Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare

456 Words1 Page

Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare The complex plot - full of mistaken identities, misdirected passions, high comedy, low tricks, and unexpected poignancy - begins as a ship, carrying the identical twins Viola and Sebastian is wrecked off the coast of a fictional country, Illyria. Viola is washed ashore on this alien coast and becomes convinced that her beloved brother is dead. She learns that she is near the home of Olivia, a young countess who is also in mourning, for her recently dead father and brother. Accordingly, Olivia has sworn to have no contact with men for seven years, and in particular she is rejecting the amorous advances of the young Duke Orsino Desperate to know how to survive, and to keep the spirit of her twin brother alive, Viola decides to disguise herself as a boy. She transforms herself into "Cesario," enters into the service of Orsino and is soon sent to woo Olivia on the Duke's behalf. Olivia remains unmoved by Orsino's attentions but finds herself instead attracted to young "Cesario," who in turn begins...

Open Document