Shakespeare Review: Twelfth Night
Twelfth Night is one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies, full of wit, mistaken identities, and unexpected romance. It’s a play that sparkles with humor while also touching on deeper themes of love, identity, and the pain of longing. Set in the whimsical land of Illyria, Twelfth Night follows a young woman named Viola who, after being shipwrecked and separated from her twin brother Sebastian, disguises herself as a man named Cesario in order to serve the Duke Orsino. What follows is a tangle of love, confusion, and comedic chaos.
The heart of the plot revolves around unrequited love and mistaken identity. Orsino is hopelessly in love with Lady Olivia, who refuses his advances. Viola, disguised as Cesario, becomes Orsino’s messenger and ends up falling in love with him herself. Olivia, however, becomes smitten with Cesario, unaware of Viola’s true identity. The arrival of Viola’s twin brother Sebastian adds to the confusion, leading to a delightful unraveling of misunderstandings and the eventual revelation of truth. Alongside the main plot, the play features a comic subplot involving Olivia’s pompous steward Malvolio, whose delusions of grandeur make him the target of a cruel prank, adding a darker comedic edge to the story.
If you're hesitant to tackle the full play, there are several excellent adaptations that capture its lively spirit. I personally recommend just reading the play. Because the main character is presenting themselves as another one it is a good idea to see it visually. The 1996 film directed by Trevor Nunn, starring Imogen Stubbs as Viola and Helena Bonham Carter as Olivia, is a richly atmospheric version set in a 19th-century European setting. It’s beautifully acted and visually lush, with a strong emphasis on the emotional depth behind the comedy. For a more modern take, the 2006 teen comedy She's the Man reimagines the play in a high school setting, with Amanda Bynes as Viola. While it’s a loose adaptation, it’s a fun and accessible introduction to the story’s core themes of disguise and gender confusion.
Overall, Twelfth Night is a joyous and clever play that balances light-hearted humor with touching moments of vulnerability and self-discovery. Shakespeare’s exploration of identity—how we see ourselves and how others see us—feels surprisingly modern, especially in how it plays with gender roles and romantic desire. It is one of my least favorite Shakespeare plays I have read so far, but I still enjoy some aspects of it. Whether you’re new to Shakespeare or a seasoned reader, Twelfth Night offers a rewarding experience filled with laughter, love, and the kind of playful confusion that makes great comedy. It’s a perfect choice if you’re in the mood for something both entertaining and comedic.
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