Twelfth Night Episode 3 - "What Country, Friends, Is This?" Scene 2

Welcome back!

At the end of scene 1, Viola recruits Captain Shaw to help disguise her as a man, much like her twin brother, which she alludes to in this line from scene 1, speaking to Captain Shaw: "Conceal me what I am, and be my aid for such disguise as haply shall become the form of my intent" -- the "form of my intent" is that of her brother Sebastian. Once in disguise, she convinces Captain Shaw to present her to Duke Orsino as a eunuch that she might work in his service. If you missed this, or parts of it, I wouldn't feel bad as it is pretty well hidden, but it is crucial for the way the rest of the play unfolds as Viola takes on the disguise of her lost brother. There are many practical reasons for her to do this. She is a young woman, for the most part alone and, therefore vulnerable. It is not a good place for a young woman to be alone in the world. For many reasons, that would not be safe. This also serves as a way for her to keep Sebastian's memory alive, a way to not quite "let him go". In a way, it is a way she can mourn him (we see this also in her reaction to the story of Olivia morning the loss of her brother - Viola can sympathize). Finally, it is practical for her because she needs to find provision for herself, a way to provide for her livelihood in this strange and new world. 

The curtain now lifts again on our story where, across the luscious green slopes of Illyria resides the court of the noble Duke Orsino.

Duke Orsino quickly strides across his courtyard and enters into his great hall, flanked by several of his attendants and musicians. He anxiously paces as he awaits word from the latest of many messengers he has sent to woo the lovely Lady Olivia and convey his love to her. Read along in the video below as the story unfolds...

Now, let's take a look at this scene from another angle. You have 2 options to choose from again You only need to do 1 of the 2.

1. If you feel like you overall understood the scene, you should watch this modernized stage production of this scene. You will notice that the director of this particular version set the play in a much more modern setting: click here.
2. If you feel pretty lost with what happened in scene 2, you should watch this reading of the scene, using modernized English: click here.

That concludes today's production of Episode 3 Scene 2. As the curtain falls, our gaze shifts back towards the sea shore where Captain Shaw helps put the finishing touches on Viola's disguise. He stands back and takes her in, a pile of long cut hair around her ankles. Shaw nods his approval and smiles at Viola, "That should do the trick, my lady. If I hadn't known better, I would mistake you for him..." the smile drops from Shaw's face. "I see him living yet in you, keeping his memory alive. He was a good man." Viola smiles and wipes away a silent tear from the corner of her eye. Shaw motions towards the exit of their hastily constructed shelter. "Let's get you to Orsino. I think we shall call you -- Cesario. Yes, definitely, Cesario."