Twelfth Night · Chapter
Scene I explained
The final scene resolves the tangled identities and deceptions of Illyria.
What happens
The final scene resolves the tangled identities and deceptions of Illyria. Viola and Sebastian are reunited, revealing Viola's true identity. Orsino accepts Viola as his bride, and Olivia confirms her marriage to Sebastian. Malvolio, released from imprisonment, vows revenge for the trick played on him. The clown Feste closes the play with a song reflecting on the passage of time and the folly of life.
Themes in this chapter
Mistaken Identity and Recognition
The climax of mistaken identities as Viola and Sebastian are reunited, and Olivia realizes she married Sebastian, not Cesario.
Disguise and Deception
Viola's disguise as Cesario is finally revealed, and the deception of Malvolio through the forged letter is exposed.
Revelry and Disorder
The chaotic fights and drunkenness of Sir Toby and Sir Andrew are resolved, but the trick on Malvolio highlights the darker side of revelry.
Mourning and Melancholy
Viola's grief for her presumed-dead brother is transformed into joy upon their reunion, while Malvolio's humiliation leaves him bitter and vengeful.
Characters to notice
- Viola
Revealed as Sebastian's sister and Cesario; accepts Orsino's proposal.
- Duke Orsino
Accepts Viola as his mistress and proposes marriage.
- Olivia
Discovers she married Sebastian, not Cesario; orders Malvolio released.
- Malvolio
Released from imprisonment; confronts Olivia about the forged letter and vows revenge.
- Sebastian
Reunited with Viola; confirms his marriage to Olivia.
- Antonio
Mentioned as having been lost; reunited with Sebastian.
- Sir Toby Belch
Injured in a fight; married Maria.
- Sir Andrew Aguecheek
Injured by Sebastian; complains of Cesario's attack.
- Feste
Delivers Malvolio's letter; sings the closing song.
- Fabian
Confesses to the plot against Malvolio; reads Malvolio's letter.
Key passages
“I'll be revenged on the whole pack of you.”
Malvolio threatens to get even with everyone who tricked him.
Malvolio's final words express his bitterness and desire for retribution.
“When that I was and a little tiny boy, With hey, ho, the wind and the rain, A foolish thing was but a toy, For the rain it raineth every day.”
Feste sings about the innocence of childhood and the inevitable hardships of life.
The clown's song reflects on the passage from youth to adulthood and the enduring nature of life's trials.
“One face, one voice, one habit, and two persons, A natural perspective, that is and is not!”
Orsino marvels at the identical appearance of Viola and Sebastian, like a natural illusion.
Orsino's line captures the wonder of the twins' reunion and the resolution of mistaken identity.
