This play is really complex because of all the double/mistaken identities, but that is the crux of the plot-it's what gives the play zest and humor. In short, this play is about the different manifestations of foolishness and insanity with regard to love. Yet it is also a tale about identity and male and female relationships. Even though there are many entaglements in the imaginary world of Ilyria, it is a world where problems are easily resolved and a world in which, according to Shakespeare, we would choose to live in if we could. It's interesting to note the parallels between this play and The Merchant of Venice. For instance, in both plays, there is a character named Antonio who whole-heartedly, even unto death, devotes himself to someone he barely knows. In addition, there is also a scene that involves the giving of a ring. Also, in both plays there is much racism directed towards people of non-Anglican faiths. In The Merchant of Venice, it is against a Jew, and in this play it is against a Puritan for his"holier-than-thou," "goody-two-shoes" notions. All in all, I did enjoy this play although there are some definite sexual/sexual orientation undertones, which are present to greater or lesser degrees in almost all of Shakespeare's plays.