Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare: Summary

 Twelfth Night

William Shakespeare

(Summary)

Sebastian and his sister Viola were twin siblings. They had to look exactly the same. Once they went out on a voyage together. Unfortunately, their ship sank in an oceanic storm. It happened off the coast of Ilaria. The ship's pilot was able to rescue Viola. But Sebastian became detached from Viola. Viola gave up the hope of her brother. She began to mourn. However, the sailor comforted her. He reassured her that his brother was alive. Viola restrained herself.

But in an unknown country, Viola was worried about her safety. She became curious about the country of Ilaria. The pilot told her the sad story of Duke Orsino, the ruler of this country. Duke Orsino was madly in love with Olivia, the beautiful daughter of a renowned Countess. The countess was dead. Olivia was cared for by her brother. He too (Olivia's brother) died very early. Olivia was deeply saddened. All his love for life was gone. She kept herself away out of the public eyes. Duke Orsino was saddened by that. However, hearing that sad story, Viola felt sympathy for both of them (Duke Orsino and Olivia).

At first she (Viola) decided to serve the miserable woman. But the pilot told her that she would not get the chance. Then Viola wanted to work as a boy servant of the Duke. She disguised herself as her brother, Sebastian. The pilot helped her a lot. Dressed as a man, Viola looked exactly like her brother. She took the pseudonym Cesario.  

Duke Orsino was impressed by the young man's grace and courtesy. In the guise of Caesario, Viola gained the trust of her owner. He told Cesario the story of his rejected love. But surprisingly, Viola herself fell in love with Duke Orsino. He (Viola in real) was not alone in expressing his mind to the Duke.  

However, Duke Orsino met with Cesario and asked him to recommend Olivia. Cesario went to see her (Olivia). But all his (Cesario) appeals failed. Olivia says she doesn't love Duke Orsino. Cesario also returned. But he understood one of his strange experiences. He felt that Olivia might fall in love with him. That was evident in his demeanor, vision and the gift of a diamond ring to him in Duke's name. However, Cesario's story did not disappoint Duke Orsino at all. He hoped that Cesario would later bring the situation under control.               

Cesario went to Oliver's house for the second time. That time he (Cesario) was given a warm welcome. Cesario, as before, set out to win the love of Duke Orsino's lover. But she (Olivia) was as stubborn as ever. However, she (Olivia) openly expressed her sincere love for him (Cesario). Cesario hurriedly left Olivia's house. On the way there was another danger. One of Olivia's rejected lovers called him (Cesario) into a duel. Now Cesario, who was actually Viola, counted the delusion. Meanwhile, Antonio, a sailor who rescued Sebastian, appeared.                

Antonio thought Cesario was Sebastian. He wanted a duel for Cesario. But he could not go far as he was immediately arrested for one of his old crimes. Antonio demanded a refund from him. The monetary transaction was in complete darkness to Cesario. So he could not pay him what he had promised. As to show him sympathy, in fact, he (Cesario) wanted to pay him as little as possible. He then scolded Cesario for his ungratefulness. Antonio was taken to prison. Cesario was afraid of facing the proposed war. He (Cesario) fled from there. But she (Viola) realized that her brother Sebastian was alive.

Meanwhile, Sebastian appeared there. He met Olivia's rejected lover. He renewed his offer of duel. Meanwhile, Sebastian did not know anything about the previous incident. He was surprised. But he bravely accepted the challenge to face that dual. Suddenly Olivia arrived. She thought he was Cesario. She immediately brought Sebastian to her palace. Olivia decided to marry Sebastian. She made that offer to him. He (Sebastian) was shocked by Olivia's unexpected offer. But he did not find any reason to reject the offer. The marriage ended in secret.

Sebastian came out of the house to look for his faithful friend, Antonio. Meanwhile, Duke Orsino went to Olivia's house. He was accompanied by his boy servant Caesario. Just then, Duke Orsino's men brought Antonio before him. Antonio saw Viola under the disguise of Cesario and called her as Cesario, claiming that he had saved him from drowning. Olivia arrived at that very moment. She saw Cesario and claimed him as her husband.

Duke Orsino heard about the secret marriage of Olivia and her boy servant. He was shocked. He became very angry. This chaotic situation escalated when Cesario denied the marriage. Just then the real Sebastian appeared. He claims Olivia as his wife. Then Caesar also took off his disguise. Everything became clear to everyone. Duke Orsino realized Viola's deep love for him. Their marriage was consummated. Thus, Viola became the wife of Duke Orsino. Viola also became the Duchess of Ilaria. And Sebastian was the husband of the wealthy Countess Olivia.

*****

Read also:🔎

👉 Twelfth Night: Character List

👉 Twelfth Night: Questions and Answers (Part – I)

👉 As You Like It: Character sketch of Celia

👉 Macbeth - Questions and Answers (D.A.Q)

👉 The Comedy of Errors by William Shakespeare - (S.A.Q)

👉 Othello’s Character in William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Othello

👉 Tales from Shakespeare - Charles Lamb and Mary Lamb