Scene 1

Scene 2
Scene 3
SUMMARY AND NOTES
The scene introduces Sir Toby Belch, Sir Andrew Agucheek, and Maria.
Toby comes home late after drinking And Maria disapproves.
Andrew meets Maria
Toby continues to convince Andrew to try and marry Olivia. The two knights then
just talk about dancing and stuff. Apparently Andrew is good at dancing.
Andrew is especially important to toby since he is very rich. Therefore, he tries
to curry favour by introducing him to Olivia.

Analysis
The scene introduces Sir Toby Belch, Sir Andrew Agucheek, and Maria.
Sir Toby "Belch" seems to be characterized by his heavy drinking and jolly
demeanour
We also find out that one of the reasons Sir Toby befriends Andrew is due to his
possession of 3000 ducats a year
Bit of a comedic scene when Sir Andrew asks "do you think you have fools in
hand?" and Maria responds with "I'm not holding your hand". Besides for comedic
effect, this line also begins to show Maria's wit and skill with words despite her status
as a maid. This is common in Shakespearean comedies. Often times those of lower
class a smarter than those of the upper class. The following Interactions between
Andrew and Maria in this scene further highlight this.
Afterwards. Toby tries to convince Andrew to continue trying to marry Olivia.
Toby states that Oliva doesn't want to marry anyone older, of a higher rank, richer,
and smarter than her. Therefore Toby says to Andrew "You still have a chance". It is a
comedic dialogue, but one again it shows that Toby is smarter than he makes
himself out to be.
Sir Andrew really does seem to be an idiot though.
At this point in the play we have two possible suitors for Olivia, duke Orsino and
Sir Andrew.

Flashcards
Which characters are introduced in Act 1 scene 3?
Toby
Andrew
Maria
SCENE 4

ANALYSIS
This scene goes back to the castle in Illyria where the we see Viola in her disguise
as Cesario. (This later leads to several complications and really brings out the theme
of deception). Valentine mentions that Viola had only known Orsino for three days
but "He is already no stranger." Perhaps this is due to her skills and disguise.
However, Viola is worried that Orsino could be inconsistent in his feelings.
Afterwards, Orsino Asks Viola to go and Woo Olivia, further highlighting the fact
that he trusts Viola.
However, at the end of the scene we find out that Viola actually has feeling for
Orsino. (Thus begins the complications from disguise)

SUMMARY
Introduces Viola in her Cesario disguise back at Orsino's castle. Apparently she
has gained the favour and trust of Orsino who asks Viola to Woo Olivia.
Scene 5

Notes
Feste is introduced
Olivia is introduced. (Note: she was mentioned before but never actually showed
up on set until now)
Malvolio is introduced

ANALYSIS

the scene starts out with Maria chewing out Feste, a fool(jester) for being late.
She refuses to make any excuses for him, saying Olivia would have him hanged. This
is conversation then proceeds to be a witty exchange of jokes and words related to
hanging. From the conversation we see that Feste is actually quite clever despite his
position as a fool. Once again, we see a case of a person of lower class(Feste) being
witty and smart. "A witty fool is better than a foolish wit" is quoted by Feste.
Maria is also able to keep up with Feste in conversation, once again proving that
she is quite smart herself.
After Maria leaves, Feste enters a conversation with Olivia and tries to "Prove"
that she is a fool. He makes the argument that Olivia shouldn't be mourning her
brother as he is in heaven. She seems amused by the argument and asks Malvolio on
his Opinion. Right of the bat we see that Malvolio isn't exactly a likable character(This
is done for a reason) and is definitely not too fond of Feste.
Another note to point out is the comparison of Olivia and Viola. We've
established that their sort of parallels to each other. Both have lost a brother and a
father and their names are near perfect anagrams. However, Viola was shipwrecked
yet she didn't waste any time hatching plans. Meanwhile Olivia, a high ranking
member of society decides to mourn for seven years.
A young man(Cesario who is actually Viola) has come to see Olivia. She tries to
avoid speaking with him, try to make him go away(Via Malvolio). However, she fails
and goes out to see him. Now this is rather strange because at first she swore to
never speak to anyone and remain veiled for 7 years yet she suddenly decides speak
with a handsome young man and take of her veil. She seems rather inconsistent,
much like Orsino.
She states that she might be falling in love and even sends Malvolio after Viola,
claiming Viola left behind a ring(she did not, It's just a ploy to see Viola as Cesario
again).
 ACT 2

