Arrogant, unpleasant, and stately, Malvolio from Twelfth Night fills the role of a mean-spirited antagonist and acts as a fool to the other characters. Similar to some of the other characters in the story, Malvolio’s role in life does not match his true nature; Malvolio possesses the demeanor and nature of the aristocrat. One can find evidence in his condescending rhetoric as seen when he describes Feste as “ a barren rascal ” with “ no more brain than a stone”(I.v.9-11). In addition, his moment by himself in the garden shows his inner desires for power and prestige, for he wants “to have the humor of state”(II.v.51). His haughty and overly serious warnings and criticisms of the other characters create tension between him and Toby, Maria,
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His serious nature makes the fool seem like a real and silly fool. The constantly drunk Sir Toby’s actions create the impression that sober Malvolio's demands are draconian. At the same time, Malvolio’s civilized behavior makes Toby into a ruffian. Furthermore, in a comedy plagued by shallow instant love, Malvolio’s desire to “be Count Malvolio”(II.v.34) from a marriage with Olivia helps to make the love of Orsino, Olivia, and Viola a little more deep and sincere. Finally, the lack of real growth in Malvolio adds to his flawed character and assists in highlighting the growth and change in others, especially Olivia. In the beginning, the moods of Olivia and Malvolio complement each other, but Malvolio remains fixated on revenge “on the whole pack”(V.i.401). Although one might argue that his begging of the fool to provide him with writing utensils and paper show his development, his telling last line and the role he plays in the story indicate that Shakespeare might use the scene as a way to portray a weakness in phony aristocrats and human nature in general. Needless to say, Malvolio plays a special role in the story and his nature is an intriguing and discussion-worthy. What are some other perspectives on the role Malvolio fills? Is he truly a mean-spirited butler or a misunderstood
His serious nature makes the fool seem like a real and silly fool. The constantly drunk Sir Toby’s actions create the impression that sober Malvolio's demands are draconian. At the same time, Malvolio’s civilized behavior makes Toby into a ruffian. Furthermore, in a comedy plagued by shallow instant love, Malvolio’s desire to “be Count Malvolio”(II.v.34) from a marriage with Olivia helps to make the love of Orsino, Olivia, and Viola a little more deep and sincere. Finally, the lack of real growth in Malvolio adds to his flawed character and assists in highlighting the growth and change in others, especially Olivia. In the beginning, the moods of Olivia and Malvolio complement each other, but Malvolio remains fixated on revenge “on the whole pack”(V.i.401). Although one might argue that his begging of the fool to provide him with writing utensils and paper show his development, his telling last line and the role he plays in the story indicate that Shakespeare might use the scene as a way to portray a weakness in phony aristocrats and human nature in general. Needless to say, Malvolio plays a special role in the story and his nature is an intriguing and discussion-worthy. What are some other perspectives on the role Malvolio fills? Is he truly a mean-spirited butler or a misunderstood