‘When Malvolio falls, he invites pity not laughter.’ How far do you consider this to be applicable to the nature of the comedy in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.
Assignment details:
This Shakespeare essay asks you to consider the darker side of Shakespeare’s comedies, specifically, here, Twelfth Night. Increasingly, this is the way that Shakespeare’s comedies are staged and filmed because they seem more palatable to a 21st century audience if viewed in this way, since the comedy itself can seem rather out of step with today’s world if produced as merely farcical; much more out of step, in fact, than in the tragedies.
Advice on approaching this essay:
You need to think carefully in this Shakespeare essay about the way that Shakespeare presents the character of Malvolio (if a character is named in a question, they should provide the central focus).
Initially, he is a social climbing, pompous fool, far more so than the named fool in the play, Feste, who frequently acts as a sort of commentator in the play, a role that Shakespeare’s ‘fools’ often seem to occupy.
When he appears ‘yellow stockinged and cross gartered’ (Act II, Scene v) he is indeed a hilarious figure, mocked as much by his own arrogance as the trick played on him. However, when he is so far reduced in status to be wrongly imprisoned, he does invoke our pity.
Your Shakespeare essay needs to use this central image as the play does, to ask us to examine how close are the boundaries between tragedy and comedy and here you could bring in other themes of the play such as the supposed tragedy which causes Viola to adopt male dress in order to survive when she thinks her brother has drowned.
You should follow the standard five paragraph structure for this Twelth Night Shakespeare Essay:
- The introduction, considering the narrow boundaries between comedy and tragedy in Shakespeare’s work
- The main body of three paragraphs with one on Malvolio and his interaction with the other characters, the second on the way Shakespeare develops this to make the plot darker and the third on how this reflects Shakespeare’s play as a whole.
- The conclusion, where you draw together your main points and emphasise the angle you have taken in your Shakespeare essay.
Sample essay response:
Introduction
Shakespeare’s comedies often harbor elements of darkness and complexity that blur the lines between comedy and tragedy. “Twelfth Night,” in particular, exemplifies this interplay, presenting a narrative that is both humorous and melancholic. In modern interpretations, this duality has become more pronounced, with directors and actors emphasizing the darker undertones to resonate with contemporary audiences. This essay will focus on the character of Malvolio in “Twelfth Night,” examining how his journey from a pompous fool to a pitiable figure underscores the narrow boundaries between comedy and tragedy. Additionally, the essay will explore how other themes, such as Viola’s adoption of male attire, contribute to the play’s darker elements, offering a richer understanding of Shakespeare’s work.
Malvolio and His Interactions
Malvolio, the steward to Olivia, is initially portrayed as a self-important, puritanical figure, whose aspirations to rise above his social status make him a target for ridicule. His interactions with other characters reveal his disdain for revelry and his desire for order and propriety. This is particularly evident in his exchanges with Feste, the fool, who serves as a commentator on the events of the play and highlights Malvolio’s hypocrisy and pretentiousness.
Malvolio’s social climbing is vividly displayed in Act II, Scene v, where he fantasizes about marrying Olivia and gaining power over the household. This scene is pivotal as it sets the stage for the cruel trick played on him by Maria, Sir Toby, and Sir Andrew. The letter forged by Maria, which Malvolio believes to be from Olivia, exploits his vanity and ambition, leading him to appear in absurd yellow stockings and cross-garters. This sight is comically ridiculous, and the audience is invited to laugh at Malvolio’s folly.
However, the humor derived from Malvolio’s misfortune begins to take a darker turn as the play progresses. His subsequent humiliation and wrongful imprisonment evoke a sense of unease. The gulling of Malvolio transitions from a harmless prank to an act of cruelty, highlighting the vulnerability of an individual who is different and misunderstood. Shakespeare’s treatment of Malvolio thus invites the audience to reconsider their initial amusement, prompting questions about the nature of comedy and the ethics of deriving pleasure from another’s suffering.