SCENE 1

Notes
Characters
Sebastian Introduced
Antonio Introduced

ANALYSIS

Through the exchange between Antonio and Sebastian, we see that they both
care for each other greatly. Antonio continues to ask where Sebastian is going and if
he can join him. Sebastian is also seen to trust Antonio as he reveals his disguise to
him. Sebastian even mentions his story of shipwreck.
Through the story we find out that Sebastian is Viola's twin brother who was first
mentioned in Act 1 Scene 2
He states that his sister and him were born in the same hour and if god had
been willing, died in the same hour too (Which may still happen since both of them
are alive and well). Viola is described as beautiful in mind and body, something even
here enemies woulda admit to. Perhaps this similarity in appearance will lead to
more confusion down the road (as a part of the theme of disguise).
Sebastian believes she was drowned by salty waves and his salty tears drown
here memory all over again.
After Sebastian and Antonio part ways, Antonio secretly follows Sebastian to
Orsino's court despite the enemies and dangers that await him. Once again we see
just how much Antonio cares for Sebastian.

SCENE 2
Notes
Characters
Viola
Malvolio
 ANALYSIS

The scene starts off with Malvolio catching up to Viola(Cesario) to return the ring
that she apparently "gave" Olivia.
In the exchange between the two, Malvolio speaks rather rudely. This probably
set him up as a disliked character. Viola even describes him as a "churlish
messenger"
Anyways, Viola soon realizes that Oliva is developing feelings for her and this ring
is just an excuse to make her return to Olivia's household.
Viola believes Oliva's feelings for her are impossible as she is a woman. "She
might as well be in love with a dream," she says. This is likely because at the time gay
and lesbian relationships were still seen as taboo.
It is in the scene that the theme of disguise is strongly brought out. Viola refers
to disguises as wicked and wrong. She believes women have weak hearts.
At the end of the scene analyses the situation she's in with the love triangle
between Orsino, Viola, and Olivia. (It's also the first time the love triangle is
mentioned)

SCENE 3
Notes
Characters
Sir Toby
Sir Andrew
Feste
Maria
Malvolio

ANALYSIS

The scene begins with Toby and Andrew staying up late having an argument
about whether or not sleeping after midnight is early or late. The fool joins in,
speaking nonsense and soon begins singing. It is a love song about meeting a lover,
(Which kinda connects to the play). Maria then comes in because of the ruckus ,
telling everyone to quiet down. Now in this scene Maria is seen to be following the
typical gender roles at the time, where women were expected to keep the rowdy
men under control. Now we know Maria is very clever, so this may be her way of
feigning foolishness.
Soon after, Malvolio enters and begins scolding everyone in a rude manner. Once
again Shakespeare has portrayed Malvolio as dislikeable.(This is likely to set him up
for the ruse Maria plays on him.)
 After Malvolio's scolding we see that Toby is not simply a drunk fool. He snaps
back at him, asking Malvolio if he was anything more than a steward. Malvolio storms
off.
Andrew says he wants to make a fool out of Malvolio through a duel.(This is
foreshadowing for a later scene)
Maria then reveals her master plan to make a fool out of Malvolio through a fake
letter from Olivia. After the plan is revealed, Sir Toby compliments Maria and there
may be some feelings between the two.
The scene ends with an exchange between Toby and Andrew.

