The Twelfth Night: Viola - Assignment Example

Shakespeare uses Viola’s feelings to show how love ‘attacks’ people spontaneously. In describing her love for Orsino, she states that “… she sat like patience on a monument. Smiling at grief. Was not this love indeed?” (II. iv. 60). This shows how sincere her love for Orsino was. She claimed that her state was desperate for her master’s love.
Viola is also used to illustrate how violent and frustrating love can be.

Although Viola, who disguises themself as Cesario, is in love with her master, she remains loyal to him. This makes Olivia, the Orsino’s lover, like her for her boldness, thinking she is a man. This makes Orsino accuse Viola (Cesario), of taking Olivia away from him. This leads to a chaotic confrontation between Orsino and Viola. Shakespeare is thus able to portray the good and bad sides of love through Viola.

Finally, because of her disguise, Viola is able to influence other characters in the play. She is used to highlighting the kind of love men have for women and vice versa. For instance, the fact that she acts as a man, she is able to reveal to the audience the kind of love that exists between Olivia and Orsino, and the feelings they have for one another. Read More