Jul 25, 2008

Twelfth Night | Act I, Scene 2 Summary and Analysis

New Characters:
Viola: the female of a twin brother–sister pair, who enters Illyria disguised as Cesario and finds love

A Sea Captain: a friend to Viola who comes ashore with her

Summary
The setting of this scene is appropriately away from the majestic atmosphere of the Duke’s palace. We meet Viola and a captain on a seacoast. Viola’s practical nature serves to complement the Duke’s romantic character.

Shipwrecked, Viola asks the Captain and sailors where she is. The Captain tells her that they are in a region called “Illyria.” Her brother, who had also...