SCENE 4
Notes
Characters
Orsino
Curio
Viola (as Cesario)

ANALYSIS

The scene begins with Orsino asking someone to play music, much like when he
was introduced. This probably reinforces his character as a lovesick duke looking for
music to soothe his appetite.
As the scene goes, Orsino asks Viola about the kind of woman she likes. It's here
that she subtly hints that she has feelings for Orsino, although Orsino does not
notice it. This once again brings out the theme of deception and disguise, along with
the troubles it brings. Olivia is in love with Viola, who she can never be with. Viola
loves Orsino, who she cannot be with. And the cause of all this is simply Viola's
disguise as a man. It goes to show how much problems deception can bring.
Orsino then states that a man must find a younger woman to be with as women
are like roses, once their beauty is in fool bloom, they are about to decay.
Feste then enters and sings a song. The song is about a man who is 'killed' by a
"fair cruel maiden". The 'killed' here is probably a metaphor for heartbreak. Later in
the song he mentions that he wants to be buried where "No sad lovers can find my
grave". This could Imply that he had many that loved him yet he only loved the fair
maiden that 'killed' him.
After the song Feste states that Orsino's Inconsistent mind is like an Opal that
changes colours. Mentioning that men like him should drift out to sea to move
wherever the current takes them. Up until then we have seen incidents of Orsino's
inconsistent behaviour, but it was never outright pointed out like that. It's as if Feste
is a medium Shakespeare uses to critique his other characters. Feste has done similar
things to both Olivia and Malvolio.
Afterwards, Orsino asks Viola to send another message to Olivia. Viola asks what
Orsino would do if Olivia doesn't love her. Here, she hints her feelings for him again
by asking Orsino what he would do if a woman loved him as much as he loved Olivia.
Orsino then states that women cannot the love he can, that his heart is far greater.
Viola continues, stating she understands that a woman's love is just as great as a
man's. She then goes on to explain how her "sister" loved a man, but she never
confessed and it eventually destroyed her. Orsino ask if her sister dies of love, but
Viola responds stating that she is all the daughters and sons of her father's
household yet she does not know.
The scene ends with Orsino handing a jewel to Viola asking her to give it to
Olivia.

Scene 5
Notes
Character
Fabian(Introduced)
Toby
Andrew
Maria
Malvolio

ANALYSIS

Sir Andrew, Toby, and Fabian are excited for the prank about to be played on
Malvolio. Fabian is a victim of Malvolio's antics.
Toby mentions bear baiting. It is a sport where dogs would bark at bears chained
to a post. This could be symbolic of the prank played upon Malvolio where he is the
"bear" that is about to be "baited" (Pranked).
Malvolio's arrogance and egotistic nature is what makes it possible to play the
prank on him, otherwise he wouldn't fall for it. Furthermore, those characteristics of
Malvolio make it hard to sympathize with him, therefore the audience feels no pity
for Malvolio despite the ruse played on him.
Malvolio walks in and begins thinking aloud. He talks of what he would do if he
could be with Olivia.
He finds the letter. Maria had left a set of instructions for Malvolio to follow and
all the things on the list are thing which Olivia despises. She ask to wear yellow
stockings and smile all the time. Olivia would hate the smiling as she is in
"Mourning". All of these will lead to great comedy and confusion later in the play
 ACT 3

SCENE 1
Notes
Characters
Viola
Feste
Sir Andrew
Sir Toby

ANALYSIS

Scene Continues off of act 2 scene 4 when Viola(Cesario) is sent to give a

message to Olivia. The scenes have been alternating between the main romantic
plot and the comedic subplot.
Feste is playing the drums. Viola enters and asks if he makes a living through the
drums. Feste replies by saying he 'lives by the church'. Viola believes he is a
clergyman, however, Feste states that he literally lives by a church. Viola and Feste
then continue to converse about how words can be twisted. The conversation really
showcases the intelligence and wit of both characters
Feste even mentions that words are unreliable, yet to explain why, he would
need to use words and since they are so unreliable there is no point doing so.
He also states that Olivia won't have a fool till she is married. This might be
implying that only a fool would marry Olivia.
Sir Toby and Andrew enter, they greet Viola.
After Olivia comes in, Viola states that her message is only for Olivia. Olivia then
orders everyone else to leave.
Sir Andrew takes note of how Olivia is to Viola and later complains that she
does not treat him the same.

