Summary of Twelfth Night

Summary of Twelfth Night

William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, believed to have been written around 1601, is a romantic comedy that explores themes of love, identity, disguise, and festive misrule. The play’s title refers to the traditional Twelfth Night holiday (January 6), which marked the end of Christmas celebrations and was known for revelry, disguise, and inversion of social roles — all of which are reflected in the play’s plot and tone.

The story begins with a shipwreck that separates twins Viola and Sebastian. Viola is washed ashore in the kingdom of Illyria, believing her brother to be dead. To ensure her safety in an unfamiliar land, Viola disguises herself as a young man named “Cesario” and enters the service of Duke Orsino. Orsino is in love with the noble Lady Olivia, but she is in mourning for her brother’s death and refuses his romantic advances. Orsino sends “Cesario” (Viola in disguise) to plead his case to Olivia. Ironically, Olivia falls in love with Cesario, not knowing he is actually a woman.

Viola, meanwhile, finds herself falling in love with Duke Orsino. This creates a love triangle: Orsino loves Olivia, Olivia loves Cesario (Viola), and Viola loves Orsino. The central tension of the play arises from mistaken identities, hidden feelings, and the confusion caused by Viola’s disguise.

Sebastian, Viola’s twin brother, eventually arrives in Illyria, unaware that his sister is alive and nearby. He is mistaken for Cesario by Olivia, who quickly proposes marriage, thinking he is the same person she fell in love with. Sebastian, bewildered but attracted to Olivia, agrees, and they are secretly married.

Another subplot involves Olivia’s steward, Malvolio, who is tricked by members of Olivia’s household — Sir Toby Belch (Olivia’s uncle), Maria (her maid), and the fool Feste — into believing that Olivia loves him. They forge a letter in Olivia’s handwriting, instructing Malvolio to behave strangely to win her affection. Malvolio follows the letter’s absurd advice (such as wearing yellow stockings and smiling constantly), which leads Olivia to think he has gone mad. He is locked up as a lunatic, and the prank goes too far, making the audience question the fine line between humor and cruelty.

Eventually, all the mistaken identities are resolved. Viola reveals her true identity, and her love for Orsino is finally acknowledged and returned. Olivia remains happily married to Sebastian. Malvolio, however, leaves angrily, vowing revenge on those who humiliated him.

Twelfth Night ends with multiple marriages and restored harmony, typical of Shakespearean comedy. Yet the play also reflects on themes like the pain of unrequited love, the fluidity of gender and identity, and the folly of ambition and self-love.

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