Viola twelfth night character analysis. Viola (Cesario) Character Analysis 2022-12-21

Viola twelfth night character analysis Rating: 5,1/10 214 reviews

In William Shakespeare's play "Twelfth Night," the character of Viola is a fascinating and complex individual who adds depth and richness to the story. Through her disguises and her relationships with other characters, Viola reveals much about her personality and motivations.

One of the most notable aspects of Viola's character is her intelligence and resourcefulness. After being separated from her twin brother, Sebastian, in a shipwreck, she quickly realizes that the only way to survive in the unfamiliar land of Illyria is to disguise herself as a man. She takes on the persona of Cesario, a young servant to Duke Orsino, and proves to be an adept and loyal servant. However, her intelligence and wit also allow her to use her disguise to her advantage, manipulating situations to achieve her goals and outsmart those around her.

Viola is also a deeply caring and compassionate individual. Despite the challenges she faces, she remains kind and sympathetic to those around her. This is evident in her relationship with Orsino, who is infatuated with the Lady Olivia. Viola initially tries to discourage Orsino's pursuit, knowing that it will likely lead to heartbreak, but ultimately agrees to serve as his messenger to Olivia. She does this not only out of a sense of duty to her employer, but also out of a desire to ease his suffering.

Viola's compassionate nature is also on display in her interactions with Olivia and the other characters in Illyria. Despite the fact that she is in disguise, Viola is able to form genuine connections with these individuals, and she is always willing to lend a helping hand or offer kind words of encouragement.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Viola's character is the duality that is present throughout the play. On the one hand, she is a strong and capable individual who is able to navigate complex social situations and outsmart those around her. On the other hand, she is vulnerable and sensitive, struggling with feelings of loss and isolation as she tries to find her place in the unfamiliar world of Illyria. This duality is reflected in her disguise as Cesario, as she is able to present a confident and capable facade to the outside world while also grappling with her own emotions and desires.

Overall, Viola is a multifaceted and dynamic character whose actions and relationships drive much of the plot of "Twelfth Night." Through her intelligence, compassion, and duality, she adds depth and complexity to the story, making her a truly memorable and enduring character.

Twelfth Night: Viola

viola twelfth night character analysis

She shows her wit when she mocks the second-hand love she conveys to Olivia by using rich and over-the-top language. All Answers ltd, 'Character Analysis Viola In Twelfth Night English Literature Essay' UKEssays. Twelfth Night, with the added confusion of male actors and Viola's deception, addresses gender issues "with particular immediacy". She shows her wit when she mocks the second-hand love she conveys to Olivia by using rich and over-the-top language. Viola tries to discourage Orsino from trying to woo Olivia. Were Twelfth Night not a comedy, this pressure might cause Viola to break down. It is a play with characters that display intelligence, wit and humor.

Next

Viola, Twelfth Night: All About Viola's Character

viola twelfth night character analysis

When she begins work for Orsino she falls in love with him immediately. Twelfth night, or, What you will Updateded. Thus liberated by her brother, Viola is free to shed the roles that she has accumulated throughout the play, and she can return to being Viola, the woman who has loved and won Orsino. These qualities will help her obtain her position with Duke Orsino, and they are also the same qualities which cause Lady Olivia to immediately fall in love with her. Giving it a feminist reading, we see Viola taking charge and being her own agent in a patriarchal society, which is unlike the female characters of her time.

Next

"Twelfth Night" Character Analysis on Viola

viola twelfth night character analysis

She disguises as a boy mainly for protection because she has no family and believes that her brother has died in the shipwreck. At the end of the play, Viola finally gets to reveal her true self to Orsino, who realizes that he loves her too. Viola decides to disguise herself as a man in order to survive in a male-dominated world. Each character plays their own unique role while also highlighting Viola's nature as well. On the other hand, her disguise is ingenious, allowing her to survive in the Duke Orsino's court and take on duties unbeknownst to women. In 1943, Erich Korngold also set the songs "Adieu, Good Man Devil" Act IV, Scene 2 , "Hey, Robin" Act IV, Scene 2 , and "For the Rain, It Raineth Every Day" Act V, Scene 1 as a song cycle entitled Narrenlieder, Op. Viola keeps her true identity and self hidden.

Next

Viola

viola twelfth night character analysis

In the Shakespearean theatre when female actors were not a norm, the layers of identity become complex. For the modern audience, Viola's charm lies in her simple, straightforward, good-humored personality. Waller notes how Viola doesn't necessarily redefine what a woman is but rather sees the text as approving and reimagining what is feminine and subjective. Was not this love indeed? More importantly, the play ends happily for Viola, who is reunited with her beloved brother and joined in marriage with her beloved Orsino. Her many admirable character traits have been highlighted in this character sketch of Viola.


Next

Viola

viola twelfth night character analysis

Sebastian does not know Olivia and is bewildered. This mounting identity crisis culminates in the final scene, when Viola finds herself surrounded by people who each have a different idea of who she is and are unaware of who she actually is. The idea of wearing a mask or disguise allows the person to be someone different than what they really are and it also functions as a way to protect the person. She might be the one wearing a disguise, yet her conscience is clear and she remains true to herself. Only this makes her easily comprehend the roles and emotions she goes through.

Next

Feste, Twelfth Night: An Overview Of Feste Characters

viola twelfth night character analysis

Was this not love indeed? Cambridge University Press, 2002, p. In what chapter of his bosom? Viola is loyal and true. Viola thinks that she has lost her twin brother. Twelfth Night: This all-male affair is no one-man show". This acts as the basis of the stasis and movement of adolescent development. Viola admits to Olivia that she is someone who cannot, and will not love another woman.

Next

Twelfth Night

viola twelfth night character analysis

Make no compare Between the love a woman can bear me And that I love Olivia. The reason why Olivia falls in love with Cesario and not Orsino is that Cesario is, unlike Orsino, spontaneous, real, direct and assertive. She decides to dress as a boy so that she can get work as a page to Duke Orsino. It, is, however, not wise to assume that Viola is composed only of practicality and reason. And so, Orsino falling in love with Cesario Viola disguised as a boy would not have been an issue for the Jacobean audience. Although at times she lets certain things slip about her identity, it is never revealed because the other characters are blind to what Viola says. Retrieved 6 December 2019.

Next

Character Analysis Viola In Twelfth Night English Literature Essay

viola twelfth night character analysis

The characters of Twelfth Night are varied in terms of their personality. Later, she is the confused young woman who is falling in love with Orsino. Unlike Orsino and Olivia, Viola is purposeful and decisive: she knows what she wants and she sets about trying to get it. Were Twelfth Night not a comedy, this pressure might cause Viola to break down. The pressure from other people might cause Viola to break down. Twelfth Night stems from the era's prevalent scientific theory that females are simply imperfect males. Other critics have looked at Viola's character through thematic arcs, like identity, obscurity, and madness.

Next

Viola in Twelfth Night: Character Traits & Analysis

viola twelfth night character analysis

While Viola falls for the Duke Orsino. Modern critics like to interpret her actions under a feminist lens due to her strength and preparedness. Therefore, we can say that Viola is a well-rounded character who still garners appreciation to this day. Olivia is shocked by the changes in Malvolio and agreeing that he seems mad, leaves him to be cared for by his tormentors. Her moment of breakdown is during the scene of the duel where she feels that she might reveal her identity any moment. Despite her own developing feelings for him, Viola remains loyal to Orsino's interests and attempts to fulfill her duties as his attendant. Another quality that makes her lovable is the knowledge that even though Viola falls in love with Orsino, she remains steadfast and loyal to him and the mission that he has given her, which is to win over Olivia for Orsino.

Next