Twelfth Night Read Online Free PDF Page B

servingman” than she does to him. Fabian argues that Olivia intends to make him jealous and wake his “dormouse valour.” He claims Sir Andrew has missed an opportunity, and Sir Toby, keen for him to stay so he can continue to spend his money, suggests challenging Cesario to a duel. He instructs Sir Andrew to write a letter with “gall enough in thy ink,” emphasizing the difference between crafted words and reality. Maria calls them to have a look at Malvolio, who is obeying “every point of the letter.”
ACT 3 SCENE 3
    Antonio’s strong attachment to Sebastian becomes more apparent as he addresses him in potentially homoerotic terms, expressing his “desire” and “willing love,” furthering the play’s exploration of the possibilities and complexities of same-gender love hinted at in Orsino’s language to Cesario. Sebastian intends to explore Illyria butAntonio cannot accompany him because of Orsino’s enmity. Instead, he gives Sebastian his purse and arranges to meet him later at an inn.
ACT 3 SCENE 4
    The fast pace of this scene emphasizes the confusion of the various deceptions that are under way.
    Lines 1–76: Olivia muses how best to woo Cesario, then asks Maria to fetch Malvolio—such a “sad and civil” person will suit her mood. Maria replies that he seems to have gone mad and “does nothing but smile” but goes to call him. Olivia observes that she herself is mad, again drawing a parallel between love and madness. There is dramatic irony in the exchange between Olivia and Malvolio as he quotes lines from the letter he believes is from her. Olivia thinks he must be mad indeed and suggests he goes to bed, which he takes to be an invitation. Cesario’s return is announced and Olivia leaves, instructing Maria to ask Sir Toby to look after Malvolio. Determined to read all events as evidence of Olivia’s love, Malvolio recalls that the letter instructed him to “be opposite with a kinsman” and decides that she has called for Sir Toby as a test.
    Lines 77–175: Sir Toby, Fabian, and Maria pretend to believe that Malvolio is mad and treat him accordingly until he exits in anger. They are delighted by the results of the plan and, in a moment of meta-theatrical awareness, Fabian declares that if he saw the scene “played upon a stage,” he would “condemn it as an improbable fiction.” Sir Toby decides they should lock Malvolio in a darkened room, a traditional treatment for madness. Sir Andrew arrives with his challenge to Cesario. Sir Toby reads it and Fabian pretends to approve while revealing the nonsensical nature of the letter and the foolishness of its writer. They encourage Sir Andrew to look for Cesario in the orchard. When he has gone, Sir Toby comments that the challenge will “breed no terror in the youth. He will find it comes from a clodpole,” so instead of delivering it he will act as a go-between, inciting them against each other.
    Lines 176–248: Olivia continues to woo Cesario/Viola, who displays a “heart of stone” and continues to plead for Orsino. When Olivia has gone, Sir Toby and Fabian accost Cesario and pretend that he has enraged Sir Andrew, who is waiting for him in the orchard, “bloody as the hunter.” Bewildered, Cesario claims that he has no quarrel with anyone, but they pretend that he must have done something to upset him, describing Sir Andrew’s fury and his history as “a devil in private brawl” who has killed three men. Alarmed, Cesario insists that he is no fighter and asks Sir Toby to speak to Sir Andrew on his behalf.
    Lines 249–281: Sir Toby now describes Cesario’s anger to Sir Andrew, who regrets challenging him. Sir Toby’s aside reveals the pleasure he takes in making a fool of Sir Andrew. Fabian brings Cesario, and Sir Toby assures the two “rivals” that the other insists on fighting but has promised not to draw blood.
    Lines 282–369: Antonio arrives and, mistaking Cesario for Sebastian, offers to fight on his behalf. Sir Toby