Role Of Clothes In Twelfth Night

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Recommended: Shakespeare twelfth night analysis

Catrin Seepo
Dr. Cruz-Petersen
LIT 4250
5 November 2017
Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night In theaters, clothes are essential elements, which fall under the representational somaesthetics, especially during the Renaissance. In addition, it was popular in that era for actors to switch the gender of the character that they are playing throughout the play. In Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, the image of the woman’s body through the change of clothes is revealed in a number of ways during the play. First of all, the image of a woman dressed as a man is presented in the play when Viola disguised as man (Cesario) so she can seek protection from Duke Orsino, and thus she can look for her twin brother Sebastian, whose fate became unknown after a storm hit …show more content…

For example, after Malvolio, Olivia’s servant, was set to believe that she is in love with him, he dresses in colors, keeps smiling, and argues with everyone around him (Act III Scene IV). Such acts offends Olivia and ruins her image as a grieving lady. In addition, another image reveals when Antonio tries to protect Cesario (Viola) thinking that she is his dear Sebastian. After getting arrested, Antonio’s heart breaks when Cesario (Viola) does not recognizes him (IV). In the following scenes, such confusion occurs due to the fact that Viola and Sebastian are twins, and Viola is dressed as a man. Those who meet them separately believe Cesario is Sebastian, and vice versa, for example, the Clown, Antonio and Olivia (Act IV Scene I). In the end of the play, the truth is revealed in Act V when Sebastian and Viola (Cesario) finally meet. Viola is happy that her brother is alive and finally announces, “this my masculine usurp'd attire” (Scene I). Two interesting things happen; first is that Duke Orsino calls Viola “boy” even though Viola’s true identity is revealed. Second, the Duke states that for the time being, his dear Viola will remain Cesario until she dresses in lady’s

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