Thus we see deceit take place through and through, all for the sake of independence, or for being bound by perplexing circumstances. Johnová notes that in the comedies, along with the cross dressing, the lady usually diminishes her original rank on the social strata. It is seen that “Rosalind, the heiress to the throne, becomes a humble owner of a herd of sheep; the rich heiress Portia becomes a junior, though wise, lawyer; the noblewoman Viola becomes a pageboy.” Thus it is a sacrifice made, with an excusable purpose.
Shakespeare cleverly toys with the themes of appearance and