William Shakespeare is a great English playwright, a true reformer in such fields as literature and theater. Despite the fact that he and his work are very famous all over the world, we know very, very little about his personality.
This does not prevent his works from being the most quoted in the world, after the Bible, of course. Shakespeare's quotes have become truly popular; they are used even by those who may not have read the work itself. The playwright's heritage includes more than ten comedy plays. Everyone knows the comedies A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Merchant of Venice, Much Ado About Nothing, The Taming of the Shrew and others. Despite the fact that all Shakespearean comedies are not alike, they also have something in common. All of them are filled with unbridled fun, which is sometimes intertwined with sadness. They also have extraordinary, life-loving heroes.
A romantic tale about a wonderful land of love
One of Shakespeare's most fun and cheerful comedies is Twelfth Night. A play that one would like to call a wonderful romantic fairy tale, telling about the extraordinary country of Illyria, a country where fun and love reign. The playwright shows the viewer the country in which the hero is looking for love, and he will certainly find it, although sometimes it is completely different from where he was looking for it. This comedy is one of his most fun plays, which is filled with a variety of jokes and optimism. "Twelfth Night" by William Shakespeare is a brilliant, exquisite work, which the author built on precise aphorisms, on a play not only with words, but also with a play of the mind. The happiness of the heroes of Shakespeare's play is very close, they do not even expect that it is around the next corner. They will also see their relatives, whom they do not even hope to meet, very soon. And it’s all so pleasant and so unexpected. Here's a basic summary. "Twelfth Night" - Shakespeare is here, as always magnificent and unusually witty.
About William Shakespeare's comedy "Twelfth Night, or Whatever"
At the center of Shakespeare's play "Twelfth Night" we see love feelings, which are shown as a natural principle with its whimsicality and subjectivity. Shakespeare's quotes perfectly highlight this attitude towards love. Such feelings are inherent only to free natures, such as the main characters of the work. When this strong feeling of love encounters various unfavorable circumstances, conflict occurs. But what is a comedy without comic effects? They are achieved by the playwright by the way he depicts the various obstacles that arise on the path of the main characters in love. After all, these barriers are actually illusory. The entire action of this funny comedy is accompanied by amazing tension, which does not leave us until the climax, which turns out to be no less striking. This is clearly visible even if you read the summary (“Twelfth Night”, Shakespeare).
Twelfth Night or Whatever
The action of the comedy takes place in a fabulous country for the English of Shakespeare's time - Illyria.
The Duke of Illyria Orsino is in love with the young Countess Olivia, but she is in mourning after the death of her brother and does not even accept the Duke's envoys. Olivia's indifference only fuels the Duke's passion. Orsino recruits a young man named Cesario, whose beauty, devotion and subtlety of feelings he manages to appreciate in just a few days. He sends him to Olivia to tell him about his love. In reality, Cesario is a girl named Viola. She sailed on a ship with her beloved twin brother Sebastian and after a shipwreck accidentally ended up in Illyria. Viola hopes that her brother was also saved. The girl dresses in men's clothing and enters the service of the Duke, with whom she immediately falls in love. Behind the Duke’s back she says: “It’s not easy for me to get you a wife; / After all, I would like to be her myself!”
Olivia's prolonged mourning does not at all please her uncle, Sir Toby Belch, a merry fellow and reveler. Olivia's chambermaid Maria tells Sir Toby that her mistress is very dissatisfied with her uncle's carousing and drinking, as well as with his drinking companion Sir Andrew Aguechick - a rich and stupid knight, whom Sir Toby fools by promising to marry his niece, and in the meantime shamelessly using his wallet. Sir Andrew, offended by Olivia's neglect, wants to leave, but Sir Toby, a flatterer and joker, persuades him to stay for another month.
When Viola appears at the Countess's house, she is allowed to see Olivia with great difficulty. Despite her eloquence and wit, she fails to achieve the success of her mission - Olivia pays tribute to the Duke’s merits (he is “undoubtedly young, noble, / rich, loved by the people, generous, learned”), but does not love him. But the young messenger achieves a completely unexpected result - the countess is fascinated by him and comes up with a trick to force him to accept a ring as a gift from her.
