Theme Of Egotism In Twelfth Night

Several of the characters in Twelfth Night display egotism throughout the play. Three characters that demonstrate self-absorption are Malvolio, Olivia, and Duke Orsino. In the play, when Malvolio finds the letter in the garden, he quickly jumps to the conclusion that the letter is for him because of what is says inside. Malvolio said "if this fall into thy hand, revolve. In my stars I am above thee, but be not afraid of greatness (Shakespeare, 84)." In other words, the letter stated many good characteristics of whom it was for, even though it was a trick, and he believed it had to be about him because he thought so highly of himself. In the quote, he even spoke out loud saying that he is above thee and to be not afraid of greatness, which is
"If music be the food of love, play on (Shakespeare, 8)." Throughout scene one, Orsino is saying phrases like this, showing the type of state he is in. In other words, love is in the air for him. During the end of the play in the last scene, Orsino's attitude towards everything seemed to change. In his long speeches, he talks less of love and dreaming, and it becomes more realistic. "A solemn combination shall be made of our dear souls (Shakespeare, 187)." This quote by Orsino is an example of the type of language he was using towards the end of the play. In the beginning, he was so obsessed with love that he always spoke in a happy and light tone, but later, he began speaking more in a normal, regular wayThrough out Twelfth Night, social classes are shown by little hints in the play. Something demonstrating social class is when Malvolio was tricked to think that Olivia, someone who is much higher class than him, loved him. Malvolio had elaborate fantasies of marrying Olivia, but that was not just for love. He had a social ambition and a want for higher power and prestige. This scene showed the difference in classes between Malvolio and Olivia. Another example of social order in Twelfth Night is when Viola aspired to be like Olivia living by herself without a man. "O, that I served that lady, and might not be delivered to the world till i had made mine own occasion mellow, what my estate is (Shakespeare, 13)." This quote displays how Viola wants to work for Olivia so she can live like her. Because Olivia is a higher class than Viola, Viola says she wants to serve her, instead of saying she wants to live like her. In all, Twelfth Night obviously has a social class because it is presented through many of the