ACT IV Summary

 

Everyone mistakes Sebastian for Cesario

Thinking Sebastian is Cesario, Sir Andrew and Sebastian duel--Sebastian kicks butt

Olivia proposes to Sebastian, thinking he is Cesario; he accepts

Malvolio is locked in a dark room and visited by Sir Topas (Feste) who insists that Malvolio is possessed by the devil

At Olivia's house, Sir Toby continues to provoke Sir Andrew who desires to renew the duel with Cesario.  Sir Andrew mistakes Sebastian for the "cowardly" Cesario; Andrew strikes him and Sebastian beats Andrew.  While Sir Toby attempts to stop Sebastian, Olivia enters.  She also mistakes Sebastian for Cesario and invites him into the house, apologizing for the "pranks of these ruffians."  Olivia begs Sebastian to marry, he accepts and they leave to find a priest.

Sir Toby and the household staff respond to the order that Olivia gave to take care of Malvolio.  They lock him in a dark room.  Maria and Feste decide to play a few more pranks.  Feste disguises himself as a parson, Sir Topas, and makes a "mercy call."  Malvolio is relieved to hear the "parson's" voice and warmly imagines that his liberation from the dark prison room is near.  When Feste slips out, Toby presses him to drop the charade and release Malvolio because Toby is afraid that Olivia is going to throw him out of the house.  Feste, however, is having too much fun and continues on.  He enter Malvolio's room again and this time claims that there are two visitors in the room.  Malvolio pleads that he is not insane and Feste is convinced to bring him paper and pen so that Malvolio can give Olivia proof of his sanity.

In Olivia's garden, Sebastian is enjoying the bliss of being loved by the delightful and rich Olivia, although he very confused about why all this has happened to him.  He begins to wonder why Antonio did not meet him at the Elephant Inn, where they had agreed to meet and wishes that Antonio were here to give him advice; he also wonders if Olivia may be crazy.  Olivia enter with the priest and despite Sebastian's doubts he follows her into the chantry to marry Olivia.