Julie Tagg| Think and Write for CSEC English

Symbols

In Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, the use of symbols is an important aspect of the play’s storytelling. Symbols are objects, characters, figures, or colors that represent abstract ideas or concepts. The play uses several symbols to convey its themes more effectively.

Malvolio’s Prison

Another significant symbol in the play is the darkness of Malvolio’s prison. When Sir Toby and Maria pretend that Malvolio is mad, they confine him in a pitch-black chamber. The darkness becomes a symbol of his supposed insanity, as they tell him that the room is filled with light and his inability to see is a sign of his madness. However, Malvolio reverses the symbolism by saying, “I say this house is as dark as ignorance, though ignorance were as dark as hell; and I say there was never a man thus abused” (IV.ii.40–42). This line suggests that Malvolio is aware of the deception and that he sees the true darkness as being outside the room with those who have unjustly imprisoned him.

Olivia’s Gift

One of the most prominent symbols in the play is Olivia’s gifts. When Olivia wants to express her love for Cesario, she sends him a ring through Malvolio. Later, when she mistakes Sebastian for Cesario, she gives him a precious pearl. Both gifts serve as physical symbols of her romantic attachment to a man who is actually a woman. However, the gifts also have a deeper meaning. Olivia suggests that the jewels are intended as bribes when she says, “Youth is bought more oft than begged or borrowed” (III.iv.3). This line suggests that Olivia is willing to use her wealth to win Cesario’s love if she cannot earn it through other means.

Clothing

Finally, the play also uses changes of clothing as a powerful symbol. Clothes can symbolize changes in gender and class distinctions. For example, Viola puts on male clothes to be taken for a man. When Malvolio fantasizes about becoming a nobleman, he imagines the new clothes that he will have. When Feste impersonates Sir Topas, he puts on nobleman’s garb, even though Malvolio, who he is fooling, cannot see him. These examples suggest that clothes have a power that transcends their physical function. Clothes can represent an individual’s aspirations, social status, and even their gender identity.

In conclusion, the use of symbols in Twelfth Night is a powerful storytelling technique that helps to convey the play’s themes more effectively. Olivia’s gifts, the darkness of Malvolio’s prison, and changes of clothing are all significant symbols that add depth and complexity to the play.

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