Twelfth Night: A Review

Twelfth Night: A Review

A Classic Shakespearean Comedy of Love, Mistaken Identity, and Revelry

(By Javier Guerra)

William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, or What You Will remains one of the most beloved and frequently performed comedies in the theatrical canon. Written around 1601–1602, this play is a delightful romp through themes of love, disguise, mistaken identity, and the folly of ambition. Its enduring popularity stems not only from the witty dialogue and outrageous comedic situations but also from its tender exploration of the human heart.

Set in the fantastical land of Illyria, Twelfth Night is rich with vibrant characters, each with their own dreams and desires. At its core is a woman disguised as a man, an aristocrat mourning his lost love, and a fool who might be the wisest of them all.

One of the most famous lines comes from Duke Orsino as he wallows in melancholy:

“If music be the food of love, play on.”

With this line, Shakespeare sets the tone for a story steeped in longing, romance, and the comedic misunderstandings that follow.

The plot kicks off with a shipwreck that separates twins Viola and Sebastian. Believing her brother drowned, Viola decides to disguise herself as a man named “Cesario” and enters the service of Duke Orsino. The Duke, deeply in love with the grieving Lady Olivia, sends Cesario to woo her on his behalf. But complications arise: Olivia falls in love with Cesario (unaware that “he” is actually Viola), while Viola herself develops feelings for Orsino.

Meanwhile, in Olivia’s household, another subplot unfolds featuring the drunken Sir Toby Belch, the foolish Sir Andrew Aguecheek, the clever maid Maria, and the self-important steward Malvolio. A prank on Malvolio leads to one of the play’s most comedic—and troubling—scenes, revealing the thin line between amusement and cruelty.

All is resolved in classic comedic fashion when Sebastian arrives in Illyria, leading to confusion, revelation, and finally, joyous unions.

“Better a witty fool than a foolish wit.” – Feste

This line, delivered by the fool Feste, encapsulates much of the play’s philosophy: appearances can be deceiving, and wisdom often wears a jester’s cap.

Love is the most prominent theme in Twelfth Night—romantic, unrequited, selfless, and even self-indulgent love. Orsino’s affection for Olivia is theatrical and exaggerated. Olivia’s sudden infatuation with Cesario is impulsive and intense. Viola’s love for Orsino is quiet and sincere, blossoming even as she hides her identity.

“Love sought is good, but given unsought is better.” – Olivia

Identity and disguise drive the action. Viola’s decision to dress as a man brings up questions of gender roles and societal expectations. Shakespeare plays with the fluidity of identity, emphasizing that who we are inside often conflicts with the masks we wear.

Folly and humor are present in nearly every scene. From Malvolio’s puritan pride to Sir Toby’s drunken revelry, the play offers a satirical glimpse into human absurdities. However, Shakespeare also reminds us that foolishness is not just for laughs—it reflects deeper truths about human behavior.

Viola/Cesario stands at the heart of Twelfth Night. She is intelligent, resourceful, and emotionally resilient. Her disguise empowers her to navigate a world otherwise closed to women, but it also entangles her in emotional knots that are painful to unravel.

Duke Orsino is poetic but self-absorbed. His romanticism borders on narcissism, yet his eventual recognition of Viola’s love marks his emotional growth.

Olivia surprises audiences with her assertiveness. She is not passive in love—she takes action when she believes Cesario is the one for her, defying gender expectations of the time.

Malvolio, the steward, is one of Shakespeare’s most controversial comic figures. His ambition and self-love make him the perfect target for ridicule, but his humiliation elicits both laughter and sympathy.

“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon ’em.” – Malvolio (reading Maria’s fake letter)

Feste, the fool, is arguably the wisest character. His songs and jests provide commentary on the action, and he often exposes the foolishness of others with insight and humor.

Twelfth Night offers endless possibilities for directors. Its whimsical tone, combined with rich character dynamics, makes it a versatile piece adaptable to many settings—from classic Elizabethan to modern-day interpretations.

Some productions emphasize the play’s romantic charm, while others highlight its darker undercurrents, especially in Malvolio’s storyline. Feste’s songs often serve as emotional bridges, and clever staging can use music to underscore the contrast between joy and melancholy.

Gender-bending roles continue to resonate with modern audiences, and contemporary productions often lean into themes of sexual ambiguity and fluidity, reinforcing the play’s progressive nature.

“Disguise, I see, thou art a wickedness.” – Viola

The costumes and set design can further emphasize the dreamlike world of Illyria—a land where rules bend, identities blur, and love conquers confusion.

Since its early performances, Twelfth Night has been celebrated for its comic genius and emotional depth. Critics have praised its tight structure, poetic dialogue, and character complexity. Over the centuries, it has inspired countless adaptations in theater, film, literature, and music.

Modern critics often focus on the play’s treatment of gender and identity. Viola’s disguise challenges traditional norms, while the unresolved ending for Malvolio introduces a note of discomfort in an otherwise harmonious conclusion.

The play’s influence can be seen in romantic comedies across all media. Its themes of mistaken identity, cross-dressing, and love triangles are now staples in storytelling, but Shakespeare’s treatment remains one of the most artful and insightful.

Shakespeare’s gift for language shines in Twelfth Night, where nearly every scene offers quotable lines. Here are a few that continue to resonate:

“Journeys end in lovers meeting.” – Feste

“O time, thou must untangle this, not I. It is too hard a knot for me t’untie!” – Viola

“I am all the daughters of my father’s house, and all the brothers too.” – Viola

“My masters, are you mad? Or what are you?” – Malvolio

These lines reflect the characters’ inner turmoil, the absurdity of their situations, and the poetic nature of the play’s language.

Twelfth Night endures because it captures the essence of human folly and joy with warmth and wisdom. Its characters, though exaggerated, mirror real desires and dilemmas. Whether seen on stage or read aloud, the play remains as moving as it is entertaining.

Though written over 400 years ago, its central message is timeless: Love is messy, identity is complex, and in the end, laughter and forgiveness bind us together.

“With hey, ho, the wind and the rain,
For the rain it raineth every day.” – Feste

In this closing song, Feste reminds us that life, like Illyria, is unpredictable—but love and mirth help us weather any storm.

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