Book
Twelfth Night
First published 1623
After a shipwreck separates Viola from her twin brother Sebastian, she disguises herself as the young man Cesario and enters the service of Duke Orsino. Sent to court Olivia on Orsino’s behalf, Viola instead becomes the object of Olivia’s affection while privately falling in love with Orsino.
A parallel household plot targets the self-important steward Malvolio with a forged letter designed to make him believe Olivia loves him. Sebastian’s arrival multiplies the mistaken identities until the twins are finally reunited. The comedy uses disguise to test gender, desire and social ambition, ending with marriages but leaving the cruelty of Malvolio’s humiliation unresolved.
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