Now, in the her dialogue with Viola, we see that Olivia actually shares a lot of
similarities with Orsino.
Firstly, Olivia states that she does not want to hear any more from Orsino,
However, If she were told someone else were in love with her, she would love that
more than hearing angels sing. This is a huge implication of her love for
Cesario(Ironic how it's placed right before here spontaneous confession).
She then says to Viola "I will not have you", confirming she has given up on
'him'. However, she suddenly changes her mind and says " Stay, I prithee, tell me
what thou thinkest of me.". This inconsistent nature is almost exactly like that of
Orsino. It isn't the first time Olivia has done something like this. At first she claimed
that she would spend 7 years in mourning, veiled and refused to see a man. Yet she
quickly changed her mind after meeting Viola disguised as Cesario.
Then, the confession. " By maidhood, honor, truth, and everything, I love thee
so, that, maugre all thy pride, Nor wit nor reason can my passion hide." This intense
and spontaneous display of love by Olivia once again resembles Orsino's love sick,
inconsistent nature.

SCENE 2
Notes
Characters
Fabian
Andrew
Toby

ANALYSIS

The scene continues off from the previous one to advance the subplot. Sir Andrew is
storming out angrily because Olivia did not notice him during Viola's presence.
Fabian and Toby decide that this is a perfect opportunity to start some chaos. Once
again we see that it is the subplot that is responsible for the bulk of the comedy that
occurs in the play
They manipulate a cowardly Andrew into trying to start a duel with Viola in an
attempt to win over Oliva. It is honestly hilarious that Andrew thinks a foolish
oblivious knight like him as a shot with the smart and composed Oliva. Nevertheless
he falls for Toby's manipulation and creates a message for Viola, prompting a duel.
The scene ends with a delighted Maria walking in and informing the rest about
the success of their prank on Malvolio. (Toby refers in an affectionate way. Perhaps
this hints that Toby has feelings for Maria).
Scene 3
Notes
Characters
Antonio
Sebastian

ANALYSIS

We see that Sebastian has arrived in Illyria. He was followed by Antonio who
chose to accompany him despite the enemies that awaited him, It just goes to show
how much he cares for Sebastian. He even trusts Sebastian with his Purse.
This scene explores another type of love, a manly love between Antonio and
Sebastian. This was very bold of Shakespeare as back then, love between two people
of the same sex was forbidden.

The scene also sets the stage for further confusion and conflict by bringing
Sebastian to Illyria. His resemblance to Viola will soon cause absolute pandemonium
amongst the characters in the later ACTs.

Scene 4
Notes
Characters
Fabian
Toby
Andrew
Viola(Cesario)
Antonio
Olivia
Maria
Malvolio

***Longest scene in the entire play***

ANALYSIS

The scene itself is split across multiple sections. With the first showing the whole
ordeal between Malvolio and Olivia. The second shows the "fight" between Andrew
and Viola.
 It's in this scene where the theme of mistaken Identity (and the chaos it brings)
is the most prevalent. Olivia is mistaken to be Malvolio's lover, Viola is mistaken to be
Sebastian, Both Andrew and viola are mistaken to be vicious fighters(thanks to Toby).
In the first section, Olivia calls for Malvolio as he is often a depressing figure to be
around, but for Oliva who was in mourning he was perfect. However, to her surprise
Malvolio's demeanour had changed completely. He was wearing bright yellow
stockings with tight cross garters. Constantly smiling and kissing his hand. He then
proceeds to quote from the fake letter to Olivia, who is utterly confused, she thinks
Malvolio has descended to madness. Maria only made the situation even worse by
asking questions which further made him mention the letter. Eventually she asks
that Malvolio be "taken to bed" and rest, however Malvolio thought this was an
advance from Olivia. As in, he believed that he was going to be taken to her bed
chambers.

