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Summary - the twelfth night by William Shakespeare
- Course
- English Home Language
- Institution
- 10th Grade
Full summary of the twelfth night by William Shakespeare. Includes character analysis, themes and motifs
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Twelfth Night Summary:"Twelfth Night," written by William Shakespeare, is a comedic play believed to have been written
around 1601-1602. The story revolves around mistaken identities, love triangles, and humorous
misunderstandings. The title refers to the twelfth night after Christmas, which marks the end of the
holiday season.
**Act 1:**
- The play opens with Orsino, the Duke of Illyria, pining for the love of Lady Olivia, who is mourning
her brother's death and refuses to see any suitors.
- Viola, a young woman, is shipwrecked in Illyria. Believing her twin brother Sebastian has drowned,
she disguises herself as a man named Cesario and enters the service of Duke Orsino.
- Orsino sends Cesario (Viola in disguise) to woo Olivia on his behalf, but Olivia falls in love with
Cesario instead.
**Act 2:**
- Viola/Cesario develops feelings for Orsino, but conceals her love due to her disguise.
- Meanwhile, Sir Toby Belch, Olivia's uncle, and his companion Sir Andrew Aguecheek plot to make a
fool of Olivia's steward, Malvolio.
- Maria, Olivia's maid, joins the plot and writes a letter in Olivia's handwriting, leading Malvolio to
believe Olivia loves him.
**Act 3:**
- Olivia continues to pursue Cesario (Viola in disguise), while Viola/Cesario attempts to express
Orsino's love to Olivia.
- Sebastian, Viola's twin brother, is revealed to be alive and arrives in Illyria. He is mistaken for
Cesario by Olivia and marries her.
**Act 4:**
- The subplot involving Malvolio unfolds as he behaves outrageously, following the instructions in the
letter, and is eventually confined as a madman.
- Sebastian and Viola meet, and their true identities are revealed. Viola's disguise is exposed to
Orsino.
**Act 5:**
- The misunderstandings are cleared up, and the play concludes with marriages: Olivia marries
Sebastian, and Orsino realizes he loves Viola, who reveals her true identity. They marry, and all
rejoice in the harmonious resolution.
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