Viola's brother Sebastian appears in Illyria, accompanied by Captain Antonio, who saved his life. Sebastian grieves for his sister, who, in his opinion, died. He wants to seek his fortune at the Duke's court. It pains the captain to part with the noble young man, to whom he has sincerely become attached, but there is nothing to do - it is dangerous for him to appear in Illyria. Yet he secretly follows Sebastian to protect him in times of need.
At Olivia's house, Sir Toby and Sir Andrew, in the company of the jester Feste, drink wine and bay songs. Maria tries to reason with them in a friendly manner. Following her, Olivia's butler appears - the swaggering bore Malvolio. He tries unsuccessfully to stop the party. When the butler leaves, Maria makes fun of this “inflated donkey” who is “bursting with complacency” and vows to fool him. She is going to write him a love letter on behalf of Olivia and expose him to everyone's ridicule.
In the Duke's palace, the jester Feste first sings him a sad song about unrequited love, and then tries to cheer him up with jokes. Orsino revels in his love for Olivia; previous failures do not discourage him. He convinces Viola to go to the Countess again. The Duke ridicules the pretended youth's assertion that some woman could be as much in love with him as he is with Olivia: "A woman's breast cannot bear the beating / Of such a mighty passion as mine." He remains deaf to all the hints of the loving Viola.
Sir Toby and his accomplices are simply bursting with laughter and anger when they overhear Malvolio talking about the possibility of marriage with his mistress, about how he will rein in Sir Toby by becoming the master of the house. However, the real fun begins when the butler finds a letter written by Maria, who forged Olivia's handwriting. Malvolio quickly convinces himself that he is the “nameless lover” to whom it is addressed. He decides to strictly follow the instructions given in the letter and invented by Maria specifically with the expectation that the enemy of the cheerful company would behave and look in the most foolish way. Sir Toby is delighted with Maria’s invention, and with her herself: “Following such a witty little devil will take you all the way to Tartarus.”
In Olivia's garden, Viola and Feste exchange witticisms. “He plays the fool well. / A fool cannot overcome such a role,” says Viola about the jester. Then Viola speaks with Olivia, who has come out into the garden, and who no longer hides her passion for the “young man.” Sir Andrew is offended that in his presence the Countess was being polite to the Duke's servant, and Sir Toby convinces him to challenge the impudent youth to a duel. True, Sir Toby is sure that both will not have the courage to fight.
Antonio meets Sebastian on a city street and explains to him that he cannot openly accompany him, since he participated in a naval battle with the duke’s galleys and won - “they will recognize me / And, believe me, they will not let me go down.” Sebastian wants to wander around the city. He agrees with the captain to meet in an hour at the best hotel. In parting, Antonio persuades his friend to accept his wallet in case of unexpected expenses.
Malvolio, smiling stupidly and tastelessly dressed (all according to Maria’s plan), playfully quotes passages from Olivia’s supposed message to Olivia. Olivia is convinced that the butler is crazy. She instructs Sir Toby to take care of him, which he does, only in his own way: he first mocks the unfortunate arrogant man, and then shoves him into the closet. Then he takes on Sir Andrew and "Cesario". He slowly tells everyone that his opponent is fierce and skilled in fencing, but it is impossible to avoid the fight. Finally, the “duelists”, pale with fear, draw their swords - and then Antonio, passing by, intervenes. He covers Viola with himself, mistaking her for Sebastian, and begins to fight with Sir Toby, furious that his trick failed. The bailiffs appear. They arrest Antonio on the Duke's orders. He is forced to obey, but asks Viola to return the wallet - he will now need the money. He is outraged that the person for whom he did so much does not recognize him and does not want to talk about any money, although he thanks him for his intercession. The captain is taken away. Viola, realizing that she was confused with Sebastian, rejoices at her brother’s salvation.
