In Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare, differences between appearance and reality create dramatic irony. Shakespeare uses this irony to amuse the audience and explain the negative consequences of deception.
As readers, we can first see the humour and the consequences that come with deception near the beginning of the book, when Viola disguises herself as Cesario, a man. As a result of this, Olivia falls in love with Cesario, but only the readers know that she is a woman. Awkward and at times amusing dialogue ensues as a result of this confusion. This is a prime example of dramatic irony. However, because of Olivia’s attraction to Cesario, Orsino, the man whom is loved by Viola and loves Olivia, feels betrayed, and subsequently becomes angry at Cesario and Olivia. He then states that he will sacrifice Cesario simply to spite Olivia, “a beautiful woman with a heart of stone”. This is …show more content…
Sir Andrew, a typically cowardly character, boldly punching Sebastian, a man he believes to be Cesario but in reality is a stranger to him, square in the face, paints a funny and amusing picture for the audience to view. Some may also find humor in Sebastian’s retaliation, and Andrew’s surprised reaction. However, this confusion creates a ripple effect that affects many uninvolved people. Viola’s disguise as Cesario ultimately gets Sebastian hurt, as he is punched in the face by Sir Andrew. Antonio’s perceived betrayal is also to blame for this mix-up, as well as Olivia’s marriage to Sebastian a man she did not intend to wed. In conclusion, Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare uses the difference between appearance and reality to amuse the audience and explain the negative consequences of deception via dramatic irony. We can see the humor and the consequences of deception in the events that surround Viola’s disguise, Malvolio’s prank, and Sebastian’s confusion with
As readers, we can first see the humour and the consequences that come with deception near the beginning of the book, when Viola disguises herself as Cesario, a man. As a result of this, Olivia falls in love with Cesario, but only the readers know that she is a woman. Awkward and at times amusing dialogue ensues as a result of this confusion. This is a prime example of dramatic irony. However, because of Olivia’s attraction to Cesario, Orsino, the man whom is loved by Viola and loves Olivia, feels betrayed, and subsequently becomes angry at Cesario and Olivia. He then states that he will sacrifice Cesario simply to spite Olivia, “a beautiful woman with a heart of stone”. This is …show more content…
Sir Andrew, a typically cowardly character, boldly punching Sebastian, a man he believes to be Cesario but in reality is a stranger to him, square in the face, paints a funny and amusing picture for the audience to view. Some may also find humor in Sebastian’s retaliation, and Andrew’s surprised reaction. However, this confusion creates a ripple effect that affects many uninvolved people. Viola’s disguise as Cesario ultimately gets Sebastian hurt, as he is punched in the face by Sir Andrew. Antonio’s perceived betrayal is also to blame for this mix-up, as well as Olivia’s marriage to Sebastian a man she did not intend to wed. In conclusion, Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare uses the difference between appearance and reality to amuse the audience and explain the negative consequences of deception via dramatic irony. We can see the humor and the consequences of deception in the events that surround Viola’s disguise, Malvolio’s prank, and Sebastian’s confusion with