trivializing relationships in Shakespeares 12th Night

A detailed Summary of trivializing relationships in Shakespeares 12th Night

In Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, the motivation behind love is propelled by selfish desires. Shakespeare exhibits functioning love through Orsino and Viola, and contrasts it to the false relationships of the other couples. By trivializing the destructive relationships between Malvolio and Olivia, Olivia and Sebastian, and that of Maria and Sir Toby, Shakespeare emphasizes the true love between Orsino and Viola.

Malvolio's love for Olivia is purely based on a wanting for a higher ranking in society, a selfish desire. Critic, John Draper agrees and states that "Not Malvolio's religion but his social status would seem to hold the key to this change in attitude toward him in the last century." (Draper, John/ Pg.90) Despite his own personality, Malvolio attempts to impress Olivia with what he is told, will attract her to him. "Remember who commended thy yellow stockings and wished to see thee ever cross-gartered...Let it appear in thy smiling; thy smile becomes thy well." (Pg. 85. Act.2 Sc.5) Here, Malvolio is willing to dress foolishly and smile continuously before Olivia, for a recognition from her, that he never does get. Olivia sees no more of Malvolio than a pestering servant, and when he address' her so ridiculously, she laughs a

The relationship between Sebastian and Olivia is merely based on the others outer appearance. As the play is ending, Olivia encounters Sebastian of whom she believes is "Cesario", and pleads for him to marry her. If Olivia had loved him for more than his effeminate appearance, then she would have been able to recognize that it was not "Cesario" whom she was speaking to. Olivia is obviously just as infatuated with Sebastian, as she was with "Cesario". "He [Sebastian] is also pleasing and reserved and unobtrusive, as Olivia required of a husband." (Draper, John/ Pg. 174) John Draper states as a result of the false relationship between Sebastian and Olivia.

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Viola's relationship with Orsino begins as a lust factor, develops into a friendship and then progresses into becoming true love. When Viola (Cesario) and Orsino first meet, Viola is infatuated with Orsino. "I'll do my best to woo your lady. 'aside.' Yet a barful strife! Whoe'er I woo, myself would be his wife." (Pg.25. Act. 1 Sc.5) Here we conclude that although Viola is lusting over Orsino and wants to be his wife herself, she cannot. Firstly, because of her disguise, and secondly, because of the friendship of which has developed between them. Viola must help Orsino woo Olivia, because if not, then their friendship will be rui

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Approximate Word count = 918
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English