The Fool's Pranks: Unmasking Malvolio in Twelfth Night

TLDRMaria asks the fool to dress as Sir Topas and speak with Malvolio, who is locked up and considered mad. The fool toys with Malvolio, asking nonsense questions and claiming his answers show insanity. The fool later visits Malvolio as himself and offers comfort. The joke on Malvolio goes too far, driving him to an actual point of insanity.

Key insights

🤡The fool disguises himself as Sir Topas and toys with Malvolio, further fueling his supposed madness.

😂The fool visits Malvolio as himself and comforts him, offering help.

📝Sir Toby and Maria are pleased with the prank on Malvolio, but Sir Toby realizes the joke has gone too far.

😈The fool suggests that Malvolio believe heretical and illogical ideas to drive him to insanity.

📬Malvolio writes a letter of explanation to Olivia, with the fool's assistance.

Q&A

Why does Maria ask the fool to dress as Sir Topas?

Maria asks the fool to dress as Sir Topas to speak with Malvolio, who is locked up and considered mad. She wants to further toy with Malvolio and drive him to insanity.

How does the fool comfort Malvolio as himself?

The fool visits Malvolio and offers comfort through a song, suggesting that he can help him out of his unjust imprisonment.

What is the fool's role in the prank on Malvolio?

The fool plays a key role in the prank on Malvolio by disguising himself as Sir Topas and asking him nonsense questions, further fueling his supposed madness.

Why does Sir Toby decide to end the joke on Malvolio?

Sir Toby decides to end the joke on Malvolio because he is in trouble with Olivia, who scolded him for fighting with Sebastian. He can no longer afford to continue the prank.

How does the fool assist Malvolio in writing the letter to Olivia?

The fool helps Malvolio write a letter to Olivia, explaining his situation. Unfortunately, the letter will not be delivered immediately.

Timestamped Summary

00:01[Music]

00:09Maria asks the fool to dress as Sir Topas and speak with Malvolio.

00:13The fool toys with Malvolio, asking him nonsense questions.

00:20The fool visits Malvolio as himself and comforts him.

00:26Sir Toby realizes the joke on Malvolio has gone too far.

00:31The fool suggests that Malvolio believe heretical and illogical ideas.

00:36Malvolio writes a letter of explanation to Olivia, with the fool's assistance.

01:40