On the street, Sir Andrew pounces on his opponent, whose timidity he has recently become convinced of, and slaps him in the face, but... this is not the meek Viola, but the brave Sebastian. The cowardly knight is soundly beaten. Sir Toby tries to intercede for him - Sebastian draws his sword. Olivia appears and stops the fight and chases her uncle away. “Cesario, please don’t be angry,” she says to Sebastian. She takes him to the house and proposes engagement. Sebastian is confused, but agrees; the beauty immediately charmed him. He would like to consult with Antonio, but he has disappeared somewhere and is not at the hotel. Meanwhile, the jester, pretending to be a priest, plays a long prank on Malvolio, who is sitting in a dark closet. Finally, taking pity, he agrees to bring him a candle and writing materials.
In front of Olivia's house, the Duke and Viola are waiting for a conversation with the Countess. At this time, the bailiffs bring Antonio, whom Viola calls “savior” and Orsino calls “famous pirate.” Antonio bitterly reproaches Viola for ingratitude, cunning and hypocrisy. Olivia appears from the house. She rejects the Duke, and “Cesario” reproaches him for his infidelity. The priest confirms that two hours ago he married the countess to the duke's favorite. Orsino is shocked. In vain Viola says that he became her “life, light”, that he is “dearer than all the women in this world”, no one believes the poor thing. Then the beaten Sir Toby and Sir Andrew appear from the garden with complaints about the Duke's courtier Cesario, followed by Sebastian with an apology (the unlucky couple ran into the man again). Sebastian sees Antonio and rushes towards him. Both the captain and the duke are shocked by the twins' resemblance. They are completely at a loss. Brother and sister recognize each other. Orsino, realizing that the one who was so dear to him in the form of a young man is in fact a girl in love with him, completely reconciles himself with the loss of Olivia, whom he is now ready to consider as a sister. He can’t wait to see Viola in a woman’s dress: “...a maiden will appear before me, / My soul’s love and queen.” The jester brings a letter to Malvolio. The butler's oddities are explained, but Maria is not punished for the cruel joke - she is now a lady, Sir Toby, in gratitude for her tricks, married her. The offended Malvolio leaves the house - the only gloomy character leaves the stage. The Duke orders to “catch up with him and persuade him to peace.” The play ends with a playfully melancholic song sung by Feste.
Theme, events, main characters
The main idea of “Twelfth Night” is revealed by a talented playwright through the eternal theme of love and consists in the value of a person in himself, without taking into account his title, social status or wealth. His soul and moral qualities come first. Let's look at the summary anyway. "Twelfth Night", Shakespeare. The events of the comedy will develop based on the situation shown in the exhibition. The main character, named Viola, lost her beloved brother during one of her sea voyages, which she tells the captain about. Another heroine of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night is the young Countess Olivia, who is in mourning. She mourns the death of her brother and father, so she lives as a recluse. She is courted by Duke Orsino, who just wants to be in love. The beautiful Olivia turns out to be a suitable candidate in his circle. He invented this love for himself, but does nothing to personally explain his feelings. He does not seek meetings with the young countess, but sends his courtiers to her.
Plot plot
It is with the beginning of the plot in the comedy that various misunderstandings will begin, which will often look funny, partly funny. When Viola makes a strange decision - to go into the service of the Duke. But she comes to serve Orsino not as Viola, but as Cesario. From this moment on, everything is mixed up, everyone has a new object of love. So, Viola falls in love with the one for whom she serves. But how to open up to the Duke? This is impossible. Viola herself really liked young Olivia, who begins to experience sincere feelings for the page Cesario.
But Viola as Cesario, of course, cannot answer them. As a result of these events, the jealousy of Sir Andrew flares up, and he challenges young Cesario to a duel. The denouement in the comedy will come only when Cesario's secret is revealed. This will happen with the appearance of Sebastian, Viola's twin brother. Only then can the suffering of the disguised girl end (read the summary, “Twelfth Night” by Shakespeare).
