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Twelfth Night, Act 2, Scene 4 summary

Act 2, Scene 4 of 18 · 5 min to read the scene

In Act 2, Scene 4, the Duke listens to a sad song and discusses love with Viola, who indirectly describes her own feelings while defending women's faithfulness. Despite her argument that Olivia's refusal deserves acceptance, he sends her back with a jewel and another declaration of unwavering love.

What happens

  1. The Duke requests an old song and questions Viola about the person she loves.
  2. Viola describes someone resembling the Duke, while he advises her to love a younger woman.
  3. Feste sings about a faithful lover's death, receives payment, and mocks the Duke's changing moods.
  4. Alone with Viola, the Duke orders another appeal to Olivia and refuses to accept her rejection.
  5. Viola defends women's devotion through a story about her father's daughter and her unspoken love.
  6. The Duke sends Viola to Olivia with a jewel and insists that his love cannot accept refusal.

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In this scene

ViolaOlivia

What to notice

Viola comes close to declaring her feelings while keeping the appearance of a hypothetical story. The Duke responds by asking about the daughter rather than recognizing the personal confession.

Quick check

What does the Duke give Viola to take to Olivia?

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