45 pages • 1 hour read
Twelfth Night
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Summary and Study Guide
Overview
Exploring themes of love, gender, and identity, William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, or What You Will was first performed in England in 1602 and first published in 1623 after Shakespeare’s death. Twelfth Night takes its title from the twelfth night of Christmas, a raucous holiday marked with feasting and entertainment. The subtitle What You Will refers to freedom or a lack of restriction. This guide refers to the Folger Shakespeare Library edition of the text.
Plot Summary
The story begins in the court of Count Orsino, Duke of Illyria, as he describes his love for the Lady Olivia to his courtiers. Olivia, however, is refusing his advances; she is mourning her dead brother and won’t leave her estate. Meanwhile, Viola has washed up on the island of Illyria after a shipwreck. She believes her twin brother Sebastian has drowned. Viola decides to disguise herself as a man and present herself as a servant to Orsino.
Over at Olivia’s estate, Olivia’s uncle Sir Toby Belch talks with Olivia’s chambermaid, Maria, and his wealthy yet foolish friend Sir Andrew Aguecheek, who is vainly vying for Olivia’s hand in marriage.
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By William Shakespeare
