Twelfth Night, or What You Will: The Oxford Shakespeare

Synopsis

Twelfth Night is one of the most popular of Shakespeare's plays in the modern theatre, and this edition places particular emphasis on its theatrical qualities throughout. Peopled with lovers misled either by disguises or their own natures, it combines lyrical melancholy with broad comedy. The introduction analyses its many views of love and the juxtaposition of joy and melancholy, while the detailed commentary pays particular attention to its linguistic subtleties. Music is particularly important in Twelfth Night, and this is the only modern edition to offer material for all the music required in a performance. James Walker has re-edited the existing music from the original sources, and where noe exists has composed settings compatible with the surviving originals. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Summary

Chapter 1: Act I, Scene 1-3

* Scene 1: Orsino, Duke of Illyria, laments his unrequited love for Olivia. Sir Andrew Aguecheek and Sir Toby Belch, Olivia's uncle, plot to get Orsino's favor.
* Scene 2: Viola, a young woman shipwrecked on the coast of Illyria, disguises herself as a man named Cesario.
* Scene 3: Olivia remains secluded in mourning for her brother. Cesario (Viola in disguise) is introduced to Olivia by Sir Toby.

Example: Orsino's opening lines: "If music be the food of love, play on" reveal his preoccupation with his unrequited love and his desire for solace in music.

Chapter 2: Act I, Scene 4-5

* Scene 4: Olivia falls in love with Cesario (Viola). Malvolio, Olivia's steward, disdains the revelry of Sir Toby and his companions.
* Scene 5: Sir Toby tricks Malvolio into believing Olivia loves him.

Example: Malvolio's famous line, "Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em," highlights his delusional aspirations.

Chapter 3: Act II, Scene 1-3

* Scene 1: Cesario (Viola) continues to serve Orsino and pines for Olivia.
* Scene 2: Malvolio, duped by Sir Toby's prank, parades around Olivia's garden in ridiculous attire.
* Scene 3: Sir Andrew and Sir Toby challenge Cesario (Viola) to a duel.

Example: Malvolio's humiliating appearance in yellow stockings and cross-garters underscores his gullibility and the cruel humor of Sir Toby and his allies.

Chapter 4: Act II, Scene 4-5

* Scene 4: Feste, Olivia's clown, entertains the household. Sebastian, Viola's twin brother, arrives in Illyria.
* Scene 5: Sebastian and Olivia encounter each other and fall in love at first sight.

Example: Feste's witty banter and songs add levity to the otherwise complex plot and themes of mistaken identities and unrequited love.

Chapter 5: Act III, Scene 1-4

* Scene 1: Sir Andrew pursues Olivia, unaware of her love for Sebastian.
* Scene 2: Malvolio is imprisoned in the tower by Olivia, who believes he is mad.
* Scene 3: Cesario (Viola) and Sebastian confront each other, revealing their mistaken identities.
* Scene 4: Antonio, Sebastian's protector, is arrested after a duel with Sir Andrew.

Example: The confrontation between Cesario and Sebastian serves as a pivotal moment in the comedy, as the truth about their identities is finally revealed.

Chapter 6: Act IV, Scene 1-3

* Scene 1: Olivia and Sebastian marry.
* Scene 2: Malvolio is released from prison and seeks revenge.
* Scene 3: Antonio and Sebastian are reconciled.

Example: Olivia's decision to marry Sebastian despite her prior love for Cesario (Viola) showcases the confusion and mistaken identities that drive the plot.

Chapter 7: Act V, Scene 1

* Scene 1: The characters gather for a final resolution. Malvolio exposes Sir Toby's pranks and is forgiven. Viola reveals her true identity to Olivia.
* Conclusion: The play ends with a celebration of love and reconciliation.

Example: The final scene of the play provides a satisfying conclusion to the various plotlines and highlights the transformative power of love and forgiveness.