This book contains the following stories:
"Twelfth Night" is a comedic play written by William Shakespeare that explores themes of love, identity, mistaken identity, and the folly of human desires.
Act 1: The play opens in the kingdom of Illyria, where a young woman named Viola has been shipwrecked. Believing her twin brother Sebastian has drowned, Viola disguises herself as a man and adopts the name Cesario to serve Duke Orsino. The Duke is deeply in love with Olivia, a wealthy countess, who is mourning the recent deaths of her father and brother and has sworn to avoid the company of men.
Act 2: As Cesario, Viola becomes a messenger for Duke Orsino and frequently visits Olivia to deliver his love messages. However, Olivia becomes smitten with Cesario, thinking him to be a young man, and starts returning Cesario's affections. Meanwhile, Viola (as Cesario) has also fallen in love with Duke Orsino, but cannot reveal her true identity due to her disguise.
Act 3: The comedic subplot involves Sir Toby Belch, Olivia's uncle, and his friend Sir Andrew Aguecheek, who both desire to woo Olivia. They enlist the help of Olivia's maid, Maria, and the clown Feste to play pranks on Malvolio, Olivia's puritanical steward. Malvolio is led to believe that Olivia is in love with him and behaves absurdly to win her affection, much to her displeasure.
Act 4: Viola's twin brother Sebastian, who was presumed dead, arrives in Illyria with Antonio, a sea captain who saved him from the shipwreck. Sebastian decides to explore the city, unaware that his sister Viola is also there.
Act 5: The confusion escalates when Olivia mistakes Sebastian for Cesario and asks him to marry her. Not knowing what led to this proposal, Sebastian accepts, thinking Olivia is simply overjoyed.
Act 6: In the final act, the truth is revealed when Viola and Sebastian are reunited. Duke Orsino realizes that he is truly in love with Viola (Cesario), and Olivia learns that Cesario is, in fact, a woman. Malvolio, who has been locked up as mad, is released and vows revenge on those who tricked him.
Ultimately, all the misunderstandings are resolved, and the characters find their true loves. Viola and Duke Orsino are united in marriage, as are Olivia and Sebastian. The play ends with a festive celebration, reminiscent of the "Twelfth Night" holiday, known for revelry and mischief.
"Twelfth Night" is a delightful comedy that explores the complexities of love, the tricks of fate, and the transformative power of disguises. The play's clever wordplay, humorous situations, and memorable characters make it one of Shakespeare's most popular and enduring works.
Shakespeare drew upon tales of Robin Hood for his play 'As you Like It.' Heroine Rosalind flees persecution from her uncles court and with her fellow exiles makes peace with the world, living out in the Forest of Dean.
"As You Like It" is a comedic play written by William Shakespeare, exploring themes of love, identity, and the complexities of human relationships.
Act 1: The play opens in the court of Duke Frederick, where Orlando, the younger son of Sir Rowland de Boys, is mistreated by his older brother, Oliver. Orlando decides to challenge his brother in a wrestling match to prove his worth. Meanwhile, Rosalind, the daughter of Duke Senior, has been banished from the court by her uncle Duke Frederick. Celia, Duke Frederick's daughter and Rosalind's cousin, decides to join her in exile.
Act 2: After defeating Charles, the court wrestler, Orlando catches the eye of Rosalind, who is disguised as a young man named Ganymede. Rosalind, along with Celia and Touchstone, the court jester, also goes into exile in the Forest of Arden. In the forest, they encounter shepherds, including Silvius, who pines for the love of the disdainful shepherdess Phoebe. Rosalind, disguised as Ganymede, offers to play the role of a love counselor for Silvius.
Act 3: Orlando, who is also in the forest, posts love poems for Rosalind on the trees, expressing his deep affection for her. Rosalind, disguised as Ganymede, decides to test Orlando's love for her by pretending to be Rosalind and engaging in role-playing and witty banter with him.
Act 4: Meanwhile, a group of exiled nobles, including Duke Senior, have found refuge in the Forest of Arden. Duke Senior's court becomes a haven for merriment and music. Rosalind continues her playful masquerade as Ganymede and manages to help others find love, including resolving the issues between Silvius, Phoebe, and her own feelings for Orlando.
Act 5: In the final act, all the characters converge in the forest, where misunderstandings and mistaken identities are resolved. Orlando and Rosalind's love is confirmed, and the couples are united in marriage. Duke Frederick, experiencing a change of heart, decides to restore his brother Duke Senior to the throne, making peace with his former enemies. The play concludes with a joyful celebration of love and reconciliation, as the characters prepare to return to the court for a life of happiness and harmony.
"As You Like It" is a delightful comedy that celebrates the transformative power of love and the joy of finding one's true identity. The play's exploration of gender roles and the nuances of human emotions, along with its witty wordplay and charming characters, make it one of Shakespeare's most beloved and lighthearted works.
