Twelfth Night is a comedy by William Shakespeare written around 1601-1602. The comedy explores themes of love, identity and destiny in an atmosphere of confusion and chaos.

misunderstandings and love,

following the adventures of

several characters in a festive and

surreal context.

The story begins with a storm that wrecks the young Viola, who disguises herself as a man, adopting the name Cesario, in order to earn a living. So Viola enters the service of Orsino, a nobleman in love with the beautiful Countess Olivia.

Olivia has sworn not to marry and refuse Orsino, and when Viola, as Cesario, is sent by Orsino to woo Olivia, the unexpected happens:

Olivia falls in love with Cesario, unaware of Viola's true identity.

but Viola is in love with Orsino. Adding to the chaos are other characters, such as Sir Toby, Olivia's uncle, and Sir Andrew, an unattractive suitor, along with the servant Maria, that they will organize a plan to mock the serious Malvolio, Olivia's servant. In the end, Viola reveals her true identity, Olivia marries Orsino, and even Malvolio, is forgiven.

"Twelfth Night" is a celebration of love in all its forms, its rich plot makes it one of Shakespeare's most beloved works.

-ORSINO

-SEBASTIAN

-OLIVIA

The comedy is influenced by the cultural and literary influences of the time, such as the tradition of Italian commedia dell'arte and the fashion for masks and disguises.

-Social Classes and Mobility

The comedy is full of elements of social satire, which point the finger at social conventions and the behaviors of individuals. Shakespeare jokes about the customs and fashions of the time.

Love and marriage

The comedy questions the traditional criteria of marriage and the expectations related to love.

Court society

Shakespeare criticizes the power dynamics and hypocrisy that reign at court.

Human behaviors

The comedy shows the inconsistency and fragility of human behavior.

The comedy is set in the fictional city of Illyria, inspired by the Dalmatian coast. The historical period is the end of the 16th century, a time of great social and political change in England.

Cultural influences

The comedy is influenced by the cultural and literary influences of the time, such as the tradition of Italian commedia dell'arte and the fashion for masks and disguises.

Social context

Elizabethan society was deeply hierarchical and women had a limited social role. This situation is reflected in the comedy.

the first and second acts in five, the third in four, the fourth in three and the last in a single scene.

From a narrative point of view, a structure in four moments is recognisable:

-protasis

-epitasis

-catastasis

-catastrophe