Fool's First Taunts Malvolio

When Toby, Maria, and Fool become sick of the stuffy steward, Malvolio, they lock him in a dark room to make him think he has gone mad. During the era, it was commonly believed that neurodivergent people were possessed by the devil. Consequently, the group first taunts Malvolio by asserting that Satan “speaks within him” (III, iv, 84). They forward this charade by bringing in Fool disguised as a priest. During Fool’s interrogation, he never directs his questions at Malvolio but instead at the supposed devil. He even claims that the dark room is in fact a brightly lit one with large windows just to further confuse Malvolio. However Malvolio is certain with his lucidity, saying that the “house is as dark as ignorance” (IV, ii, 3). Fool dismisses