Confusion And Chaos In Shakespeare's Twelfth Night

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Twelfth Night is a significant Christian holiday that marks the Feast of the Epiphany (the day the tree wise men presented baby Jesus with gifts). It is celebrated by playing pranks on one another-, which usually result in confusion and chaos. Hence the title of the play- as it’s subject revolves around confusion and chaos as well. In Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, confusion and chaos are shown in multiple ways. Confusion of identity and chaos creates the love triangle between Duke Orsino, Viola /“Cesario” and Olivia while it also plays a role in the prank on Malvolio. Furthermore, chaos transpires when Antonio mistakes “Cesario” for Sebastian. Evidently, the presence of confusion and chaos in “Twelfth Night” is vital to the play, especially bearing in mind the traditions connected to its title.

Confusion is a major factor in the plot of Twelfth Night- especially in the crazy love triangle between Duke Orsino, Viola (“Cesario”) and Olivia. What makes the whole situation even crazier is that Viola is actually a woman. This is apparent through little hints given to the characters here and there and also by how easily Olivia falls in love with “Cesario” when she is actually in mourning. In Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, Olivia wonders how she could so suddenly change her mind about loving when she questions, “How now? …show more content…

First of all, Olivia was so desperately in love with “Cesario” that she didn’t even notice that she married the wrong man- even if they did look alike. She wants to have been married to ‘Cesario” so much that she believes that his utter disbelief at what she’s saying is only a ruse to make sure Orsino didn’t kill him. This is shown when she says:
Alas, it is the baseness of thy fear/ That makes thee strangle thy propriety. / Fear not, Cesario. Take thy fortunes up. / Be that thou know’st thou art, and then thou art/ As great as that thou fear’st.

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