King Lear And Twelfth Night Comparison
Within Shakespeare’s Act 2 scene 4 of Twelfth Night and Act 1 scene 4 of King Lear, comparisons between Orsino and King Lear, and Cesario and Kent are made. The distinct similarities regarding character function, the theme of love, and the motif of disguise demonstrate draw interesting parallels between the two scenes.
Orsino and King Lear are both unpredictable when making up their minds, thus, making them similar in regards to their attitude. Orsino indirectly changes his mind when talking to Cesario. Orsino tells Cesario that men’s “fancies are… sooner lost and worn” (2.4.32-33), implying that men change their mind and desires frequently with relative quickness. Orsino’s statement is proven correct by King Lear’s words. When Oswald enters the room, Lear asks him “who am I, sir?” (1.4.79-80) as a way to test Oswald to see if Oswald will refer to him as king, even though he is not king anymore. Much to Lear’s disappointment, Oswald replies “my lady’s father” (1.4.81), which infuriates Lear and causes him to lose his temper. He begins to curse at Oswald, calling him a“whoreson dog”, “slave”, and a “cur” (1.4.7). This overreaction demonstrates how Lear, when not pleased, will quickly change his mind. By Orsino and Lear having unpredictable mindsets, both men are demonstrating the power and masculinity they want to uphold. …show more content…
By having a quick temper, Orsino and King Lear appear more masculine. They enjoy self-indulging in their own problems, which they have created themselves, as a way for people to feel sorry for them. Rather than trying to fix their problems with the advice they are offered, they ignore it and allow their problem to take over them. Kent and Viola, have disguised themselves so that no one will recognize them, which allows them to serve their master who they both deeply
Orsino and King Lear are both unpredictable when making up their minds, thus, making them similar in regards to their attitude. Orsino indirectly changes his mind when talking to Cesario. Orsino tells Cesario that men’s “fancies are… sooner lost and worn” (2.4.32-33), implying that men change their mind and desires frequently with relative quickness. Orsino’s statement is proven correct by King Lear’s words. When Oswald enters the room, Lear asks him “who am I, sir?” (1.4.79-80) as a way to test Oswald to see if Oswald will refer to him as king, even though he is not king anymore. Much to Lear’s disappointment, Oswald replies “my lady’s father” (1.4.81), which infuriates Lear and causes him to lose his temper. He begins to curse at Oswald, calling him a“whoreson dog”, “slave”, and a “cur” (1.4.7). This overreaction demonstrates how Lear, when not pleased, will quickly change his mind. By Orsino and Lear having unpredictable mindsets, both men are demonstrating the power and masculinity they want to uphold. …show more content…
By having a quick temper, Orsino and King Lear appear more masculine. They enjoy self-indulging in their own problems, which they have created themselves, as a way for people to feel sorry for them. Rather than trying to fix their problems with the advice they are offered, they ignore it and allow their problem to take over them. Kent and Viola, have disguised themselves so that no one will recognize them, which allows them to serve their master who they both deeply