Deception And Disguise In Twelfth Night By William Shakespeare

Deception is a common theme in the play Twelfth Night, however, William Shakespeare deems that deception is not acceptable. One of the ways that he shows this is through the events of the play where deception and disguise cause unnecessary suffering and complication. This is exemplified during the events where Viola's deception and disguise creates a complicated love triangle. For example, after Viola finds out that Olivia had fallen in love with her disguise (Cesario), she admits that “Poor lady, she were better love a dream. / Disguise, I see, thou art a wickedness, / Wherein the pregnant enemy does much” (Shakespeare 2.2.25-27). Through Viola’s realization of Olivia’s attraction for Cesario, Shakespeare shows that deception creates unintended