Twelfth Night Essay, Research Paper

In Shakespeare?s “Twelfth Night”, it is clearly evident that the fluctuation in attitude to the dual role and

situation and tribulations imposed upon the character of Viola/Cesario ends up in a better understanding of both

sexes, and thus, allows Viola to have a better understanding for Orsino. Near the opening of the play, when Viola

is adopting her male identity, she creates another self, like two masks and may decide to wear one or the other

while swinging between the two identities in emotion and in character. She decides to take on this identity

because she has more freedom in society in her Cesario mask, which is evident when she is readily accepted by

Orsino, whereas, in her female identity she would not be. Thus, a customary role in society and to the outlooks of

others is portrayed.

Orsino sees Cesario, as a young squire just starting out in the world, much like himself as a young, spry lad, so

he has a tendency to be more willing to unload onto her with his troubles and sorrows, seeking a companion with

which to share and to teach. Thus, Viola grows in her male disguise to get a better feeling for his inner self, not

the self that he shows to the public, or would reveal and share with Viola in her true female self, but rather his

secret self, as he believes he shares with a peer. So, she grows to love him. But, Orsino?s motivation is actually

not love for Viola, but rather he seems to be in love with love itself. His entire world is filled with love but he

knows that there might be