The comedy hasn't reached its peak yet. Sir Toby's plans to start a duel between
Cesario and Andrew comes to fruition in this scene. Andrew and Cesario are both
told that their opponents are vicious bloodthirsty foes. Neither one wanted to
engage in combat, both "fighters'' had wanted to back out of the duel. Although
Toby wasn't about to allow that to happen. To further add on to the absurdity, Cesario
(who has just rejected Olivia) has no Idea that Andrew wants to fight him to gain
Olivia's love. And to top it all off, Antonio comes in to save Cesario thinking it was
Sebastian.
 ACT 4
Scene 1
Notes
Characters
Sebastian
Feste
Andrew
Toby
Olivia

ANALYSIS

Once again, the confusion caused by disguise continues. Feste bothers

Sebastian thinking he is Cesario. (Re-emphasizing the comic confusion caused by
mistaken identity in the previous scene) Sebastian, who is utterly confused, tries to
shoo him away with a generous tip. Feste notices something is strange, even stating
"Nothing that is so is so". Which is ironic since he really has mistaken Sebastian for
Cesario.
The situation then escalates when he comes across Andrew who punches him in
the face. Keeping in mind Andrew thinks that Cesario is afraid of him, he is met with
an unpleasant surprise when Sebastian fights back, to the point where sir Toby had
to hold him down. Most of the comedy in this Act derives from the repetitive theme
of Mistaken Identity.
Eventually, Olivia comes in and stops the fighting, requesting that Sebastian
follow her to her abode. Now here is where this scene, and even Act stand out from
the rest. Throughout the play disguise has only brought confusion and pain to the
characters. But now Sebastian is suddenly asked to follow a beautiful woman to her
chambers. He is so dumbfounded he wonders if he is dreaming. And Olivia is
overjoyed, thinking that Cesario is finally in love with her.
Scene 2
"I will dissemble myself, disassembled in a gown"
Scene 3
Notes
Characters
Olivia
Sebastian
Priest

ANALYSIS

Irony of disguise as so many good things happen to Antonio due to the

deception
Antonio is in disbelief due to all his fortune, ready to even "distrust his own eyes".
Whilst this "love at first sight" may go against modern beliefs, we must keep in mind
that this was written during Elizabethan times, and the story itself takes place in the
fictional land of Illyria.
Olivia is deceived as she marries Sebastian thinking he is Cesario. Yet she is also
overjoyed thinking Cesario has finally fallen in love with her
 ACT 5

Scene 1
Quick class notes
Orsino can't get over Olivia despite his attraction to Cesario's Feminine features.
Orsino's obsession is seen when he demands Feste to bring Olivia out.

Notes
Characters
Fabian
Feste
Orsino
Curio
Cesario/Viola
Olivia
Antonio

ANALYSIS

Chaos reaches its peak, and everything begins to unravel. —> Unlike the previous
Acts which were divided into multiple scenes, this one has one large scene which
gives a sense of unity as all the characters finally come together.
Orsino can't get over Olivia despite his attraction to Cesario's Feminine features.
Orsino's obsession is seen when he demands Feste to bring Olivia out (Although
Feste does milk him for a couple of coins).
They come across Antonio, who claim that Viola is distrustful, It's here where we
first notice that the hidden identities are being revealed
Olivia shuts down Orsino once again. Orsino realizes that she has feelings for
Viola and tries to take Viola away from Olivia. Now what's surprising is how
submissive she was. Throughout the play she was portrayed as this strong, witty
woman. Yet she simply submits to Orsino's wishes.
Olivia, thinking she has no choice, reveals her marriage to "Cesario" . Viola of
course denies this, but she still loses trust from Orsino. It seems mistaken Identity
has never done Viola any good.

Sebastian finally enters the fray. He speaks with Viola, both siblings are in
disbelief. However, Viola's identity as a woman is finally revealed. —> Sebastian acts
as the final "piece" needed to solve this mad puzzle.
Orsino then offers his hand in marriage to Viola
Malvolio realizes he's been bamboozled by Maria.
By the end of the play, pretty much all confusion has been unravelled.