Shakespearean Comedy: Twelfth Night
William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night (c. 1601) is a brilliant example of his mastery of comedy, blending mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, and festive revelry. Set in the mythical land of Illyria, the play explores themes of love, folly, and self-discovery through its vibrant characters and intricate plot. As one of Shakespeare’s most enduring comedies, Twelfth Night exemplifies the genre’s conventions while subverting expectations with its nuanced treatment of gender and desire.
Plot and Structure
The play follows Viola, who, after being shipwrecked, disguises herself as a man named Cesario to serve Duke Orsino. Orsino is infatuated with the countess Olivia, who rejects his advances but falls in love with Cesario (unaware of Viola’s true identity). Meanwhile, Viola secretly loves Orsino, creating a tangled love triangle. The subplot involves Olivia’s drunken uncle, Sir Toby Belch, and his companions—Sir Andrew Aguecheek, Maria, and Feste the fool—who conspire to humiliate the puritanical Malvolio. The play culminates in revelations, reconciliations, and marriages, as Viola’s twin brother, Sebastian, arrives, further complicating the mistaken identities before order is restored.
Themes and Conventions of Shakespearean Comedy
Like many of Shakespeare’s comedies, Twelfth Night employs:
Mistaken Identity: Viola’s disguise drives the central confusion, leading to humorous and poignant situations.
Love and Desire: The play satirizes the excesses of romantic love, particularly through Orsino’s melodramatic longing and Olivia’s sudden infatuation.
Festivity and Folly: The title references the chaotic revelry of Twelfth Night celebrations, mirrored in Sir Toby’s subplot, where authority is mocked and revelry triumphs.
Resolution and Harmony: The ending restores balance through marriages (Orsino and Viola, Olivia and Sebastian) and the humiliation of the killjoy Malvolio.
Gender and Performance
Shakespeare’s comedies often explore gender fluidity, and Twelfth Night is a prime example. Viola’s cross-dressing complicates traditional gender roles, allowing her to navigate a patriarchal world while subtly critiquing it. Olivia’s attraction to Cesario (a woman in disguise) and Orsino’s lingering affection for his young male servant add homoerotic undertones, challenging rigid Elizabethan norms.
Malvolio as a Comic Antagonist
Malvolio’s downfall provides much of the play’s humor, but his treatment also introduces darker tones. His ambition and self-righteousness make him a target, yet his eventual humiliation—tricked into believing Olivia loves him—invites sympathy, complicating the play’s comic tone.
Conclusion
Twelfth Night embodies the essence of Shakespearean comedy: laughter, love, and the temporary disruption of order. Yet, it also offers deeper reflections on identity, desire, and societal norms. Through its witty dialogue, lively characters, and layered themes, the play remains a timeless exploration of human folly and the transformative power of love.