Malvolio In Twelfth Night
Malvolio; the puritanical, entertainment-despising character, who undoubtedly contradicts himself and his beliefs, provides Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night with a comedic, yet somewhat disheartening aspect, but nonetheless contributes to the enjoyment of the readers.
Malvolio is presented as a stereotyped Puritan figure, who is quick to judge supposed sinners, such as the other aristocratic, frivolous servants. Additionally, he isolates himself from the merriment between the other servants of Lady Olivia, in an attempt to prove his own comparative restraint, despite being no more superior than the other servants. As a puritan, despising anything entertaining or merry is the norm, which is funny in itself as that is the basis for Twelfth Night. …show more content…
In Act 2 Scene 4 he fantasises about having power over Sir Toby, scolding him for drinking too much. As a result of his serious nature, he is an easy target for the other characters to make a fool of. His ultimate desire and lust for power, which is heightened by his fantasies of Olivia, allows for him to become subject to a cruel prank. Perhaps it can be said that he is “blind” or “drunk” with love, rather than alcohol like the other servants. He emphasizes the importance of "good order" and proper, respectable human conduct; yet when he believes that the love letter he receives is from Olivia, he ultimately makes a fool out of himself by dropping his beliefs in the hope of impressing the lady. The letter displays a side to him that had not been seen before; an exuberant lust for life, full of aspirational declarations, such as “I will”; evidently showing his determination and susceptibility to fall for such a simple prank. His sense of dress also alters, further emphasizing his utter foolish behaviour, to mould himself to fit Olivia’s specifications. Initially, he is dressed in black, a strictly puritanical colour, yet dramatically changes into yellow stockings and garters. However, he is deemed “mad” after reciting the letter, which is only characteristic of him and his pretentious
Malvolio is presented as a stereotyped Puritan figure, who is quick to judge supposed sinners, such as the other aristocratic, frivolous servants. Additionally, he isolates himself from the merriment between the other servants of Lady Olivia, in an attempt to prove his own comparative restraint, despite being no more superior than the other servants. As a puritan, despising anything entertaining or merry is the norm, which is funny in itself as that is the basis for Twelfth Night. …show more content…
In Act 2 Scene 4 he fantasises about having power over Sir Toby, scolding him for drinking too much. As a result of his serious nature, he is an easy target for the other characters to make a fool of. His ultimate desire and lust for power, which is heightened by his fantasies of Olivia, allows for him to become subject to a cruel prank. Perhaps it can be said that he is “blind” or “drunk” with love, rather than alcohol like the other servants. He emphasizes the importance of "good order" and proper, respectable human conduct; yet when he believes that the love letter he receives is from Olivia, he ultimately makes a fool out of himself by dropping his beliefs in the hope of impressing the lady. The letter displays a side to him that had not been seen before; an exuberant lust for life, full of aspirational declarations, such as “I will”; evidently showing his determination and susceptibility to fall for such a simple prank. His sense of dress also alters, further emphasizing his utter foolish behaviour, to mould himself to fit Olivia’s specifications. Initially, he is dressed in black, a strictly puritanical colour, yet dramatically changes into yellow stockings and garters. However, he is deemed “mad” after reciting the letter, which is only characteristic of him and his pretentious