The Function of Disguise in Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare

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The Function of Disguise in Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare's play, Twelfth Night is based around disguise and

deception, both mental and physical. The deception leads to a lot of

misunderstanding and subsequently, a lot of humour.

The tale begins in Illyria with the Duke Orsino, who is suffering due

to his unrequited love for the Lady Olivia. The Lady is also suffering

from the recent loss of her brother and father, and currently wants

nothing to do with the equally mournful Duke.

A disguise is used for safety when a young character named Viola

becomes shipwrecked in Illyria. She has been warned of the dangers of

being alone in Illyria and so disguises herself as Cesario, a male

eunuch and goes to work for the Duke Orsino, whom she has heard well

off.

The Duke accepts her service, under the impression that she is a he,

and wishes Cesario to attempt to woo the Lady Olivia, thinking she

will be taken in by his youthful looks. However, Viola has fallen in

love with the Duke Orsino,

'I'll do my best To woo your lady (Aside) Yet, a barful strife!

Whoe'er I woo, myself would be his wife'.

Unfortunately for Viola, the Lady Olivia is not interested in The

Duke,

'Your lord does know my mind, I cannot love him'

and even worse for Viola, the Lady Olivia has taken a liking to her!

'I cannot love him; let him send no more - Unless perchance you come

to me again to tell me how he takes it'.

Viola now sees her disguise as something negative. She is in love with

the Duke but cannot tell him so outright but is reduced to dropping

hints, and she must now face the affections of another woman on

...

... middle of paper ...

...o be clever, in order to say things that would amuse

their hosts

FESTE:Good madonna, why mourn'st thou?

OLIVIA:Good Fool, for my brother's death.

FESTE:I think his soul is in hell, madonna.

OLIVIA:I know his soul is in heaven, fool.

FESTE: The more fool, madonna, to mourn for your brother's soul, being

in heaven. Take away the fool, gentlemen.

The irony of the situation is that Feste, as you can see from this

verse, is quite an intellect; in fools clothes, while Marvolio is a

fool in the clothes of an intellect. This shows that clothes do not

always show what type of person you are.

The main plot in Twelfth Night is disguise. It was used to create the

love triangle between Viola, Orsino and Olivia. The play uses disguise

and deception to great comic effect, making it a truly exceptional

piece.

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