# Scene I explained — Twelfth Night

> Chapter companion for Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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