# Scene III explained — Twelfth Night

> Chapter companion for Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Sebastian and Antonio arrive in Illyria. Antonio explains he followed Sebastian out of love and concern, despite the danger he faces due to a past sea fight against Count Orsino's galleys. He gives Sebastian his purse and arranges to meet at the Elephant inn.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Desire

Antonio's intense desire to follow Sebastian is described as 'more sharp than filed steel,' highlighting a deep emotional attachment.

### Disguise and Deception

Antonio must hide his identity in Illyria due to his past conflict with Orsino, setting up a layer of concealment.

## Character check-ins

### Sebastian

Arrives in Illyria with Antonio, accepts Antonio's purse, and plans to explore the town.

### Antonio

Follows Sebastian out of love and concern, reveals his past conflict with Orsino, gives Sebastian his purse, and arranges lodging at the Elephant.

## Key lines

> I could not stay behind you: my desire, More sharp than filed steel, did spur me forth

I couldn't bear to stay behind; my longing, sharper than honed steel, drove me forward.

_Antonio explains his motivation for following Sebastian._

> I do not without danger walk these streets: Once, in a sea-fight, 'gainst the count his galleys I did some service

It's not safe for me to walk these streets because I once fought against the count's ships in a naval battle.

_Antonio reveals the risk he takes by being in Illyria._

## Links

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