Plot
The comedy takes place in a fictional country - Illyria. The ruler of Illyria, Duke Orsino, is in love with Countess Olivia. The Countess is in mourning due to the death of her brother and father.
Twins - brother and sister Sebastian and Viola, having been shipwrecked, ended up in Illyria and lost each other. Viola, dressed in men's clothing, appears at Orsino's court. The Duke takes a liking to a young man named Cesario (Viola took this name for herself), and he brings him closer to him. Viola falls in love with the Duke. Orsino does not notice this and instructs his new page to go to Olivia and try to woo her.
At Olivia's court, her uncle Toby lives, a drunkard and a merry fellow. He whiles away the time by drinking together with Sir Andrew, who also unsuccessfully seeks Olivia's attention. Cesario seeks an audience with Olivia and gives her news from Orsino. The affair ends unexpectedly: Olivia politely pays tribute to the Duke's merits, but falls in love at one glance with the Duke's messenger.
Meanwhile, Sebastian appears in the city, mourning his sister, considering her dead. A whole series of misunderstandings begins. Brother and sister, who are extremely similar to each other, are confused by everyone.
Olivia, mistaking Sebastian for Viola, asks him to marry her. He was embarrassed, but agreed, and they got married. Orsino comes to terms with the loss of Olivia and wishes to see Viola in a woman's dress.
Characteristics of female characters in Shakespeare's comedy "Twelfth Night"
The female characters portrayed by Shakespeare in Twelfth Night are determined and active, they are more generous and noble than men.
Despite the fact that Viola's monologue (Twelfth Night, William Shakespeare) emphasizes: “Oh, how weak we women are, alas...” They have more positive qualities than male characters. The most striking image in this sense is the image of the main character Viola. He perfectly shows the man of the Renaissance. Viola is a beautiful, educated and well-mannered girl, who is also enterprising, active and courageous. She can confidently be called the mistress of her life; she easily wins people over. And when she finds herself in an unfamiliar environment, she quickly gets used to it, acts boldly and charms everyone who is near her.
Countess Olivia is also worthy of much praise. She is determined and also honest. He lives by the dictates of his heart, so he doesn’t hesitate for a minute when choosing a young man he doesn’t know, for whom he has deep feelings, instead of a marriage of convenience.
Even Maria, the countess's chambermaid, can fight back and stand up for herself if necessary. She is brave, inventive, and very sharp-tongued.
Shakespeare's Twelfth Night or Whatever - Summary
Shakespeare
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The action of the comedy takes place in a fabulous country for the English of Shakespeare's time - Illyria.
The Duke of Illyria Orsino is in love with the young Countess Olivia, but she is in mourning after the death of her brother and does not even accept the Duke's envoys. Olivia's indifference only fuels the Duke's passion. Orsino recruits a young man named Cesario, whose beauty, devotion and subtlety of feelings he manages to appreciate in just a few days. He sends him to Olivia to tell him about his love. In reality, Cesario is a girl named Viola. She sailed on a ship with her beloved twin brother Sebastian and after a shipwreck accidentally ended up in Illyria. Viola hopes that her brother was also saved. The girl dresses in men's clothing and enters the service of the Duke, with whom she immediately falls in love. Behind the Duke’s back she says: “It’s not easy for me to get you a wife; / After all, I would like to be her myself!”
Olivia's prolonged mourning does not at all please her uncle, Sir Toby Belch, a merry fellow and reveler. Olivia's chambermaid Maria tells Sir Toby that her mistress is very dissatisfied with her uncle's carousing and drinking, as well as with his drinking companion Sir Andrew Aguechick - a rich and stupid knight, whom Sir Toby fools by promising to marry his niece, and in the meantime shamelessly using his wallet. Sir Andrew, offended by Olivia's neglect, wants to leave, but Sir Toby, a flatterer and joker, persuades him to stay for another month.
