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Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare, written around 1601, is an entertaining comedy that navigates the themes of love, mistaken identity, and the topsy-turvy nature of human relationships
. Set in the fictional kingdom of Illyria, the play follows the twins Viola and Sebastian, who are separated in a shipwreck. Viola disguises herself as a young man, Cesario, and enters the service of Duke Orsino. As Cesario, Viola becomes the intermediary in Orsino’s pursuit of the countess Olivia, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings and romantic entanglements. The subplot involves the antics of Olivia’s steward, Malvolio, who becomes the unwitting victim of a prank orchestrated by Olivia’s household.In the broader context of Shakespeare’s other comedic works, Twelfth Night is celebrated for its festive and carnival-like atmosphere, often associated with the traditions of the Twelfth Night holiday in which people gather on January 5 (the 12th day of Christmas) and celebrate—a tradition still observed in parts of the UK. The play stands out as a romantic comedy that explores the fluidity of gender roles and the unpredictability of love.
Notable film adaptations of Twelfth Night include the 1996 version directed by Trevor Nunn, set in the 19th century, and the 2018 film All Is True, directed by Kenneth Branagh, which incorporates elements of Shakespeare’s later life into the narrative. These adaptations capture the play’s humor and romantic charm, emphasizing its enduring appeal.
Read the full play summary, an in-depth character analysis of Viola, and explanations of important quotes from Twelfth Night.
