Theme
This theme is evident when Viola disguises herself as a man and Olivia mistakenly falls in love with her.
What is appearance vs. reality?
This character disguises herself as Cesario to serve Duke Orsino.
Who is Viola?
Viola and Sebastian are separated due to this event at the start of the play.
What is a shipwreck?
“If music be the food of love, play on.”
Who is Orsino?
The play’s title refers to this holiday, which was known for revelry and disguise.
What is the Twelfth Night of Christmas?
Malvolio’s downfall is an example of this theme, as he believes he is destined for greatness but is ultimately humiliated.
What is ambition?
Olivia’s steward, who believes he is loved by Olivia due to a forged letter.
Who is Malvolio?
Olivia mistakenly falls in love with Cesario, not realizing that Cesario is actually this.
What is a woman?
"I left no ring with her. What means this lady?"
What is Viola?
The setting of Twelfth Night is this fictional place.
What is Illyria?
Love in Twelfth Night often leads characters to act irrationally, highlighting this theme.
What is love and madness?
This nobleman is deeply in love with the idea of love and constantly pines for Olivia.
Who is Duke Orsino?
Malvolio is tricked into believing Olivia loves him because of this object.
What is a forged letter?
"Foolery, sir, does walk about the orb like the sun—it shines everywhere."
What is Feste?
This comedic device is frequently used in the play when the audience knows something the characters do not.
What is dramatic irony?
The twins Viola and Sebastian represent this idea, which leads to misunderstandings throughout the play.
What is mistaken identity?
The drunken uncle of Olivia who plays a key role in Malvolio’s humiliation.
Who is Sir Toby Belch?
The play’s major love triangle involves these three characters.
Who are Orsino, Olivia, and Viola?
"O, you are sick of self-love, Malvolio, and taste with a distempered appetite."
What is Olivia?
Twelfth Night has a secondary title that hints at its themes of disguise and mistaken identity. What is the full title of the play?
What is What You Will?
Feste the Fool frequently comments on the foolishness of others, showcasing this overarching theme in the play.
What is the foolishness of human nature?
This character provides wisdom throughout the play, often through riddles and songs.
Who is Feste?
The conflict of mistaken identity is resolved when this character arrives and unknowingly takes Viola’s place.
Who is Sebastian?
"Women are as roses, whose fair flower, being once displayed, doth fall that very hour."
What is Orsion?
Shakespeare wrote Twelfth Night during this historical period.
What is the Elizabethan era?