When Viola appears at the Countess's house, she is allowed to see Olivia with great difficulty. Despite her eloquence and wit, she fails to achieve the success of her mission - Olivia pays tribute to the Duke’s merits (he is “undoubtedly young, noble, / rich, loved by the people, generous, learned”), but does not love him. But the young messenger achieves a completely unexpected result - the countess is fascinated by him and comes up with a trick to force him to accept a ring as a gift from her.
Viola's brother Sebastian appears in Illyria, accompanied by Captain Antonio, who saved his life. Sebastian grieves for his sister, who, in his opinion, died. He wants to seek his fortune at the Duke's court. It pains the captain to part with the noble young man, to whom he has sincerely become attached, but there is nothing to do - it is dangerous for him to appear in Illyria. Yet he secretly follows Sebastian to protect him in times of need.
At Olivia's house, Sir Toby and Sir Andrew, in the company of the jester Feste, drink wine and bay songs. Maria tries to reason with them in a friendly manner. Following her, Olivia's butler appears - the swaggering bore Malvolio. He tries unsuccessfully to stop the party. When the butler leaves, Maria makes fun of this “inflated donkey” who is “bursting with complacency” and vows to fool him. She is going to write him a love letter on behalf of Olivia and expose him to everyone's ridicule.
In the Duke's palace, the jester Feste first sings him a sad song about unrequited love, and then tries to cheer him up with jokes. Orsino revels in his love for Olivia; previous failures do not discourage him. He convinces Viola to go to the Countess again. The Duke ridicules the pretended youth's assertion that some woman could be as much in love with him as he is with Olivia: "A woman's breast cannot bear the beating / Of such a mighty passion as mine." He remains deaf to all the hints of the loving Viola.
Sir Toby and his accomplices are simply bursting with laughter and anger when they overhear Malvolio talking about the possibility of marriage with his mistress, about how he will rein in Sir Toby by becoming the master of the house.
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Male images. Their features
We continue to consider the work written by William Shakespeare. "Twelfth Night" is a comedy that clearly shows the equal value of women and men. Each of the male characters presented in the playwright’s work embodies one of the female character traits.
Duke Orsino with a purely Italian temperament. He is very power-hungry, so he does not tolerate refusal. Despite such behavioral characteristics, it is very difficult to call him vindictive or selfish. At his core, he is still generous. Having learned about the countess's sympathy for the page, at first Orsino does not take her feelings into account. He is jealous, takes revenge, but, having received a refusal, immediately retreats.
Sir Toby also has many negative qualities: he is frivolous and unreliable, loves feasts and hates any responsibilities. It is not surprising that at his advanced age he is still a bachelor. But love also makes him more attractive.
As for Sebastian, he is a positive character from all possible sides. He is very handsome, but also honest and courageous. It is not surprising that Olivia chose him over the power-hungry Duke. The image of Sebastian is the image of a kind of “Prince Charming”, the embodiment of knightly honor and valor.
Depiction of love feelings in W. Shakespeare’s comedy “Twelfth Night, or Whatever”
Love in Shakespeare's works, in particular in the comedy "Twelfth Night" is one of the main themes through which the author affirms the basic humanistic idea. But the love he depicts is a kind of whimsical feeling in various variations. Most often it occurs unexpectedly, even suddenly. Shakespearean love has many forms, depending on the hero in love. After all, they all love not equally, but in their own way. The playwright shows each person as a person, individuality, who are characterized by personal experiences that are not similar to others.
Love relationships using the example of couples in love from the comedy “Twelfth Night”
Duke Orsini has an imaginary love for Olivia. When he recognizes Cesario as Viola, who is in love with him, he decides to immediately marry her. Which, on the one hand, may seem hasty, but given how well the Duke already knew Cesario, his action does not seem frivolous.
Olivia's love for the simple page suddenly flared up. But neither the social status of the chosen one nor his financial situation are important to her. She acts and seeks reciprocity. Sebastiano, who is mistaken for Cesario, considers the countess's love a gift of fate, immediately reciprocating her feelings.
Another pair of lovers is Sir Toby and Maria. For the nobleman Toby Balch, the fact that Maria is a simple servant does not matter. Social status plays no role for any of the characters in love.
