Twelfth Night · Chapter
Scene IV explained
Olivia prepares to meet Cesario again, but is first confronted by Malvolio, who behaves bizarrely in yellow stockings and cross-garters, believing Olivia's forged letter has promised him her love.
What happens
Olivia prepares to meet Cesario again, but is first confronted by Malvolio, who behaves bizarrely in yellow stockings and cross-garters, believing Olivia's forged letter has promised him her love. Olivia, convinced he is mad, leaves him in the care of Sir Toby and Maria. Sir Toby, Fabian, and Maria then plot to confine Malvolio as a madman. Sir Andrew arrives with a ridiculous challenge for Cesario, but Sir Toby decides not to deliver it, instead planning to frighten both parties. Olivia gives Cesario a jewel and asks him to return, while Sir Toby and Fabian pressure the reluctant Viola into a duel with Sir Andrew.
Themes in this chapter
Madness and Folly
Malvolio's absurd behavior is interpreted as madness by Olivia and the others, while the conspirators knowingly exploit this perception.
Disguise and Deception
Maria's forged letter continues to deceive Malvolio, and Sir Toby's false reports of Sir Andrew's ferocity are used to frighten Viola.
Social Class and Ambition
Malvolio's aspiration to rise above his station through marriage to Olivia is the root of his gullibility and humiliation.
Characters to notice
- Olivia
Anxious to entertain Cesario, she is bewildered by Malvolio's strange behavior and orders him looked after.
- Malvolio
Appears in yellow stockings and cross-garters, smiling and quoting the forged letter, convinced Olivia loves him.
- Maria
Feigns concern for Malvolio's madness, orchestrates his confinement, and encourages the plot against him.
- Sir Toby Belch
Plays along with the deception, plans to have Malvolio bound in a dark room, and later intimidates Viola into a duel.
- Fabian
Joins in mocking Malvolio and assists Sir Toby in pressuring Viola to fight.
- Viola
As Cesario, receives a jewel from Olivia and is then cornered by Sir Toby and Fabian into facing a duel she wants no part of.
Key passages
“I am as mad as he, If sad and merry madness equal be.”
Olivia says she is just as mad as Malvolio, if sorrowful and joyful madness are the same.
Olivia reflects on her own emotional turmoil, comparing it to Malvolio's apparent insanity.
“Why, this is very midsummer madness.”
Olivia exclaims that Malvolio's behavior is like the folly of Midsummer Eve.
A reference to the traditional association of Midsummer with madness and disorder.
“If this were played upon a stage now, I could condemn it as an improbable fiction.”
Fabian remarks that if this scene were a play, he would criticize it as unrealistic.
A metatheatrical comment highlighting the absurdity of Malvolio's gullibility.
“I will not deliver his letter: for the behaviour of the young gentleman gives him out to be of good capacity and breeding.”
Sir Toby decides not to give Sir Andrew's letter to Cesario because Cesario seems intelligent and well-bred.
Sir Toby recognizes the letter would reveal Sir Andrew's foolishness and opts for a more cunning approach.