Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare (Full Book Analysis)

 

Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare (Full Book Analysis) 

"Twelfth Night," one of William Shakespeare's most popular and enduring comedies, is a complex and entertaining exploration of love, identity, and the folly of human nature. Written around 1601-1602, this play remains a staple in the world of theater due to its intricate plot, memorable characters, and the way it deftly balances humor with poignant observations on life and relationships. The play's full title, "Twelfth Night, or What You Will," hints at its festive and free-spirited nature, a reflection of the Twelfth Night holiday tradition, a time of revelry and role reversal.

 

Plot Summary

"Twelfth Night" centers around the themes of mistaken identity and unrequited love, set against the backdrop of the fictional land of Illyria. The plot begins with a shipwreck that separates twins Viola and Sebastian. Viola, believing her brother to be dead, disguises herself as a young man named Cesario and enters the service of Duke Orsino. The Duke is in love with the Countess Olivia, who mourns the recent loss of her brother and refuses to entertain any suitors.

As Cesario, Viola becomes Orsino's confidant, entrusted with the task of wooing Olivia on his behalf. However, Olivia falls in love with Cesario, unaware of Viola's true identity. Meanwhile, Viola herself harbors feelings for Orsino, creating a love triangle full of tension and irony.

Complications arise when Sebastian, Viola’s twin brother, is revealed to be alive and arrives in Illyria, leading to a series of mistaken identities and comic misunderstandings. The subplot involves the boisterous Sir Toby Belch, Olivia’s uncle, who, along with other characters, devises a scheme to humiliate Malvolio, Olivia’s pompous steward. The play concludes with multiple revelations, marriages, and a general resolution of the misunderstandings that have occurred.

 

Themes

 

1. Love and Desire:

   - The central theme of "Twelfth Night" is love in its various forms. The play explores romantic love, unrequited love, self-love, and the folly that often accompanies these emotions. Shakespeare portrays love as something that is both joyful and painful, capable of causing great confusion and turmoil. The love triangle between Orsino, Viola, and Olivia exemplifies the complexities and irrationalities of love.

 

2. Identity and Disguise:

   - The theme of identity is crucial in "Twelfth Night." Viola's disguise as Cesario raises questions about gender roles and identity, as characters fall in love with the persona she creates rather than her true self. The play challenges the audience to consider how much of identity is performance and how much is inherent.

 

3. Folly and Foolishness:

   - The play is filled with characters who exhibit folly and foolishness, often leading to comic situations. Malvolio’s self-importance, Sir Andrew Aguecheek’s gullibility, and Orsino’s melodramatic love for Olivia all serve to highlight the absurdity of human nature. The Fool, Feste, serves as a commentator on the foolishness of the other characters, offering wisdom disguised as humor.

 

4. Social Ambition and Class:

   - Shakespeare also touches on issues of social ambition and class. Malvolio's aspirations to marry Olivia and thus rise above his station are mocked by the other characters, showing the limitations and rigidness of social hierarchy. However, the play also suggests that love can transcend these social boundaries, as seen in the various romantic pairings.

 

Characters

 

1. Viola/Cesario:

   - Viola is the play's protagonist, whose intelligence, resourcefulness, and compassion make her one of Shakespeare's most beloved characters. Her disguise as Cesario drives much of the plot, creating confusion and ultimately leading to resolution. Her love for Orsino is deep and sincere, contrasting with the superficial emotions of other characters.

 

2. Duke Orsino:

   - Orsino is a nobleman who is in love with the idea of being in love. His infatuation with Olivia is more about his own feelings than about her, and he is quick to shift his affections to Viola once her true identity is revealed. Orsino's character serves as a satire of romantic idealism.

 

3. Olivia:

   - Olivia is a wealthy countess who initially shuns all suitors due to her grief, only to fall headlong in love with Cesario. Her character undergoes significant development as she moves from mourning to love, and her impulsive decisions contribute to the play's comedic elements.

 

4. Sebastian:

   - Viola's twin brother, whose appearance in Illyria causes much of the play’s confusion. He is more straightforward and less introspective than Viola, and his eventual marriage to Olivia brings closure to the tangled plot.

 

5. Malvolio:

   - The steward of Olivia's household, Malvolio is a self-righteous and ambitious character who becomes the target of a cruel prank. His mistreatment raises questions about the ethics of comedy and the darker side of the play's humor.

 

6. Feste:

   - The Fool or jester of Olivia’s household, Feste is a wise and witty character who uses humor to reveal truths. He is often seen as the play’s voice of reason, offering insights into the nature of love and folly.

 

7. Sir Toby Belch and Sir Andrew Aguecheek:

   - Sir Toby is Olivia’s uncle, a boisterous and drunken character who enjoys life’s pleasures. Sir Andrew is his foolish companion, easily manipulated by Sir Toby. Together, they provide much of the play’s slapstick humor.

 

Structure and Language

Shakespeare’s use of language in "Twelfth Night" is both rich and varied. The play is written in a combination of prose and verse, with characters often switching between the two depending on their social status or emotional state. The use of wordplay, puns, and double entendres adds layers of meaning and humor to the dialogue.

The structure of the play follows a typical Shakespearean comedy, with a complex plot that leads to a resolution of all misunderstandings by the final act. The play's five acts move fluidly between the main plot and the subplot, with both converging in the final scenes for a satisfying conclusion.

 

Symbolism and Motifs

 

1. Disguises and Masks:

   - The motif of disguise is central to "Twelfth Night," with Viola’s transformation into Cesario being the most obvious example. Disguises symbolize the fluidity of identity and the ways in which appearances can be deceiving.

 

2. Letters and Tokens:

   - Letters play a crucial role in the plot, particularly the letter written by Maria to trick Malvolio. These letters symbolize the potential for miscommunication and misunderstanding, a recurring theme in the play.

 

3. Music:

   - Music is frequently referenced in "Twelfth Night," often associated with love. Orsino’s famous line, "If music be the food of love, play on," encapsulates the play’s exploration of love's emotional and irrational nature.

 

4. Foolishness:

   - The motif of foolishness is embodied by several characters, including Malvolio, Sir Andrew, and even Orsino. Their actions, driven by vanity, ambition, or love, highlight the often ridiculous nature of human behavior.

 

Critical Reception and Legacy

"Twelfth Night" has been praised for its intricate plot, memorable characters, and its exploration of themes that resonate with audiences across time. Critics have lauded Shakespeare's ability to blend humor with deeper reflections on love, identity, and society. The play has been adapted into numerous films, stage productions, and even modern reinterpretations, proving its enduring appeal.

The play's exploration of gender and identity has also sparked critical discussions, particularly in contemporary times, where the fluidity of gender roles is more widely recognized and explored. Viola's cross-dressing and the resulting romantic entanglements raise questions about the nature of attraction and the societal expectations of gender.

 

Conclusion

"Twelfth Night" remains a quintessential example of Shakespearean comedy, offering a delightful blend of humor, romance, and insight into human nature. Its exploration of love, identity, and the folly of human behavior is as relevant today as it was in the early 17th century. The play’s ability to entertain while prompting deeper reflection is a testament to Shakespeare’s genius, ensuring that "Twelfth Night" will continue to be celebrated and performed for generations to come.