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Cover of Twelfth Night; or, What You Will

Twelfth Night; or, What You Will

Written by William Shakespeare,John Philip Kemble

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Comedy playsShipwreck survivalSiblingsIllyriaMistaken identityTwins

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About this book

"Twelfth Night; or, What You Will" by William Shakespeare is a comedy written in the early 17th century. The play explores themes of love, identity, and the complexities of human relationships through a series of humorous situations and mistaken identities. Central to the story is Viola, a shipwrecked woman who disguises herself as a man named Cesario, leading to a web of romantic entanglements involving Duke Orsino, who loves Olivia, and Olivia, who falls for Cesario. At the start of the play, we are introduced to Viola, who has washed ashore in the land of Illyria after a shipwreck. Concerned for her twin brother Sebastian, whom she believes to be dead, she decides to disguise herself as a young man to navigate her new surroundings. As she searches for safety and purpose, we learn about the Duke Orsino, who is lovesick over Olivia, a noblewoman mourning her brother's death, leading to her refusal of suitors. The opening sets the stage for a comedic exploration of love and deception, hinting at the unfolding chaos that will stem from Viola's disguise and the overlapping affections of all characters involved.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Twelfth Night; or, What You Will, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 10 hours
  • advanced
  • humorous
  • romantic
  • witty

Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" is a vibrant romantic comedy centered on the shipwrecked Viola, who disguises herself as the pageboy Cesario in the land of Illyria. This deception ignites a complex love triangle: Duke Orsino pines for the mourning Countess Olivia, who, in turn, falls deeply for Cesario, while Viola herself secretly harbors affection for Orsino. Amidst this romantic entanglement, a humorous subplot unfolds as Olivia's puritanical steward, Malvolio, is cruelly tricked into believing his mistress loves him. The play masterfully navigates themes of love, identity, and social order, culminating in a series of mistaken identities, revelations, and joyous, if somewhat bittersweet, resolutions.

“If music be the food of love, play on; Give me excess of it, that, surfeiting, The appetite may sicken, and so die.”

Key themes

Identity and Disguise
The theme of identity, particularly its fluidity and the impact of disguise, is central to 'Twelfth Night'. Viola's adoption of the male persona Cesario initiates the play's main conflicts and allows Shakespeare to explore how external appearance shapes perception, desire, and social interaction. Disguise also enables characters to transgress social boundaries and discover hidden aspects of themselves.
Love and Desire
'Twelfth Night' meticulously examines the diverse forms and complexities of love and desire. It contrasts idealized, self-indulgent love (Orsino's) with sudden, passionate infatuation (Olivia's) and deep, steadfast affection (Viola's). The play also explores the pain of unrequited love, the joy of reciprocal love, and the self-deception often involved in romantic pursuits.
Gender Roles and Fluidity
Viola's disguise as Cesario is not merely a plot device; it's a profound exploration of gender roles, identity, and attraction. Her male persona allows her to navigate a patriarchal world with more agency, while simultaneously highlighting the performative aspects of gender and challenging fixed notions of masculine and feminine behavior.

Worth discussing

How does Viola's disguise as Cesario challenge or reinforce traditional gender roles and expectations in the play?

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