Identity Twelfth Night

The play Twelfth Night written by William Shakespeare revolves around a group of characters that are obsessed with the idea of being in love. Each character faces an obstacle when trying to persuade their significant other to end up together. Duke Orsino is in love with Olivia, even though she rejected having any relationship with him. While, Viola is shipwrecked and believes her twin brother Sebastian to be dead. She cross dresses and becomes a servant of Orsino and Olivia falls in love with ‘‘him’’. Whereas, Viola falls in love with Orsino. Sir Toby, Sir Andrew, and Maria, seek revenge and embarrass Malvolio. Soon later, Viola's brother arrives and Olivia asks him to marry her and he does. At the same time Viola's true identity is revealed

Throughout the play, Twelfth Night is considered to be a comedy throughout some sections of the play, the misfortunes and disguises that are depicted through the course of the play allows the readers to feel a sense of humor. This is seen through the amount of confusion and loss of identity amongst the characters which make the play amusing. Once Viola dresses as "Cesario," she earns the attention of Olivia who has fallen in love with ‘‘him’’. Viola receives a ring from Olivia’s steward, Malvolio, and says ‘‘Poor lady, she were better love a dream. Disguise, I see thou art a wickedness’’ (II.ii.25-26). Through the change of gender and miscommunication of the characters the play creates a humorous tone and depicts a comedy. Viola is depicted as sympathetic and shocked towards Olivia’s actions. Olivia’s miscommunication of Viola’s true identity causes the audience to laugh at her. Shakespeare conveys the message that it is acceptable to laugh at others misinterpretations. Continually, Viola looks