Lecture Notes on Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare

Comparative Analysis

• Twelfth Night vs Anancy
  • Twelfth Night is more complex with difficult characters and language compared to Anancy.
  • Twelfth Night has more comedy and is a more humorous read with bits of seriousness.
  • Anancy is a more serious read with bits of humor.
• Themes
  • Complexity and confusion of love as seen with Duke Orsino's love sickness and Olivia's mourning.
  • Performance and identity, seen in Orsino's melodramatic nature.
  • Class and love as explored through the contrasting views of high nobility and commoners.

Act 1

• Scene 1: Duke Orsino's Palace

  • Orsino is lovesick over Olivia, compares love to the changing ocean.
  • Valentine reports Olivia's mourning for her brother’s death, spurring Orsino to more passion.
  • Key Quote: "If music be the food of love, play on."

• Scene 2: Viola and the Sea Captain

  • Viola dresses as Cesario to work for Orsino after a shipwreck, hoping to eventually find her brother Sebastian.
  • Themes of disguise and gender confusion are introduced.
  • Key Quote: "Conceal me what I am..."

• Scene 3: Toby, Maria, and Sir Andrew

  • Sir Toby mocks Sir Andrew, Maria shows indifference to wealth and height.
  • Class contrasts: Maria's realism vs. Sir Andrew's foolishness.

• Scene 4: Viola as Cesario with Orsino

  • Viola as Cesario quickly earns Orsino's trust.
  • Orsino sends Cesario to court Olivia on his behalf.

• Scene 5: Olivia and Malvolio

  • Olivia dismisses Orsino's advances but becomes interested in Cesario.
  • Malvolio’s arrogance foreshadows his downfall.

Act 2

• Scene 1: Antonio and Sebastian

  • Antonio's loyalty to Sebastian is highlighted.
  • Themes of genuine love and devotion contrast with other superficial expressions.

• Scene 2: Viola realizes Olivia's love for Cesario

  • Love triangle: Orsino loves Olivia, Olivia loves Cesario (Viola), Viola loves Orsino.
  • Viola's self-awareness is emphasized.

• Scene 3: Sir Toby's Prank on Malvolio

  • Maria plans to trick Malvolio with a fake letter from Olivia.
  • Exploration of vanity and self-deception.

• Scene 4: Orsino and Cesario

  • Orsino discusses love’s fickleness and gender roles.
  • Continuing obliviousness to Cesario's true identity.

• Scene 5: Malvolio Finds the Letter

  • Malvolio misinterprets the letter, leading to comedic situations.

Act 3

• Scene 1: Cesario and Olivia

  • Cesario rejects Olivia's love while hinting at true identity.

• Scene 2: Sir Andrew's Challenge

  • Sir Toby manipulates Sir Andrew to fight Cesario.
  • Maria's prank on Malvolio continues.

• Scene 3: Antonio and Sebastian in Illyria

  • Antonio risks arrest to stay with Sebastian.

• Scene 4: Duel and Arrest

  • Cesario is challenged by Sir Andrew; Antonio mistakenly intervenes.
  • Viola realizes Sebastian is alive.

Act 4

• Scene 1: Sebastian and Olivia

  • Sebastian is confused by mistaken identity but agrees to Olivia's advances.

• Scene 2: Malvolio's Madness

  • Malvolio is locked up; the prank continues.

• Scene 3: Sebastian and Olivia Marry

  • Sebastian, still confused, marries Olivia.

Act 5

• Scene 1: Resolutions
  • Complete confusion leads to realization: Viola and Sebastian are reunited.
  • Olivia realizes the mix-up; Orsino proposes to Viola.
  • Malvolio's plot is revealed; he vows revenge.
  • Themes of identity, love, and performance are concluded.

Overall Themes and Analysis

• Performance and Reality: Characters play roles, leading to confusion and comedy.
• Love’s Fickleness: Explored through Orsino’s and Olivia’s changing affections.
• Social Class and Ambition: Seen in Malvolio’s ambitions and the servants’ plots.
• Gender and Identity: Fluidity of identity is central to the plot.

The play concludes with marriages and reconciliations, but questions the authenticity of love and identity. Characters finally reveal true selves, highlighting the play’s comedic examination of human folly.