The Darker Development of the Plot
Shakespeare masterfully develops the plot of “Twelfth Night” to incorporate darker themes, balancing the comedic elements with moments of profound sadness and introspection. The subplot involving Malvolio is a key example of this, as his descent from arrogance to despair serves as a counterpoint to the otherwise lighthearted narrative.
The play’s opening sets a tone of melancholy, with Viola mourning the presumed death of her brother Sebastian. Her decision to disguise herself as a man, adopting the name Cesario, is driven by necessity and survival rather than whimsy. This cross-dressing theme, while providing ample opportunities for comedic misunderstandings and romantic entanglements, also underscores the precariousness of Viola’s situation. Her disguise is a means of navigating a male-dominated society and protecting herself in a foreign land.
The darker undercurrents are further explored through the themes of unrequited love and mistaken identity. Characters such as Olivia, who falls in love with Cesario (unaware that he is actually Viola), and Orsino, who pines for Olivia while developing a bond with Cesario, embody the complexities of love and desire. These entanglements create a sense of longing and confusion, contrasting with the play’s more overtly comedic moments.
Shakespeare uses these intertwined plots to highlight the fluidity of identity and the thin line between joy and sorrow. The festive atmosphere of Illyria, with its masquerades and revelry, masks deeper emotional truths and vulnerabilities. The culmination of these themes in the resolution of the play brings a bittersweet satisfaction, as characters find love and reconciliation, yet the scars of deception and cruelty remain, particularly for Malvolio.
Reflecting Shakespeare’s Play as a Whole
“Twelfth Night” reflects Shakespeare’s ability to blend comedy with elements of tragedy, creating a play that resonates on multiple levels. The character of Malvolio is central to this interplay, embodying both the humorous and the pitiful. His journey from a figure of ridicule to one of sympathy mirrors the broader themes of the play, where appearances are deceiving and the boundaries between happiness and despair are porous.
The play’s conclusion, while seemingly happy with multiple marriages and reunions, leaves unresolved tensions. Malvolio’s final vow of revenge, “I’ll be revenged on the whole pack of you!” (Act V, Scene i), lingers as a reminder of the darker consequences of the characters’ actions. His unresolved anger and sense of injustice cast a shadow over the celebratory ending, suggesting that the wounds inflicted during the play’s events are not easily healed.
Shakespeare’s nuanced portrayal of Malvolio and the darker aspects of “Twelfth Night” challenge the audience to consider the ethical implications of comedy. The play invites reflection on the human condition, exploring themes of identity, love, and the consequences of our actions. By presenting characters who are deeply flawed and situations that elicit both laughter and empathy, Shakespeare offers a complex and multifaceted view of life.
Conclusion
In “Twelfth Night,” Shakespeare skillfully navigates the narrow boundaries between comedy and tragedy, using the character of Malvolio to explore these themes in depth. Malvolio’s transformation from a pompous fool to a figure of pity highlights the ethical complexities of deriving humor from another’s misfortune. The darker elements of the play, including Viola’s cross-dressing and the themes of unrequited love and mistaken identity, further enrich the narrative, offering a profound commentary on the human experience.
Shakespeare’s ability to blend humor with pathos ensures that “Twelfth Night” remains a compelling and relevant work, resonating with contemporary audiences who appreciate the interplay of light and dark in storytelling. By examining the multifaceted nature of the characters and the situations they find themselves in, we gain a deeper understanding of the play’s enduring appeal and the timelessness of Shakespeare’s insights into the complexities of life.
In conclusion, “Twelfth Night” is a testament to Shakespeare’s mastery of the comedic form, infused with elements of tragedy that elevate the play beyond mere farce. Through the character of Malvolio and the intertwined plots, Shakespeare invites us to reflect on the nature of comedy and the ethical dimensions of laughter, offering a rich and layered exploration of the human condition.