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The Role Of Malvolio In William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night

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William Shakespeare, the infamous English poet, playwright, and even occasional actor of 1564-1616. Throughout his life Shakespeare wrote a total of 37 plays, including Twelfth Night. In the year of 1582, William says I do to Anne Hathaway of Shottery, England. Six months into what is assumed to be marriage bliss, Shakespeare and Hathaway welcome a baby girl to the world. Not much later the couple welcomed twins, Hamnet and Judith. Although Shakespeare's life was not long lived as we would say today, he left a mark on English as we know it. Credited with phrases such as, "Wild Goose Chase" and "In a Pickle" Shakespeare has contributed over 1,700 words to the English Language. Catholicism had been the religion of England for over 100 years …show more content…
Unless the master were the man. How now..."(Shakespeare 37). She rants on about how perfect Cesario is from his words, to his face and body. She wishes the Duke was just like him, then she would be in love. Malvolio is often seen as the antagonist of the play, he is Olivia's arrogant steward. A voice laced with arrogance he says, "...she did affect me, and I have heard herself come thus near, that, should she fancy, it should be one of my complexion. Besides, she uses me with a more exalted respect than anyone else that follows her. " (Shakespeare 63). He believes that if Olivia were to look for anyone it would be someone who is like him. She treats him with the most respect, so what else could it mean? Although Malvolio believes he is flawless, he seems to be quite a gullible person. From behind the boxwood edge Maria says, "...Observe him, for the love of mockery, for I know this letter will make a contemplative idiot of him..."(Shakespeare 63). Maria another servant of Olivia's writes a fake love letter for Malvolio. Malvolio easily believes the letter is from Olivia with no questions. After finding out the prank Malvolio becomes revengeful. In a fit of anger, he says, "I'll be revenged on the whole pack of you"(Shakespeare 146). He wants to get back at Maria and everyone involved in the love letter …show more content…
Disguising herself as a man named Cesario, Viola becomes a page for Duke Orsino. Cesario (Viola) quickly becomes Orsino's favorite, but Viola finds herself falling for the Duke. Not the easiest love interest as Orsino believes she is a man and he is in love with Lady Olivia. Things get even more confusing when Orsino sends Cesario (Viola) to Oliva's with a message of love from him. Olivia is swept off her feet, but not by who we would expect. Olivia finds herself falling for the one and only Cesario. A triangle of love, gender confusion, and desire has been

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