Summary: Act V, scene i
If this be so . . .
. . .
Give me thy hand,
And let me see thee in thy woman’s weeds.
See Important Quotations Explained
Orsino approaches Olivia’s house, accompanied by Viola
(still disguised as Cesario) and his men. The Illyrian law officers
come in looking for Orsino, dragging Antonio. Orsino, who fought
against Antonio long ago, recognizes him as an honorable enemy.
He asks Antonio what caused him to come into Orsino’s territory,
where Antonio knew he would be in danger. Antonio responds by telling the
story of how he rescued, befriended, and protected Sebastian, traveling
with him to this hostile land. He lashes out at Cesario, whom he
continues to mistake for Sebastian, claiming that Sebastian has
stolen his purse and denied knowing him. Viola and Orsino are both
bewildered, for Viola truly does not know Antonio.
Olivia enters and speaks to Cesario, she too believing
him to be Sebastian, whom she has just married (at the end of Act
IV, scene iii). Orsino, angry at Cesario’s apparent betrayal of
him, threatens to carry Cesario off and kill him. Viola, resigned,
prepares to go with Orsino to her death and says that she loves
only him. Olivia is shocked, believing that her new spouse is betraying
her. She calls in the priest, who, thinking that the young man in
front of him is Sebastian, testifies that he has just married Olivia
to the young man. Orsino orders Olivia and Cesario to leave together
and never to appear in his sight again.
Suddenly, Sir Andrew enters, injured and calling for a
doctor. He says that he and Sir Toby have just been in a fight with
Orsino’s servant, Cesario. Seeing Cesario, Sir Andrew accuses him
of the attack, but the confused Viola answers that she is not responsible.
Olivia orders Sir Andrew and Sir Toby away for medical attention.
Finally, Sebastian appears, apologizing to Olivia for
having beaten up Sir Toby and Sir Andrew. Recognizing Antonio, and
not yet seeing his sister, Sebastian cries out joyfully how glad
he is to see him. Dazed, all the others stare at Sebastian and Viola,
who finally see one another. They interrogate one another with a
barrage of questions about their birth and family history. Finally,
they believe that they have each found their lost sibling. Viola
excitedly tells Sebastian to wait until she has put her woman’s
clothing back on—and everyone suddenly realizes that Cesario is
really a woman.
Orsino, realizing that Olivia has married Sebastian, doesn’t
seem terribly unhappy at losing her. Turning back to Viola, he reminds her
that, disguised as a boy, she has often vowed her love to him. Viola
reaffirms her love, and Orsino asks to see her in female garb. She
tells him that her clothes were hidden with a sea captain, who now
has taken service with Malvolio. Suddenly, everybody remembers what
happened to Malvolio. Feste and Fabian come in with Malvolio’s letter,
delivered from his cell. At Olivia’s order, Feste reads it aloud.
Malvolio writes that the letter seemingly written to him by Olivia
will explain his behavior and prove he is not insane.
Realizing that Malvolio’s writing does not seem like that
of a crazy man, Olivia orders that he be brought to them. Malvolio
is brought in, and he angrily gives Olivia the letter that Maria
forged, demanding to know why he has been so ill treated. Olivia,
recognizing Maria’s handwriting, denies having written it but understands what
must have happened. Fabian interrupts to explain to everyone how—and
why—the trick was played. He mentions in passing that Sir Toby has
just married Maria. Malvolio, still furious, vows revenge and leaves
abruptly. Orsino sends someone after Malvolio to make peace and
find Viola’s female garments. He then announces that the double
wedding will be celebrated shortly. Everyone exits except Feste,
who sings one last song, an oddly mournful melody about growing
up and growing old, and the play ends.
