Homosexuality In Twelfth Night

The following analysis will describe how Act 2, Scene 1 of Shakespeare’s twelfe night is an early depiction of homosexuality in literature. Shakespeare approaches homosexuality with a comedic perspective as opposed to a politically charged perspective. This is a sign that this piece of theater’s point is to use these themes to create amusement rather than use them as a representation of the cultural attitude towards same-sex relations in the 16th century.
The first indicator of same-sex attraction in this play is clear in Act 2, Scene 1. The conversation between Antonio and Sebastian is one which has homosexual undertones. In the first line, Antonia says to Sebastian, “Will you stay no longer, nor will you not that I go with you?” This could be interpreted as homoerotic because Antonia is displaying dependence on Sebastian, and the desire to be with him. This quote also shows how Antonio feels like Sebastian is disregarding him as he does not want Antonio to accompany him. Sebastian 's firmness on not wanting the acquaintance of Antonio shows how he also feels something towards him. By pushing him away, he …show more content…
The following quote “But, come what may, I do adore thee so that danger shall seem sport, and I will go” depicts Antonio trying to tell Sebastian that he adores him while still maintaining his masculinity. This is because he says he adores him, which is the part of the line where he diminishes his own masculinity, while he finishes his sentence by saying even if there is danger, the danger will not be of a bother to him that he will continue to associate with him. This creates comedy as the audience is seeing Antonio go back and forth between being a more masculine, and a more feminized character. As this is the end of the scene, the audience can see that Antonio is not a character that sticks true to his gender or sex role, as opposed to another Shakespeare character such as