Twelfth Night, or What You Will, is a comedic play written by William Shakespeare in the early 17th century. It tells the tale of Viola, a young woman who is shipwrecked off the coast of Illyria, disguises herself as a man in order to protect herself and finds herself in the middle of a love triangle between the Duke of Orsino, whom she is in love with, and the Countess Olivia, whom he is in love with. The play is full of comedic moments, mistaken identities, and forgetfulness, resulting in a play that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
The play opens with Duke Orsino musing on his unrequited love for the Countess Olivia, and sending Viola to deliver a love letter to her. When Viola arrives in Illyria, she is found by a kind sea captain who helps her out by giving her a disguise and a new name, Cesario. With her new identity, Viola enters the court of Orsino and begins to serve as his emissary in courting the Countess.
In the second chapter, more confusion emerges when Orsino receives a love letter from himself, supposedly written by Olivia, arousing suspicions that his letters are not being delivered. Viola, pining for the Duke, decides to take it upon herself to make sure his letters are delivered, and so she writes replies in Olivia’s name while masquerading as Cesario.
It is in the next chapter that Antonio, a sea captain, reveals that he has saved the real Cesario/Viola from a shipwreck, and Olivia is instantly taken with him. Olivia, mesmerized by Viola/Cesario’s charms, asks her to remain with her until they can figure out what to do. Meanwhile, Viola is being strong-armed by Sir Toby Belch into helping him in his courtship of Olivia.
The fourth chapter is when all of the confusion begins to unravel. Olivia meets Viola, and the truth is revealed that the woman they are all so enamored with is none other than the Duke’s own emissary, Viola. Viola is overjoyed when the Duke discovers her true identity and confesses his love for her, and Olivia admits that she too has grown to love Viola.
The fifth chapter is the climax of the play, and the resolution of all of the misunderstandings. The play comes to an end with a wedding between Orsino and Viola, and the joining of Sir Toby and Maria. After Viola thanks Antonio for saving her, it is revealed that he has fallen in love with her as well. In the end, all ends happily, as everyone celebrates the marriages and the couples live happily ever after.
Twelfth Night is an entertaining and thought-provoking play, full of lush language, sweetness and wit. Through mistaken identities, quirky characters, and festive music, Shakespeare cleverly creates a world of confusion and possibility. Though the play has a happy ending, its exploration of love, gender roles, and identity continue to fascinate people today, making it a timeless classic.
