Twelfth Night2

A detailed Summary of Twelfth Night2

In Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night", it is obvious that the oscillation of attitude, in the dual role played by the character of Viola/Cesario, gives her a better understanding of both sexes. It allows her to encompass a better discernment of the sentiments of the Duke, Orsino. Near the onset of the play, when Viola is assuming her male identity, she fashions an alternate self, giving her two masks. She takes on the "Cesario" identity in order to achieve more freedom in society. This is evident when, as Cesario, Orsino readily accepts her; while, as Viola, he may not have. Thus, the customary societal outlook on gender is portrayed. She now has the difficult task of deciding which mask to wear as she alternates between her two identities, both in emotion and in character. Orsino sees Cesario much like himself as a youth. For that reason, he has a tendency to be more willing to share his troubles and sorrows with him/her. To Orsino, Cesario is somewhat of a companion with whom to share and to teach. Thus, Viola grows in her male disguise to gain a better understanding of Orsino's inner self, not the self that he shows to the public, but rather his undisclosed self, shared only with an intimate cohort. In the course, h

owever, she grows to love him, while he seems to be in love with "love itself." His entire world is overflowing with love, but he foresees a potential turning point; apparent when he says, "If music be the food of love, play on; give me excess of it, that, surfeiting, the appetite may sicken, and so die." From this quote, the reader perceives Orsino's realization that he is caught up in "love", as well as his desire for this hunger of love to somehow diminish. A variety of "fools" enhance the comical appeal of this play. Maria, Olivia's companion, is one such "fool." She is enthusiastic in playing pranks on others. She employs Feste, Sir Andrew, and Sir Toby to carry out her tomfoolery, while she remains quiet and unsuspected. Much of the humor in this play revolves around Maria's pranks. They are bleak and vindictive, using love and power (status of Olivia) to seize Malvolio, who is ".... sick of self Love." In this particular prank, Maria forges Olivia's handwriting in a letter convincing Malvolio that Olivia is in love with him. This scheme works entirely. Malvolio's greed for power is the actual basis for his being locked up and accused of being a "madman." Maria and her collaborators recognize his desire for power, and consequently act upon it. Sir Toby Belch, Olivia's uncle as well as another "fool" in this play, is always ready and willing to assist in any game of make-believe. He constantly attempts to convince Sir Andrew Aguecheek that he has a chance of winning the lov

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Approximate Word count = 1010
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English