The entire play takes place in Illyria. In the main plot, Orsino is in love with Olivia, who unfortunately does not return his feelings. Viola is shipwrecked on the Illyrian coast, and dressed as a boy, comes to serve in Orsino's court, where she of course falls in love with Orsino. Meanwhile, in Olivia's court, some of her courtiers plan a cruel--but funny--practical joke against her pompous steward Malvolio. There is also a third plot later on involving Viola's twin brother Sebastian, who has been shipwrecked likewise. Naturally things get quite confusing, but, true to Shakespeare's comedic style, everything gets worked out in the end.

This is an enjoyable book to read, and the notes are very helpful. However, it is still better as a performance.


Pleasantly Funny
Although this comedy lacks the hilarious tone of "The Comedy of Errors" or the superb construction of "Much Ado About Nothing," it is still a pretty good play. The play begins seriously enough when after an accident at sea, Viola is looking for her lost brother. She disuises herself as a man and offers her service to Orsino. The humour is well drawn when Olivia falls in love with Viola's male disguise. Also, there is some strong comedy when Viola makes some characters angry and her brother Sebastian (who resembles Viola's male identity) suffers the consequences. But the play also has some really touching moments. Viola as a man faces the hard task of assisting Orsino in his persuit of Olivia, even though she wants Orsino for herself. Shakespeare ofcourse manages to resolve everything and offer us a happy ending. If you read this, knowing not to expect Shakespeare's best, you will probably find this very pleasant.