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Twelfth Night, Act 2, Scene 3 summary

Act 2, Scene 3 of 18 · 7 min to read the scene

In Act 2, Scene 3, Sir Toby, Sir Andrew, and the Clown disturb Olivia’s house with drinking and songs, prompting Malvolio to demand better behavior. Maria answers his threats with a plan to imitate Olivia’s handwriting and make him believe that his mistress loves him, turning the quarrel into a scheme against his vanity.

What happens

  1. Sir Toby and Sir Andrew welcome the Clown, pay him to sing, and join him in a noisy round.
  2. Maria warns them about the disturbance before Malvolio arrives and delivers Olivia’s demand for better behavior.
  3. Sir Toby mocks Malvolio’s authority, and Malvolio threatens to report Maria for encouraging the disorder.
  4. Maria proposes planting letters in Olivia’s handwriting to make Malvolio believe Olivia loves him.
  5. Maria plans hidden witnesses, while Sir Toby urges Sir Andrew to obtain more money and proposes heating wine.

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In this scene

OliviaMalvolioMariaTheme: Pleasure and restraint

What to notice

Sir Toby presents Malvolio’s demand for restraint as an attack on pleasure itself. His response sharpens the conflict between household authority and the revelers.

Quick check

How does Maria propose making Malvolio believe Olivia loves him?

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