Summary of Act 2 of Twelfth Night

Summary

Act 2 begins with Sebastian, Viola’s twin brother, who is revealed to be alive and rescued by Antonio. The nature of Antonio's affection for Sebastian raises questions about its type—be it friendly, paternal, or romantic. Meanwhile, Olivia gives Malvolio a ring for Cesario (Viola in disguise), leading to confusion. Sir Toby, Andrew, and Feste plot a prank on Malvolio, who fantasizes about marrying Olivia for power. Orsino discusses love with Cesario, unknowingly deepening Viola's feelings for him. The act explores themes of love, identity, and misinterpretation, particularly through Malvolio's misreading of a letter.

Takeaways

• 🎭 Antonio finds Sebastian, who is alive, and nurses him back to health. Sebastian initially introduces himself as Rodrigo.
• 👥 Antonio expresses deep affection for Sebastian, which raises questions about whether this love is friendly, fatherly, or romantic.
• 💌 In Act 1, Olivia gives Malvolio a ring to return to Cesario (Viola), pretending Cesario left it behind.
• ❓ Viola, as Cesario, is confused by Malvolio’s attempt to return the ring, sparking a moment of reflection on her encounter with Olivia.
• 🍷 Sir Toby, Sir Andrew, and Feste get drunk, and Malvolio scolds them, revealing tension between him and the revelers.
• 📝 Mariah plans a prank on Malvolio by forging a letter in Olivia's handwriting to trick him into thinking she loves him.
• 💔 Orsino and Cesario (Viola) discuss love, with Orsino lamenting his unrequited love for Olivia and reflecting on gender differences in love.
• ❤️ Viola begins to fall in love with Orsino, adding emotional complexity to her role as Cesario.
• 💍 Malvolio imagines marrying Olivia, not for love but for power and control over others, particularly Sir Toby.
• 🧐 Malvolio finds the forged letter and misinterprets its clues, bending the meaning to fit his desires, illustrating the dangers of self-serving interpretation.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Act Two in the play?

Act Two focuses on the development of relationships and introduces new conflicts, particularly around the characters of Sebastian, Viola, Antonio, and the comic characters like Sir Toby and Malvolio.

Who are Antonio and Sebastian, and what is their relationship?

Antonio is a soldier who rescues and nurses Sebastian, Viola’s twin brother, back to health. Their relationship is complex, with Antonio displaying a deep affection for Sebastian, which could be interpreted as friendly, fatherly, or romantic.

What significance does Antonio’s affection for Sebastian hold in the play?

Antonio’s affection is noteworthy because it raises questions about the nature of love in the play, especially since Shakespeare often explored different forms of love, including in his sonnets. The portrayal of Antonio's feelings for Sebastian is left open to interpretation.

Why did Sebastian initially tell Antonio that his name was Rodrigo?

The script does not provide a clear reason why Sebastian used the name Rodrigo, which adds an element of mystery and could imply he was hiding his true identity for safety or personal reasons.

How does Malvolio become involved with Olivia’s ring, and what is its importance?

Malvolio is tasked with returning a ring that Olivia pretends Cesario (Viola in disguise) left behind, using it as a ploy to further her interest in Cesario. This interaction reveals Olivia’s growing affection for Cesario.

What prank do Sir Toby, Maria, and Feste play on Malvolio?

They forge a letter in Olivia's handwriting, leading Malvolio to believe that Olivia loves him. The prank is meant to mock his self-importance and set him up for humiliation.

What is the nature of the discussion between Orsino and Cesario in Act Two, Scene Four?

Orsino and Cesario discuss the nature of love, with Orsino expressing unrequited love for Olivia and Cesario (who is actually Viola in disguise) subtly questioning his views, while also feeling conflicted because she has fallen in love with Orsino.

How does Malvolio misinterpret the letter he finds in Act Two, Scene Five?

Malvolio reads the letter in a way that confirms his desires, imagining Olivia's love for him and the power he would wield as her husband. This scene highlights the theme of misinterpretation and the dangers of seeing only what one wants to see.

What does the phrase 'to crush this a little' mean in the context of Malvolio's interpretation of the letter?

Malvolio’s phrase 'to crush this a little' implies twisting the meaning of the letter to fit his own desires. It reflects the broader theme of misinterpretation in the play, where characters interpret events and intentions based on personal biases.

What role do the comic characters, such as Sir Toby and Feste, play in Act Two?

The comic characters bring humor and chaos, especially through their antics and the prank on Malvolio. They also serve as a contrast to the more serious characters and add layers to the theme of mistaken identity and deception.