The Sonnets

Twelfth Night is a comedy in five acts written by William Shakespeare. This play was written about 1600–02 and printed in 1623. Regarded by many as one of Shakespeare’s finest comedies Twelfth Night appeared before the playwright went on to pen several tragedies and serious plays. Play begins with the scene in which Sebastian and Viola the twins are separated during a shipwreck. Each one believes the other dead. Viola disguises herself as a boy named Cesario and enters the service of Duke Orsino who thinks he is in love with the lady Olivia. Orsino sends ViolaCesario to plead his cause to Olivia who promptly falls in love with the messenger. Viola meanwhile is in love with Orsino and when her twin Sebastian is rediscovered many comic situations of mistaken identity ensue. Twelfth Night deals with some serious themes and various forms of love romantic family and even the love of love are all presented. At the same time there is the question of appearance and reality which is shown through the actions of Olivia’s steward Malvolio.