Summary of “Twelfth Night, or Whatever”
The action of the comedy takes place in a fabulous country for the English of Shakespeare's time - Illyria.
The Duke of Illyria Orsino is in love with the young Countess Olivia, but she is in mourning after the death of her brother and does not even accept the Duke's envoys. Olivia's indifference only fuels the Duke's passion. Orsino recruits a young man named Cesario, whose beauty, devotion and subtlety of feelings he manages to appreciate in just a few days. He sends him to Olivia to tell him about his love. In reality, Cesario is a girl named Viola. She sailed on a ship with her beloved twin brother Sebastian and after a shipwreck accidentally ended up in Illyria. Viola hopes that her brother was also saved. The girl dresses in men's clothing and enters the service of the Duke, with whom she immediately falls in love. Behind the Duke’s back she says: “It’s not easy for me to get you a wife; / After all, I would like to be her myself!”
Olivia's prolonged mourning does not at all please her uncle, Sir Toby Belch, a merry fellow and reveler. Olivia's chambermaid Maria tells Sir Toby that her mistress is very dissatisfied with her uncle's carousing and drinking, as well as with his drinking companion Sir Andrew Aguechick - a rich and stupid knight, whom Sir Toby fools by promising to marry his niece, and in the meantime shamelessly using his wallet. Sir Andrew, offended by Olivia's neglect, wants to leave, but Sir Toby, a flatterer and joker, persuades him to stay for another month.
When Viola appears at the Countess's house, she is allowed to see Olivia with great difficulty. Despite her eloquence and wit, she fails to succeed in her mission - Olivia pays tribute to the Duke’s merits (he is “undoubtedly young, noble, / rich, loved by the people, generous, learned”), but does not love him. But the young messenger achieves a completely unexpected result - the countess is fascinated by him and comes up with a trick to force him to accept a ring as a gift from her.
Viola's brother Sebastian appears in Illyria, accompanied by Captain Antonio, who saved his life. Sebastian grieves for his sister, who, in his opinion, died. He wants to seek his fortune at the Duke's court. It pains the captain to part with the noble young man, to whom he has sincerely become attached, but there is nothing to do - it is dangerous for him to appear in Illyria. Yet he secretly follows Sebastian to protect him in times of need.
At Olivia's house, Sir Toby and Sir Andrew, in the company of the jester Feste, drink wine and bay songs. Maria tries to reason with them in a friendly manner. Following her, Olivia's butler appears - the swaggering bore Malvolio. He tries unsuccessfully to stop the party. When the butler leaves, Maria makes fun of this “inflated donkey” who is “bursting with complacency” and vows to fool him. She is going to write him a love letter on behalf of Olivia and expose him to everyone's ridicule.
In the Duke's palace, the jester Feste first sings him a sad song about unrequited love, and then tries to cheer him up with jokes. Orsino revels in his love for Olivia; previous failures do not discourage him. He convinces Viola to go to the Countess again. The Duke ridicules the pretended youth's assertion that some woman could be as much in love with him as he is with Olivia: "A woman's breast cannot bear the beating / Of such a mighty passion as mine." He remains deaf to all the hints of the loving Viola.
Sir Toby and his accomplices are simply bursting with laughter and anger when they overhear Malvolio talking about the possibility of marriage with his mistress, about how he will rein in Sir Toby by becoming the master of the house. However, the real fun begins when the butler finds a letter written by Maria, who forged Olivia's handwriting. Malvolio quickly convinces himself that he is the “nameless lover” to whom it is addressed. He decides to strictly follow the instructions given in the letter and invented by Maria specifically with the expectation that the enemy of the cheerful company would behave and look in the most foolish way. Sir Toby is delighted with Maria’s invention, and with her herself: “Following such a witty little devil will take you all the way to Tartarus.”
