Unrequited Love In Twelfth Night

Even though the play has a happy ending, the suffering that each character has to go through proves that sometimes people have to overcome conflicts to obtain happiness. Unrequited love not only results in melancholy, but also heartbreak, and even though someone does not love you back, that does not mean they do not deserve your love. In the 15th century playwright, The Twelfth Night, William Shakespeare explores the torture of unrequited love, which reveals that however wonderful love can feel, sometimes the pain overwhelms even the strongest of people. Unrequited love will drive even the most joyful person to melancholy. Olivia, still upset over the death of her brother, refuses to marry anybody for seven years. Duke Orsino, unwilling to accept her grief, loves her deeply. Orsino compares love to music, stating, “Give me excess of it that, surfeiting, the appetite may sicken, and so die” (I.i.2-3). Shakespeare illustrates the allure of love, stating that while Orsino cannot stop loving, he so desperately desires to stop. He loves her but she does not return his feelings.

Even though Olivia has rejected Orsino many times, he does not give up. Orsino still believes she deserves his love, saying, “Here comes the Countess. Now heaven walks on earth” (V.i.92-93). Shakespeare reveals the desperation many people feel when in a complicated situation like this. He knows she does not return his feelings, but he continues to pursue her. He reveals the perseverance of a man in love, and he does not stop until Olivia proclaims her love for Cesario. When Orsino says he will kill Cesario for marrying Olivia, Viola, still disguised as Cesario, states “to do you rest, a thousand deaths would die” (V.i.129). Her willingness to do anything for his happiness represents a love truer than most. She does not care what becomes of her as long as Orsino has the love he