The Twisted Web of Couples
Twelfth Night, one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays, explores love and relationships in its truest forms. The comedy highlights the complexities and twists that can arise in the pursuit of true love. From the play’s main characters, Viola, Orsino, and Olivia, to the mischievous antics of Sir Toby Belch, audiences are transported to a world of passion, heartbreak, and desire.
One of the play’s central themes is the nature of attraction, particularly in the case of same-sex attraction. Viola, who disguises herself as a man named Cesario, falls deeply in love with Duke Orsino. Orsino, in turn, is pursuing his headstrong and fickle love interest, Olivia. Meanwhile, Olivia finds herself increasingly attracted to Cesario even though she believes him to be a man. The resulting love triangle creates complicated relationships that keep audiences on the edge.
The Role of Charity in Twelfth Night
Charity, or the giving of oneself to others selflessly, plays a vital role in Twelfth Night. One of the most charitable characters in the play is Viola, who is willing to do anything to help those she loves. She disguises herself as a man to support Orsino’s quest for Olivia’s affection despite her romantic feelings for the Duke. Additionally, she puts herself in harm’s way to protect her twin brother, Sebastian.
The character of Malvolio also displays a selfish charity, constantly trying to prove his worth to Olivia and the other characters by performing acts of service on her behalf. However, his actions are often misguided and end up causing more harm than good. Meanwhile, Sir Toby Belch, Sir Andrew Aguecheek, and Maria, Olivia’s maid, put on a charity show by providing comic relief through their drunken antics and misadventures.
Ultimately, Twelfth Night is a play about the human experience. It takes audiences through the ups and downs of love and relationships, illuminating how they can bring us together or tear us apart. At the same time, the play emphasizes the importance of selflessness and giving back to those around us through acts of charity and compassion. Through the extensive collection of the Smithsonian Libraries, audiences can dive deeper into the world of Twelfth Night, finding new connections and meanings with each reading.