William Shakespeare lived in England around 1560 to 1616. He wrote quite a few plays, and twelfth night was one of them. It was written in 1601 and became the peak of his comedies.

The title "Twelfth Night" has actually nothing to do with the story of the play, it probably refers to when the play was performed. Twelfth night refers to the last day of the Christmas celebrations, which lasted for two weeks. The play was performed 6 January 1602.

The play is an Elizabethan romantic play, which includes stock characters.

Malvolio is a character in the play, which is a picture of the Puritans. The Puritans dressed plainly and had a strict code of living. They condemned theatres because of too much sex and violence. Malvolio thus became an image of everything the Elizabethan audience hated.

The Puritans also meant that the theatres were the reason to sin.

Duke Orsino is in love with Olivia. He hasn't seen her much, maybe only once.

He is more preoccupied with the sensation of love itself. He is a man who is handsome, well-educated and courteous. These qualities make Viola fall in love with him. Viola is his messenger to Olivia to try to win her love.

In the meantime, in a shipwreck just off the coast of Illyria, two identical twins have been separated. The female twin believes that her twin brother is dead. She decides to disguise herself as a eunuch and serve Orsino in his court.

Later Sir Andrew sees Sebastian and thinks is Cesario, so he attacks him.

Olivia's uncle Sir Toby is a large, earthy and jolly knight. He is devoted to pleasures of the flesh. He is also manipulative which is seen in the way he deals with Sir Andrew, and makes him believe that he can win Olivia's love. He also loves practical jokes. That's the reason why he married Maria in the end, since she played a successful practical joke on Malvolio.

Sebastian beats him. Olivia also appears and also thinks he is Cesario, and talk to him in a loving manner. Olivia invites him to her house and he enters.

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 949
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)