The Unexpected Love in Twelfth Night: Act 1 Scene 5

TLDRIn Act 1 Scene 5 of Twelfth Night, Olivia falls in love with Cesario, who is actually Viola disguised as a man. Malvolio tries to cheer Olivia up but fails, and Cesario impresses Olivia with beautiful words. Olivia rejects Orsino's suit but asks Cesario to come back. Olivia then sends Malvolio after Cesario with a ring, revealing her interest. The scene also introduces the characters of the fool and grumpy Malvolio.

Key insights

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

🤡The fool, Feste, displays wisdom and humor in contrast to other characters in the play.

😠Malvolio, Olivia's steward, is self-absorbed, gloomy, and dislikes the fool.

💌Olivia sends a ring to Cesario, indicating her growing interest in him.

💔Olivia rejects Orsino's suit but asks Cesario to come back, creating a love triangle.

Q&A

Who is Cesario in Act 1 Scene 5?

Cesario is actually Viola disguised as a man, serving as a messenger for Orsino.

Why does Olivia fall in love with Cesario?

Olivia falls in love with Cesario due to his eloquent and beautiful language.

How does the fool, Feste, differ from other characters?

The fool, Feste, is wiser than most characters and uses humor to challenge Olivia's mourning.

What is Malvolio's attitude towards the fool?

Malvolio dislikes the fool and wants to get rid of him.

What does Olivia's ring to Cesario signify?

Olivia's ring signifies her growing interest in Cesario and her desire to see him again.

Timestamped Summary

00:01[Music]

00:09In Act 1 Scene 5 of Twelfth Night, Olivia falls in love with Cesario, who is actually Viola disguised as a man.

00:15Malvolio tries to cheer Olivia up but fails.

00:18Cesario impresses Olivia with beautiful language, leading to Olivia's love for him.

00:29Olivia rejects Orsino's suit and asks Cesario to come back.

00:42Olivia sends Malvolio after Cesario with a ring, revealing her interest.

01:00The fool, Feste, displays wisdom and humor, while Malvolio is self-absorbed and grumpy.

01:14Olivia is ready to move on from mourning her brother and finds something new in Cesario.