Discuss Shakespeare’s dramatic presentation of mistaken identity in Twelfth Night by https://padlet.com/victoriacoates/8yzhh9vcx9r6 Made with a quick smile en-us 2018-04-10 05:19:53 UTC 2024-09-06 11:54:25 UTC hello@padlet.com Kaysie https://padlet.com/victoriacoates/8yzhh9vcx9r6/wish/250587385 In Twelfth Night, Shakespeare utilized the element of mistaken identity and disguise in order to present his ulterior commentary on societal expectations. Additionally, he created for each plot of the story a character with a disguise, as in the main plot was Viola, and subplot Feste. This allows the readers to compare and evaluate the use of both disguises, hence understanding how each contributes to its own plot. The motif of mistaken identity is portrayed throughout the entire play, hence eliciting disorder, helping Shakespeare explore the theme of madness.

Firstly, two disguises are demonstrated in this play. One is played by Viola whom was disguising as a man called Cesario, while the other is portrayed by Feste whom adopted the role of "Sir Topas the curate."Twelfth Night being a comedy play, the factor of disguise is thought to contribute significantly to the progress of the play. However this does not apply for both disguises in the play, as they are used for different purposes and weigh contrastingly in the progress of the plot they are in.Viola's disguise holds an immeasurably significant role in the main plot about the love triangle among her, Olivia, and Orsino. The female character's initial intention of putting on the disguise - "Conceal me what I am, and be my aid/ For such disguise as haply shall become/ The form of my intent" - is indicated to never have been to cause any sort of confusion. Rather, it was more for her own safety in Illyria, a land she was a complete stranger to. By disguising herself as a man, Viola appeals to Olivia romantically, which was also none of her intentions, as she was actually reciting Orsino's love confession to Olivia - "I am not who I play". This quote can be interpreted as Viola's hint of her own disguise, which the audience would be aware of. However, to the characters who are unaware,they would simply perceive it as her saying the words in that confession do not belong to her. However, Olivia still became attracted to Viola. This attraction initially appeared to be quite shallow and materialistic through Olivia's focus on Viola's physical features - "Thy tongue, thy face, thy limbs, and actions and spirit" - but then became more and more serious as Olivia demonstrates development in her passion for Cesario/Viola - "I love thee so that, maugre all thy pride,/ Nor wit nor reason can my passion hide." Olivia's dramatic expression of her feelings causes the love triangle to be further complicated, since Orsino demonstrates a seemingly equally passionate infatuation for her - "For such as I am, all tr​​ue lovers are,/ Unstaid and skittish in all motions else ,/ Save in the constant image of the creature/That is beloved." The complication of this plot heightened when it is revealed Viola herself was in love with Orsino - "Yet a barful strife/ Whoe'er I woo, myself would be his wife ." In her soliloquy, Viola indicates she understands the confusion her disguise has caused - "As I am man,/ My state is desperate for my master's love;/ As I am woman - now alas the day! -/ What thriftless sighs shall poor Olivia breathe?" By recognising the impact of her own actions to the circumstance - "It is too hard a knot for me t'untie" - the character is portrayed to be presenting the importance of her disguise in the play. Shakespeare utilises her mistaken identity to create this love triangle from Act 1 Scene 2, which is nearly at the beginning of the play,and does not resolve it until the last act, Act 5. This lengthy portrayal further suggests its importance to the play. On the other hand, Feste's disguise as Sir Topas in Act 4 Scene 2 seems to come from a relatively less serious purpose considering Feste's role as a jester in the play. Function of a jester is to parodise certain controversial topics. In this particular, Feste creates this fake identity of Sir Topas in order to make fun of Malvolio's religion, Puritanism, and his extreme beliefs. By directing Feste to refuse to set Malovolio free simply because Malvolio does not share the same vuewpoint about Pythagoras's ideals with Sir Topas, Shaekspeare is mocking religious extremists' behaviour of imposing their beliefs on others. Although this may be perceived as a worthy purpose, in comparison to Viola's disguise,Feste's seems childish and does not contribute much to the subplot among secondary characters since this is when the prank has already been played out and Malvolio is already locked up. Comparing to Viola's, this disguise only lasted for one scene in Act 4, which is already close to the denouement. This suggests that perhaps Shakespeare inserts it for the purpose of entertainment, rather than actual plot construction.]]> 2018-04-11 07:22:39 UTC https://padlet.com/victoriacoates/8yzhh9vcx9r6/wish/250587385 Henry https://padlet.com/victoriacoates/8yzhh9vcx9r6/wish/250587477 Shakespeare in his play, Twelfth Night, uses mistaken identity in order
 the conform to the comedy genre with respect to the plot and character interaction as well as to deliver his social commentary.

