The difference between true love and lust can be a difficult topic to explain. Love is having an intense feeling based on a whole of a person and their traits, while lust is only an attraction for one or a few of their traits. Twelfth Night takes place in the imaginary region of Illyria, which is on the Adriatic Coast. This region is ruled by the love sick Duke Orsino. The title is a reference to the Twelfth Night of the Christmas celebration(January,6) when The Three Wise Men gave gifts to baby Jesus. In this play there are a few examples of lust. First, Orsino’s desire to be with Olivia based on her beauty. Then there is Olivia’s interest in Cesario based of his personality. Finally, Malvolio’s lust for Olivia for status and wealth. Twelfth
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A quote from the second act helped solidify this form of lust. "Calling my officers about me, in my branched velvet gown;/ having come from a day-bed, where I have left Olivia sleeping." (TN II.5 40-41) From this quote, the idea of having status and authority over people is enough for Malvolio to lust over Olivia. Malvolio has been a servant for Olivia not being able to be lavished in clothes and being able to boss around his underlings. The thought of “calling his officers” and wearing a velvet gown are something he desires, not so much Olivia’s beauty or her personality. This is much different than the other ways lust was expressed in Twelfth Night. Here is a quote from Karl Thompson that helps prove Malvolio’s desire for Olivia’s status and wealth. "Malvolio's, tainted with self love and social ambition." (Thompson, Karl p.629) This shows that Malvolio is driven by his self interest and climbing up the social ladder anyway he can. These are not bad qualities to have, but in this case it helps confirm that Malvolio lusts after Olivia because of her status. Malvolio has been a servant for Olivia which makes him a lesser status than her and his goal is to be of a higher status in life. This example of lust is the most straightforward compared to the other
A quote from the second act helped solidify this form of lust. "Calling my officers about me, in my branched velvet gown;/ having come from a day-bed, where I have left Olivia sleeping." (TN II.5 40-41) From this quote, the idea of having status and authority over people is enough for Malvolio to lust over Olivia. Malvolio has been a servant for Olivia not being able to be lavished in clothes and being able to boss around his underlings. The thought of “calling his officers” and wearing a velvet gown are something he desires, not so much Olivia’s beauty or her personality. This is much different than the other ways lust was expressed in Twelfth Night. Here is a quote from Karl Thompson that helps prove Malvolio’s desire for Olivia’s status and wealth. "Malvolio's, tainted with self love and social ambition." (Thompson, Karl p.629) This shows that Malvolio is driven by his self interest and climbing up the social ladder anyway he can. These are not bad qualities to have, but in this case it helps confirm that Malvolio lusts after Olivia because of her status. Malvolio has been a servant for Olivia which makes him a lesser status than her and his goal is to be of a higher status in life. This example of lust is the most straightforward compared to the other