# Scene III explained — Twelfth Night

> Chapter companion for Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Sir Toby Belch and Maria discuss Olivia's mourning and Sir Toby's late-night carousing. Maria criticizes Sir Andrew Aguecheek as a foolish prodigal, but Sir Toby defends him. Sir Andrew arrives, and after a series of misunderstandings and wordplay, Maria departs. Sir Andrew considers leaving, but Sir Toby persuades him to stay, and they plan revels.

## Themes in this chapter

### Revelry and Disorder

Sir Toby's carousing and the plan for revels embody the theme of festive disorder.

### Social Class and Ambition

Sir Andrew's wealth and status are discussed, and Sir Toby's manipulation highlights class dynamics.

## Character check-ins

### Sir Toby Belch

Defends his drinking and Sir Andrew, persuades Sir Andrew to stay for revels.

### Maria

Chides Sir Toby for his late hours and drinking, criticizes Sir Andrew as a fool.

### Sir Andrew Aguecheek

Shows his foolishness and lack of wit, considers leaving but is convinced to stay.

## Key lines

> What a plague means my niece, to take the death of her brother thus? I am sure care’s an enemy to life.

Why is my niece so obsessed with her brother's death? Worrying is bad for you.

_Sir Toby criticizes Olivia's excessive mourning._

> He’s as tall a man as any’s in Illyria.

He's as good a man as anyone in Illyria.

_Sir Toby defends Sir Andrew's qualities._

> I am a great eater of beef and I believe that does harm to my wit.

I eat a lot of beef, and I think it makes me stupid.

_Sir Andrew blames his lack of wit on his diet._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twelfth_night_se/chapters/act-i-scene-iii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twelfth_night_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/twelfth_night_se/chapters