Twelfth Night, Act 4, Scene 2 summary
Act 4, Scene 2 of 18 · 5 min to read the scene
In Act 4, Scene 2, Maria dresses the Clown as a priest, and he challenges Malvolio's sanity while Malvolio protests against his confinement in darkness. Sir Toby wants the trick ended safely, and the Clown promises Malvolio writing materials so he can appeal to his lady.
What happens
- Maria gives the Clown a robe and beard so he can impersonate Sir Topas, a parish priest.
- The Clown denies that Malvolio's prison is dark and treats his rejection of Pythagoras's belief as evidence of madness.
- Sir Toby expresses concern about his niece's anger and wants Malvolio released if that can happen without trouble.
- After Maria and Sir Toby leave, the Clown alternates between his own voice and the priest's voice.
- Malvolio requests light and writing materials to contact his lady, and the Clown promises to fetch them.
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In this scene
What to notice
Malvolio identifies his suffering as deliberate mistreatment. His protest exposes the harm beneath the others' amusement.
Quick check
Why does Sir Toby want to stop the trick safely?
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