The Importance Of Humor In Twelfth Night

History proves that some of life’s most valuable lessons can be found through humor. Take “The Wizard of Oz,” four people on a journey to find love, courage, Intellect, and acceptance. And at the end of that yellow brick road one man telling them they had it all along. In the play “Twelfth Night,” the Feste the clown is the man at the end of that yellow brick road, showcases his comedic genius of other characters behavior toward life. Sometimes the characters do not seem to realize or understand his hidden message, the reader can instantly understand Feste's use of structure, through words like “dissemble” (4.2.4) which means to disguise, which in fact is present in every scene which he appears. From singing to Orsino, or arguing with Malvolio, to messing around with Viola, Feste always manages to slip that hidden message before he makes his exist. His enthusiasm is what helps him to actively fit in to each characters soundtrack of life. However, he is merely present to express that which cannot be fully expressed through the lines of other characters. Through his songs, witty jokes, Feste proudly and efficiently reveals truth throughout the play.

Most of the songs Feste's sings serve much more meaning then uderstood. If carefully listened a hidden message can be found within his songs. While in the company of Sir Toby and Andrew, Feste sings one song that has two important messages. “Trip no further, pretty sweeting. Journeys end in lovers meeting, every wise man’s son doth know.”(2.3.40). This verse explains the unusual triangle going on between Orsino, Olivia and Viola. Feste also explains not to hide behind mixed feelings, but when your time comes it comes. Feste explains a fundamental purpose for life in the second verse, “Pr...

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...ard” (3.1.11-13).

In conclusion, Through Feste's clever use of language, he takes on a role separate from his character. Although he partakes in the play, he also becomes the narrator in his respective parts. While voicing what he clearly perceives, Feste is able to make others more aware of what is going on around them, and also within them. By juggling both the roles of character and narrator, Feste is able to artfully bring forth the truth not only to the characters, but also to the audience. Furthermore, by expressing his opinions in such subtle ways, as through songs, ridicule and use of wordplay, Feste fulfills his purpose without a chance of punishment or feelings of resentment hence the title “Twelfth Night.” Therefore, Shakespeare's decision to make a character such as a court jester the narrator was the perfect fit as Feste's choice of words themselves.