The Use of Deception in William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night

The Use of Deception in William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night

Deception is a key theme in William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. The characters must use deception to obtain good things, escape bad situations, or to play cruel hilarious ticks on other people. One example of deception is when Viola clothes herself in men's clothing in order to obtain a job under the Duke of Illyria, Orsino. During another scene Sir Andrew, Fabian, Maria, and Sir Toby Belch trick Malvolio into making a fool of himself. A third example of deception is when Feste the jester disguises himself as Sir Topas and taunts Malvolio. Each of these scenes and characters helps depict the different uses of deception.

The first example of deception is Viola's decision to dress as a man. She must do this in order to survive. Viola is a young woman who narrowly escaped a shipwreck along with her twin brother, Sebastian. Unfortunately, the twins where separated during the shipwreck and each believes the other perished. Viola has no way of survival other than to dress as a man and serve Orsino. Viola says: "For such disguise as haply shall become the form of my intent. I'll serve this duke...for I can sing...That will help allow me very worthy his service". (Shakespeare, 54-59)

While serving as a messenger between the Orsino and his love Olivia, Olivia happens to fall in love with Viola instead of the Duke. Later a captain finds Viola's brother, Sebastian, on the shore of Illyria. They both g...