Shakespeare's Theme of Disguise in Twelfth Night

Shakespeare's Theme of Disguise in Twelfth Night

One question that must be looked at when observing this play is

‘Disguise’. The theme is one of the most important aspects of any

story, as it can ultimately put the storyline into perspective for the

reader.

Simply the appearance of the play and this gives us a closer look at

William Shakespeare’s intent within this play we call "Twelfth Night"

The title Twelfth Night" indirectly relates to the play and supports

the theme of disguise.

William Shakespeare was very versatile when writing a performance

simply because of the levels of writing he had created.

Reading through the play and then reviewing it is very much

differently than focusing on what all the words and acting are saying.

The play makes one think about in what term is there a real meaning

behind the whole thing.

It is said that the philosophy on human nature is that we ought to be

ourselves and not copy. This tends to make everything straightforward

and somewhat real, as it causes less confusion between the sexes.

Characters and language in this play can support this.

In Act 1 Scene 1 Orsino says "If music be the food of love, play on;

give me excess of it"

It seems that Orsino in the play has "fallen in love" with Olivia

.Yet we as the audience understand that he has not ‘Fallen in Love’ as

such, but the idea of falling in love is better suited to his belief,

But not being able to admit this to himself he ultimately falls in

love with the countess’s daughter. Orisno says and I quote" Give me

excess of it" thus showing his need for love, almost like a drug, he

will do anything for it, with this it shows a change in Orsino's true

character.

The plot eventually thickens and Orsino’s love is rejected by Olivia

yet he doesn’t give up, he continues to try, using Viola/Cesario as