Everybody seems to have the same notion of love. They picture the same stereotypical, love at first sight romance. Often in literature, writers explore the different types of love. Of course the great William Shakespeare also analyzes loves different forms in his many comedies. In one of his most unique comedies, Twelfth Night, Shakespeare reminds us that love isn 't always the typical, fantastical love story by portraying many different types of love.
The first, and most obvious love portrayed in Twelfth Night is romantic, true love. This genuine love is displayed by Viola and her love for Duke Orsino. Viola disguises herself as a man and ends up falling madly in love with Duke Orsino. She tried to hide her true affections for the Duke, …show more content…
While there are many relationships in Twelfth Night that end in success, Shakespeare reminds us that love doesn 't always end with a happily ever after. Malvolio is a prime example of a love story gone bad. He is a narcissistic, ego filled man who develops a love interest with Olivia. He talks about being “Count Malvolio” (Act II, v), and considers himself in high regards. Olivia even accuses him of being “sick of self love” (Act I, v). Though, his bloated ego gets the best of him and ends up being his ultimate demise. He makes enemies with Sir Toby Belch, Maria, Sir Andrew and many others who trick him into thinking Olivia sent him a love letter. His egocentric mind blinds him from seeing his faults, and he ends up making a crazed fool of himself in front Olivia. Malvolio ends up being less of a tragic character, and more of a character who is pitied at the very most. Another example of failed love is with the character Sir Andrew. His idiocy gives the play a comedic tone as he provides comic relief in a sometimes tense environment. He tries to win over Olivia by engaging in a duel with Cesario, who he believes is winning Olivia 's heart. Though his true cowardice shows through, when he realizes that Cesario is ready to fight. He immediately wants to forfeit and offers to give Cesario his grey horse in return for his safety. Sir Andrew desperately says, “Plague on ’t, an I thought he had been valiant and so cunning in fence, I’d have seen him damned ere I’d have challenged him.” (Act III, iv). Sir Andrew ends up alone in the end, and is left to pay for his stupidity by himself. The final example of failed love in Twelfth Night is Antonio’s relationship with Sebastian. Antonio selflessly loves Sebastian, but it is unclear if it is a romantic love, or a friendly love. Throughout the play, Antonio is the only active part of their relationship. Sebastian hardly does anything for Antonio, but merely accepts his
The first, and most obvious love portrayed in Twelfth Night is romantic, true love. This genuine love is displayed by Viola and her love for Duke Orsino. Viola disguises herself as a man and ends up falling madly in love with Duke Orsino. She tried to hide her true affections for the Duke, …show more content…
While there are many relationships in Twelfth Night that end in success, Shakespeare reminds us that love doesn 't always end with a happily ever after. Malvolio is a prime example of a love story gone bad. He is a narcissistic, ego filled man who develops a love interest with Olivia. He talks about being “Count Malvolio” (Act II, v), and considers himself in high regards. Olivia even accuses him of being “sick of self love” (Act I, v). Though, his bloated ego gets the best of him and ends up being his ultimate demise. He makes enemies with Sir Toby Belch, Maria, Sir Andrew and many others who trick him into thinking Olivia sent him a love letter. His egocentric mind blinds him from seeing his faults, and he ends up making a crazed fool of himself in front Olivia. Malvolio ends up being less of a tragic character, and more of a character who is pitied at the very most. Another example of failed love is with the character Sir Andrew. His idiocy gives the play a comedic tone as he provides comic relief in a sometimes tense environment. He tries to win over Olivia by engaging in a duel with Cesario, who he believes is winning Olivia 's heart. Though his true cowardice shows through, when he realizes that Cesario is ready to fight. He immediately wants to forfeit and offers to give Cesario his grey horse in return for his safety. Sir Andrew desperately says, “Plague on ’t, an I thought he had been valiant and so cunning in fence, I’d have seen him damned ere I’d have challenged him.” (Act III, iv). Sir Andrew ends up alone in the end, and is left to pay for his stupidity by himself. The final example of failed love in Twelfth Night is Antonio’s relationship with Sebastian. Antonio selflessly loves Sebastian, but it is unclear if it is a romantic love, or a friendly love. Throughout the play, Antonio is the only active part of their relationship. Sebastian hardly does anything for Antonio, but merely accepts his