Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, or What You Will is a riotous comedy of mistaken identity, thwarted desires, and ultimately, the triumph of love—a love that transcends the rigid gender roles of its Elizabethan setting. The play's enduring appeal lies not only in its witty dialogue and farcical situations but also in its exploration of gender fluidity and the complexities of desire, making it remarkably relevant even today. This exploration goes beyond mere cross-dressing; it delves into the very nature of identity and how societal expectations can shape, and sometimes distort, our understanding of love.
The Central Conundrum: Viola's Disguise
At the heart of Twelfth Night lies Viola, shipwrecked and believing her twin brother Sebastian to be dead. Disguised as a man named Cesario, she enters the service of Duke Orsino, who is hopelessly infatuated with Olivia. This disguise is not merely a plot device; it throws into sharp relief the constraints placed upon women in Elizabethan society and the freedom—and limitations—that masculinity affords. As Cesario, Viola can navigate the male-dominated world of the court, experiencing a level of agency denied to her in her true female form.
How does Viola's disguise affect the play's themes?
Viola's disguise serves as a catalyst for much of the play's comedic chaos. It allows her to witness Orsino's affections firsthand, to understand his capricious nature, and to ultimately manipulate him into reciprocating her own burgeoning love. The ambiguity of her position highlights the performative aspects of gender itself. Viola's adoption of male attire is a performance, but one that reveals the underlying fluidity of identity and desire, challenging the rigid binary of the time. Her disguise also underscores the societal limitations placed on women in Elizabethan society, highlighting the lack of agency and opportunities available to them. This is evident in the stark contrast between her capabilities as Cesario and the constrained role she would occupy as a woman.
Orsino's Obsession: A Study in Unrequited Love
Duke Orsino's obsessive pursuit of Olivia presents a fascinating counterpoint to Viola's experience. His affections are, at first, characterized by a romanticized, almost theatrical portrayal of love, more focused on self-expression than genuine connection. Orsino’s love is idealized and detached from reality; he dwells in the poetic expression of his feelings rather than seeking a true relationship. His infatuation with Olivia blinds him to Viola’s true affections, showcasing his inability to recognise authentic connection beneath the surface of his idealized desires.
Why does Orsino fall for Cesario?
Orsino’s eventual attraction to Cesario (Viola in disguise) highlights the performative nature of gender and the flexibility of desire. His shift in affections suggests that his initial attraction to Olivia was perhaps less about Olivia herself, and more about the fantasy he projects onto her. When Cesario enters the scene, Orsino projects his romantic ideals onto this seemingly available and receptive individual. This shift underlines the subjective nature of love and attraction, and how it can be influenced by social constructs and the performance of gender.
Olivia's Resistance and Subversion
Olivia, initially portrayed as a woman of propriety and restraint, presents a fascinating case study in subverting gender expectations. Though initially rejecting Orsino's advances, she promptly falls for Cesario (Viola), further blurring the lines of gender in the play's romantic dynamics. Olivia's initial resistance is not necessarily a rejection of love but rather a reflection of societal expectations and her own agency. Her eventual love for Cesario displays a defiance of the patriarchal norms which dictated her behaviour at the outset of the play.
How does Olivia's character challenge gender norms?
Olivia's actions challenge the prescribed gender roles of the time. Her initial rejection of Orsino's advances defies the expectation that a woman should passively accept a suitor's attention. Furthermore, her swift attraction to Cesario further subverts these expectations, as she falls in love with someone she believes to be a man, exhibiting a boldness that counters the expected passivity. Her defiance and unexpected romance highlight the restrictive nature of societal expectations on women and the ways in which they can find agency and fulfilment outside of established norms.
Beyond Gender: Themes of Identity and Deception
Twelfth Night is not simply about cross-dressing; it’s a sophisticated exploration of identity, deception, and the fluidity of love. The constant mistaken identities and disguises throughout the play create a world where appearances are deceiving and true identity is constantly questioned. The play’s exploration of love’s ability to transcend societal norms and gendered expectations remains deeply resonant in the modern world. It's a reminder that the essence of love often lies beyond surface appearances and rigid societal classifications. The play's enduring popularity stems from its timeless exploration of human connection and the enduring power of love in all its complexities.
