws his sword, and is quickly beaten. Olivia comes out and shouts at Toby. She takes Sebastian in side, and he is in love with her.

Scene Two

Malvolio is locked up in the dungeon, as everyone thinks he is mad.

Feste, dresses up as Sir Topaz the Curate, and goes and teases Malvolio. The latter asks for pen and ink, but Feste refuses. He then leaves.

Scene Three

Sebastian, although concerned about Antonio, cant get over Olivia's behaviour. She then appears with a priest, and asked Sebastian to marry her, mistaking him for Viola. He agrees.

Act Five

Scene One

This long scene brings into conclusion all of the plots and the sub- plots. Feste and Fabian are discussing a letter, when the Duke enters to