SUMMARY OF TWELFTH NIGHT BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

WITH THEMES AND QOUTES TO SUPPORT

"Twelfth Night" by William Shakespeare is a comedic play that explores themes of love, mistaken
identity, and the absurdity of human behavior. The dramatic techniques employed by Shakespeare
include dramatic irony, mistaken identity, and wordplay, which contribute to the humor and
complexity of the plot.

**Themes:**

1. **Love and Infatuation:** The play examines various forms of love, from romantic love to self-
love and infatuation. Characters such as Orsino, Olivia, and Viola navigate the complexities of love,
often leading to comic misunderstandings.

2. **Disguise and Deception:** Disguise is a central motif in "Twelfth Night," with Viola disguising
herself as a man named Cesario. This disguise leads to mistaken identities and romantic
entanglements, highlighting the theme of deception.

3. **Folly and Foolishness:** The play portrays characters engaging in foolish behavior driven by
their desires and emotions. This folly is often humorous but also serves to critique societal norms and
expectations.

4. **Social Class and Status:** Shakespeare explores the theme of social class through the
interactions between characters from different backgrounds. The relationship between Viola
(disguised as Cesario) and Olivia, for example, challenges social conventions regarding gender and
class.

**Dramatic Techniques:**

1. **Dramatic Irony:** Throughout the play, the audience is aware of certain truths that the characters
are unaware of, creating dramatic irony. For example, when Olivia falls in love with Cesario (who is
actually Viola in disguise), the audience understands the true identity of both characters, leading to
comedic misunderstandings.

2. **Mistaken Identity:** The plot revolves around mistaken identities, particularly Viola's disguise
as Cesario and the confusion it causes among the other characters. This dramatic technique drives
much of the comedic action in the play.
3. **Wordplay and Wit:** Shakespeare employs wordplay, puns, and clever dialogue to create humor
and depth in the play. Characters engage in witty banter and verbal sparring, adding to the comedic
atmosphere.

**Quotes:**

1. *"If music be the food of love, play on, / Give me excess of it, that, surfeiting, / The appetite may
sicken, and so die."* - Duke Orsino (Act I, Scene I) - This quote introduces the theme of love and sets
the tone for the play's exploration of romantic desire.

2. *"O, she that hath a heart of that fine frame / To pay this debt of love but to a brother, / How will
she love when the rich golden shaft / Hath killed the flock of all affections else / That live in her!"* -
Viola (Act I, Scene IV) - Viola reflects on the complexities of love and foreshadows the challenges
she will face in her own romantic endeavors.

3. *"Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, / Some achieve greatness, and some have
greatness thrust upon 'em."* - Malvolio (Act II, Scene V) - This quote reflects the theme of social
class and status, as Malvolio dreams of rising above his station but ultimately becomes the victim of a
prank.

4. *"I am a great eater of beef, and I believe that does harm to my wit."* - Sir Andrew Aguecheek
(Act I, Scene III) - This quote exemplifies the wordplay and wit present throughout the play, as Sir
Andrew attempts to impress others with his humor but ultimately reveals his own foolishness.

"Twelfth Night" remains a timeless comedy that continues to entertain audiences with its exploration
of love, deception, and human folly.