Key Points from the Folger Shakespeare Library's "Twelfth Night"

Introduction

• Folger Shakespeare Library offers accessible texts of Shakespeare's works with explanatory notes and illustrations.
• The New Folger Editions are crafted using the resources available at the Folger Library, which is a major repository of early modern works.
• These editions are praised for their textual scholarship and engaging commentary.
• The Folger Shakespeare (formerly Folger Digital Texts) aims to make these texts accessible online for free.

Textual Introduction

• Shakespeare's plays often exist in multiple versions (Quartos, First Folio), and editors choose a base text for modern editions.
• Editorial decisions are made to address discrepancies, cultural nuances, and textual errors over the centuries.
• The Folger editions aim to be transparent about changes, marked by editorial brackets.

Synopsis of "Twelfth Night"

• Set in Illyria, following a shipwreck that separates twins, Sebastian and Viola.
• Viola disguises herself as Cesario and enters the service of Duke Orsino.
• Orsino loves Olivia, but Olivia falls for Cesario (Viola in disguise).
• Viola, meanwhile, has feelings for Orsino.
• Themes of mistaken identities, love triangles, and comedic misunderstandings.

Characters

• Viola/Cesario: Protagonist who disguises as a man.
• Olivia: A noble lady; becomes central to the love triangle.
• Orsino: Duke of Illyria, loves Olivia.
• Sebastian: Viola's twin brother.
• Malvolio: Steward with aspirations above his station; involved in a subplot of deception.
• Sir Toby Belch and Sir Andrew Aguecheek: Provide comedic relief and are part of the subplot involving Malvolio.
• Feste: The fool who offers wisdom through wit.

Act Summaries and Key Scenes

Act 1

• Scene 1: Orsino expresses his unrequited love for Olivia.
• Scene 2: Viola decides to disguise herself as Cesario.
• Scene 3: Sir Toby and Sir Andrew engage in foolish banter.
• Scene 5: Viola (as Cesario) meets Olivia, leading to romantic confusion.

Act 2

• Scene 1: Sebastian is introduced; he is grieving Viola's presumed death.
• Scene 3: Sir Toby, Sir Andrew, and Feste indulge in late-night revelry.
• Scene 5: Malvolio is tricked with a fake letter leading him to believe Olivia loves him.

Act 3

• Scene 1: Viola and Olivia's interactions complicate the love triangle.
• Scene 4: Malvolio behaves oddly due to the trick, leading others to think him mad.

Act 4

• Scene 1: Sebastian is mistaken for Cesario, leading to further comedic errors.
• Scene 2: Feste, as Sir Topas, mocks Malvolio who is locked away.
• Scene 3: Olivia declares her love for Sebastian, mistaking him for Cesario.

Act 5

• Scene 1: All misunderstandings are cleared up; identities are revealed.
• Conclusion: Viola and Sebastian reunite; romantic pairings are resolved.

Themes and Analysis

• Mistaken Identity: Central to the plot's comedic and dramatic elements.
• Gender Roles: Viola's disguise challenges norms and adds complexity to the love triangle.
• Folly and Foolishness: Characters like Sir Toby and Malvolio highlight themes of folly.
• Love: Explores different facets of love—unrequited, mistaken, and true love.