There are benefits and disadvantages when it comes to being in love. The affections that one feels might be satisfying, but the reactions towards these affections can seem unreasonable. William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night explores the idea about people performing irrational actions when in love. In particular, Shakespeare demonstrates this concept through the characters Orsino, Malvolio and Viola.
To begin, Orsino is shown to be madly in love with Olivia, who unfortunately has no romantic feelings towards him. Despite this reality, Orsino constantly sends messages through his attendants to Olivia in hope to receive a positive reply. Likewise, Orsino strictly orders his newest attendant, Cesario to “leap all civil bounds, /Rather than make unprofited return” (Shakespeare 1.4.20-21). His belief that Olivia would be impressed with him, love him and serve him is a bit irrational. Even though his attempts to woo Olivia were unsuccessful, his belief of being in love and being loved satisfies him, enabling him to pursue in this …show more content…
Correspondingly, Orsino’s reactions towards commuting love are slightly obsessive, thus making it unreasonable and irrational. Additionally, Malvolio’s blinded love allows him to become a vulnerable prey of irrational love. And similarly, Viola’s selfless acts of her love also unfold to be very irrational. These characters impacted by the nature of love are unable to make reasonable choices for themselves. Even though their thoughts and affections may be satisfying and beneficial to themselves, their reactions toward this nature of love seem to be irrational and unreasonable when compared to