Julie Tagg| Think and Write for CSEC English A and B |

Most of the characters, with the exception of Fester, are “foolish.” With close reference to the play, write an essay that discusses the nature of the folly that Olivia, Orsino, and Malvolio displays. In addition, assess how Feste influences comic tone of the play.

Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night is a play that features several characters who exhibit different forms of foolishness. Olivia, Orsino, and Malvolio all display their own unique brands of foolishness, which contribute to the play’s overall comedic tone. However, Feste, the jester, is the only character in the play who seems to be aware of the foolishness of those around him.

Olivia is one of the most prominent examples of foolishness in the play. She is portrayed as being consumed by grief and love, which lead her to make impulsive and irrational decisions. She falls in love with Cesario, who is actually Viola in disguise, and becomes obsessed with him despite his rejection of her. Her behavior is particularly ridiculous when she decides to wear a veil to conceal her beauty from the world, which only makes her more attractive to others. Feste points out the absurdity of Olivia’s behavior when he remarks, “What is love? ‘Tis not hereafter; / Present mirth hath present laughter” (2.3.40-41).

Orsino is similarly foolish in his obsession with love. He is so consumed by his own desires that he cannot see the true feelings of those around him. He believes that he is in love with Olivia but his affections quickly shift to Viola once she reveals her true identity. Orsino’s behavior is particularly ridiculous when he sends Cesario to deliver messages to Olivia, even though he knows that Cesario is really Viola. Feste mocks Orsino’s behavior when he says, “Many a good hanging prevents a bad marriage, and for turning away, let summer bear it out” (1.2.44-45).

Malvolio is perhaps the most foolish character in the play, as he is consumed by his own vanity and ambition. He falls for the cruel trick played on him by Maria, Sir Toby, and Sir Andrew, believing that Olivia is in love with him and that he will soon be married to her. His behavior is particularly ridiculous when he is convinced to wear yellow stockings and cross-garters, which is a clear sign of his gullibility and foolishness. Feste plays a key role in Malvolio’s downfall when he masquerades as Sir Topas and convinces Malvolio that he is mad.

Feste, on the other hand, is the only character in the play who seems to be aware of the foolishness of those around him. He serves as a voice of reason, often through his songs and witty remarks. Feste is particularly effective in highlighting the folly of others because he is not bound by the same social conventions and expectations as the other characters. He is able to speak truthfully and without fear of consequences, which makes him an important character in the play’s comedic structure.

In conclusion, Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night is a play that features several characters who exhibit different forms of foolishness. Olivia, Orsino, and Malvolio all display their own unique brands of foolishness, which contribute to the play’s overall comedic tone. Feste serves as a voice of reason in the midst of their foolishness, and he highlights the absurdity of their behavior through his witty remarks and songs. The play’s comedic tone is largely driven by the foolishness of its characters, and Feste’s presence only adds to the overall hilarity of the situation.

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