Summary
The Twelfth Night was a comedic play written in 1601. The story is a tale of mass confusion and love. The plot of the play is based on two twins, Olivia and Sebastian, who were separated at birth. Years later, Duke Orsino falls in love with Countess Olivia. Viola (disguised as a boy to work for Duke Orsino) goes to deliver a love message from Orsino to Olivia. Olivia falls in love with Viola (still dressed as a boy) and turns down Orsino. Sebastian (Olivia's twin brother) goes to find her. Olivia ends up wanting to marry Viola, but marries Sebastian instead because she got them mixed up. In the end, the true identities are revealed.
Connections
The Twelfth Night can be compared to The Merchant of Venice in a few ways.
- Both Twelfth Night and The Merchant of Venice are considered comedies.
- Theme: Love causing confusion
- Theme: Good relationships can fix issues