In Olivia's garden, Viola and Feste exchange witticisms. “He plays the fool well. / A fool cannot overcome such a role,” says Viola about the jester. Then Viola speaks with Olivia, who has come out into the garden, and who no longer hides her passion for the “young man.” Sir Andrew is offended that in his presence the Countess was being polite to the Duke's servant, and Sir Toby convinces him to challenge the impudent youth to a duel. True, Sir Toby is sure that both will not have the courage to fight.
Antonio meets Sebastian on a city street and explains to him that he cannot openly accompany him, since he participated in a naval battle with the duke’s galleys and won - “they will recognize me / And, believe me, they will not let me go down.” Sebastian wants to wander around the city. He agrees with the captain to meet in an hour at the best hotel. In parting, Antonio persuades his friend to accept his wallet in case of unexpected expenses.
Malvolio, smiling stupidly and tastelessly dressed (all according to Maria’s plan), playfully quotes passages from Olivia’s supposed message to Olivia. Olivia is convinced that the butler is crazy. She instructs Sir Toby to take care of him, which he does, only in his own way: he first mocks the unfortunate arrogant man, and then shoves him into the closet. Then he takes on Sir Andrew and "Cesario". He slowly tells everyone that his opponent is fierce and skilled in fencing, but it is impossible to avoid the fight. Finally, the “duelists”, pale with fear, draw their swords - and then Antonio, passing by, intervenes. He covers Viola with himself, mistaking her for Sebastian, and begins to fight with Sir Toby, furious that his trick failed. The bailiffs appear. They arrest Antonio on the Duke's orders. He is forced to obey, but asks Viola to return the wallet - he will now need the money. He is outraged that the person for whom he did so much does not recognize him and does not want to talk about any money, although he thanks him for his intercession. The captain is taken away. Viola, realizing that she was confused with Sebastian, rejoices at her brother’s salvation.
On the street, Sir Andrew pounces on his opponent, whose timidity he has recently become convinced of, and slaps him in the face, but... this is not the meek Viola, but the brave Sebastian. The cowardly knight is soundly beaten. Sir Toby tries to intercede for him - Sebastian draws his sword. Olivia appears and stops the fight and chases her uncle away. “Cesario, please don’t be angry,” she says to Sebastian. She takes him to the house and proposes engagement. Sebastian is confused, but agrees; the beauty immediately charmed him. He would like to consult with Antonio, but he has disappeared somewhere and is not at the hotel. Meanwhile, the jester, pretending to be a priest, plays a long prank on Malvolio, who is sitting in a dark closet. Finally, taking pity, he agrees to bring him a candle and writing materials.
In front of Olivia's house, the Duke and Viola are waiting for a conversation with the Countess. At this time, the bailiffs bring Antonio, whom Viola calls “savior” and Orsino calls “famous pirate.” Antonio bitterly reproaches Viola for ingratitude, cunning and hypocrisy. Olivia appears from the house. She rejects the Duke, and “Cesario” reproaches him for his infidelity. The priest confirms that two hours ago he married the countess to the duke's favorite. Orsino is shocked. In vain Viola says that he became her “life, light”, that he is “dearer than all the women in this world”, no one believes the poor thing. Then the beaten Sir Toby and Sir Andrew appear from the garden with complaints about the Duke's courtier Cesario, followed by Sebastian with an apology (the unlucky couple ran into the man again). Sebastian sees Antonio and rushes towards him. Both the captain and the duke are shocked by the twins' resemblance. They are completely at a loss. Brother and sister recognize each other. Orsino, realizing that the one who was so dear to him in the form of a young man is in fact a girl in love with him, completely reconciles himself with the loss of Olivia, whom he is now ready to consider as a sister. He can’t wait to see Viola in a woman’s dress: “...a maiden will appear before me, / My soul’s love and queen.” The jester brings a letter to Malvolio. The butler's oddities are explained, but Maria is not punished for the cruel joke - she is now a lady, Sir Toby, in gratitude for her tricks, married her. The offended Malvolio leaves the house - the only gloomy character leaves the stage. The Duke orders to “catch up with him and persuade him to peace.” The play ends with a playfully melancholic song sung by Feste.
