Twelfth Night Malvolio's Transformation

MalvolioIn the play, Twelfth Night, most of the characters seem to go through many changes, particularly to their personalities. However, the one character that does not go through any changes to their personality is Malvolio. He was a very strict, self-righteous servant of Olivia. It appears he changes almost completely into the opposite of himself, but these changes were engineered to garner what he thought would be more power for himself. At first glance it may look like there is a change in him, but with careful scrutiny, it becomes apparent how superficial these changes actually are. Despite all of the seemingly radical transformations he undergoes in the play, he remains a stiff, conceited, power hungry narcissist.

Malvolio 's conceited personality is first revealed when he discovers Sir Toby, Sir Aguecheek and
Maria singing and dancing late at night. "My masters, are you mad?" exclaims Malvolio (2.3.77) Shakespeare makes a tool of the carnivalesque and uses it to portray Malvolio. Malvolio scolds his social superiors, which in reality would not happen. This piece of carnivalesque shows Malvolio 's false sense of seniority. "Have you no wit, manners, nor honesty, but to gabble like tinkers at this time of night? (2.3.77-78). As he speaks, his tone suggests that he believes himself to be above these frivolous activities that his masters are taking part in.

When Malvolio stumbles upon the forged letter made to look like it was sent from Olivia, Malvolio speaks to himself, "I will read politic authors, I will baffle Sir Toby, I will wash off gross acquaintances" (2.5.149-150). When Malvolio says, "I will read politic authors", he is essentially saying I will take part in the business of politicians, politicians being of high social status. The term "baffle" in this context means to treat in contempt. Even further, technically baffle means to degrade from knighthood. This shows Malvolio 's resentful attitude towards Malvolio. He also says "I will wash off gross acquaintances". When Malvolio says "gross acquaintances" he is no doubt referring to Sir Toby, Sir Aguecheek, Maria and everyone else he believes should be below him. He finds it unbearable to have to respect them, and to address them by "master" and "madam". Finally, the fact that all of this is spoken to himself shows that his haughty attitude is not a show, but that this display of arrogance is genuine.

Malvolio follows the directions of the letter for the sake of an opportunity at a higher social status, so he goes to Olivia with a mask over his true personality. Shakespeare uses the Carnivalesque to illustrate Malvolio 's ignorance. " 'Be not afraid of greatness ': 'twas well writ." (3.4.35) Malvolio quotes Olivia. He commends Olivia for her witty hint at an opportunity for a higher social status. " 'Some are born great…some achieve greatness…and some have greatness thrust upon them. '" (3.4.38,40,42). In his minds eye, Olivia is visualized as his pass to a higher social status, so he speaks a longing, lustful tone with her. It shows how much he thirsts for power. As Malvolio becomes more caught up with what is happening, his desire for power clouds his reasoning. " 'Let this fellow be looked to '. 'Fellow '! Not Malvolio, nor after my degree, but 'fellow. '" (3.4.70-73). He overanalyzes what Maria said, but in his overexcitement he begins to hear only what he wants to hear, and completely ignores what "be looked to" means. He falsely decides that by Olivia addressing him as "fellow" she was addressing him as an equal, not a servant. Through this one can see how important power is to him, and how it becomes his weakness.

When Sir Toby comes to take Malvolio away, Malvolio says "Go off, I discard you.
Let me enjoy my private. Go off." (3.4.83). Having convinced himself that he was indeed on his way to becoming a master, he speaks to Sir Toby with impudence. He talks as if Sir Toby were his servant, and that he had the permission to dismiss him likewise. This is a true Carnivalesque moment, a servant ordering a master away. Domestic helpers would not tell employers to do the housework themselves, but this is exactly what Malvolio is doing, and it marvelously portrays his pretentiousness. When Sir Toby and Maria moved in to take him away, Malvolio retaliates "Go hang yourselves all. You are idle, shallow things; I am not of your element. You shall know more hereafter." (3.4.112-113). Here, he verbally abuses his social superiors. The way he persists with his insults show he is enjoying his power. He says, "I am not of your element". This means "I am above you". He then says, "you shall know more hereafter". It shows he is eager for the fictitious position of power waiting for him. Overconfidence and arrogance had provoked him to speak despicably towards his
superiors.

"I 'll be reveng 'd on the whole pack of you!" Malvolio angrily yells after finding out the letter was a forgery. It shows that despite knowing it being beyond preservation, he still wishes to protect his pride, dignity and credibility. His personality resurfaces after learning about the letter, and his attitude immediately returns.

Malvolio 's personality perseveres through the events he is put through, and despite the mask he puts on; his arrogance and narcissism remain visible behind it. After learning of the letter, his "old" personality reappears instantly, showing how invented the changes were. Ultimately, Malvolio came out of the ordeal the same as when he went in.

Word Count: 812Works CitedShakespeare, William. Twelfth Night. Ed. Roma Gill, OBE. London: Oxford, 1623.