Firstly, Shakespeare pays a lot of a attention to create humour via characters mistakening of each other. A noticeable example is when Feste mistook Sebastian for Viola, half-joking half-serious, remarking ' I prithee now, ungird thy strangeness and tell me what I shall vent to my lady' to which Sebastian relies by suggesting to offer him ' worse payment' if he doesn't leave him alone. The comical aspect of this particular comes from the fact that these two characters are completely out of context. Hence, their seriousness in their tone makes it very awkward and thus, results in the comic interaction between them. Almost instance, the audiences witness the dramatic entrance of Sir Andrew out of nowhere '[strikes Sebastian]' which escalates the violence as in which Sebastian also '[beats Sir Andrew]'. The suddenness and abrupt nature of the fight projects the tension between characters who hardly know each other up until that point yet fight each like they are long time enemies. Hence, the lack of connection combines with the seriousness of the scene makes it very funny to watch as it poses the dramatic irony between them. The fact that Sir Andrew is completely ignorant of the person who he is fighting makes him seem ridiculous while the fervent rheotorical question of Sebastian 'All are the people mad' hieghten the confusion. After that comes Olivia who takes Sebastian to her 'house' and tell him about the 'many fruitless pranks' of Sir Toby. The drastic shift of the situation that Sebastian is in especially with Olivia mistaking him for Viola dissolves the tension and re-establish peace. The change in Sebastian perception of the situation is notably humourous because just moments a go where is almost to his breaking point and now questioning his faith and that whether what is going around him is real. This self-doubting mentality of this character is funny since Sebastian is so confused that he doubt what he is seeing and that Olivia is about to witness a startling surprise latter in the play where she meets Viola. This scene's comical attribute is particularly enhanced via dramatic irony since nothing of the characters of Ovlia's household realise that they are mistaking the Viola for the wrong person. Their assurance in the address towards contributes to This moment makes the audiences anticipate more and is excited of what they expect to see along side the humourous expection for it. Shakespeare evidently paces this part in act 4 as a transition point to the resolution in act 5 where complications are resolved with even more funny interact between characters they they learn about the truth.

Lading to this next point, disguise is used by Shakespeare as a means for the sub-plot and mainplot to converge to the happy ending. Recalling in act 2 where Viola decides to 'conceal' herself as 'an eunuch' to 'serve this duke' - Orsino. Viola's disguise is very important as it means that she would be sent back to where she comes and thus, allows the marriage between herself and Orsino as well as her brother to Ovlia to take place. Hence, it is evident that her disguise carries a great role in determining how the play would resolve and whether it can fit into the comedy genre. A clear point is how Orsino gradually develop his subtle attraction for Viola that he switches from Olivia to make Viola his wife - 'Your masters mistress'. It is evident in the first scenes of the play where he comments on the feminine features of Viola - 'Diana's lip' which is 'smooth and Rubio' as well as her 'maiden organ' which are 'sembltive a woman's part'.]]> 2018-04-11 07:23:04 UTC https://padlet.com/victoriacoates/8yzhh9vcx9r6/wish/250587477 Scott https://padlet.com/victoriacoates/8yzhh9vcx9r6/wish/250587589 In Twelth Night, Shakespeare has present the important theme mistaken identity and disguise through out the story. He uses this as a tool for creating laughter because Twelth Night is related to the comedy genre. By doing this will enable the sub and main plot connecting together . Not only that, he also intends to comment on social expectations. Showing the audience that society is not follow what it people perceives and think it should be. 
Firstly, Shakespeare chooses to apply the theme of disguise and deception in both the main and subplot. In the main plot, he characterize Viola to disguise as a boy beside Orsino, and Feste in disguise of Sir Topas in the subplot later to join the trickery of Sir Toby and Maria on the puritan Malvolio. "Concealed me what i am". This suggest that she wants to hide her identity and this have result in the mistaken and create a sense of disorder further in the play. The word "concealed" have reinforce the idea because it brings the connotation of closing and deception. Her disguise is continue through out the play until the reunited between the twins in A5S1. In contrast, Shakespeare still use disguise for Feste as Sir Topas. Through this character,the audience can notice how Malvolio changed from a strict and judgmental puritan to his action of kneel down and begging. From here the audience can compare and evaluate on the use of both disguises and how each of them has an effect through out the story. Once again, Shakespeare conveys a sense of disorder to society through the develop of the theme mistaken identity. 

Furthermore, 

]]> 2018-04-11 07:23:32 UTC https://padlet.com/victoriacoates/8yzhh9vcx9r6/wish/250587589 Vanessa https://padlet.com/victoriacoates/8yzhh9vcx9r6/wish/250587614 Shakespeare has added the element of mistaken identity to comedy in Twelfth Night. His purpose was to show how important does disguise being associated with the festive activity during in Elizabethan England. 

Firstly, since it is a comedy genre, Shakespeare has genera dvcvcvcvcv hsvxv sgsvaszxdwrtte the humor to the audience about the mistaken identity. The mistaken identity starts at Act 4 scene 1, when Feste mistook Sebastian as Cesario, which is the first step of confusion. Mostly the whole Act 4 causes an endless confusion towards Sebastian, when Sir Andrew and Sir Toby seeking for Cesario to continue with the duel, but ended up fighting with Sebastian: 'Now, sir, have I met you again? There's for you', [strikes Sebastian]. This would creates conflict and confusion at the same time to Sebastian since he never met either Sir Andrew nor Sir Toby, but he still ended up fighting back as if like he defending himself '[Beats Sir Andrew], this could be the comedic element about causing a scene since both side have never met each other before. Another important part in Act 3 scene 4, when Antonio mistook Cesario to Sebastian, he felt that he got betrayed by Sebastian when he ask Cesario for his wallet, this part of mistaken identity has created a twisted expectation and it is also the first sign of causing  ]]> 2018-04-11 07:23:39 UTC https://padlet.com/victoriacoates/8yzhh9vcx9r6/wish/250587614 Jen (#sendhelp) https://padlet.com/victoriacoates/8yzhh9vcx9r6/wish/250587799 Mistaken identity is one of Twelfth Night most important themes. Shakespeare presents this theme as a tool which brings out entertainment in the audience and a catalyst which connects the plot and sub-plot together. Shakespeare also uses mistaken identity to show his commentary on societal expectations . This further on emphasises different sides in a society which, in the end, even though everything seems to get back into the routine that they are supposed to be, the audience would leave the play with a wiser viewpoint about the disordered order society.

Initially, Shakespeare presents the element of mistaken identity as an important method to bring out laughter among the audience. This is shown through Olivia mistaken Viola as a man a falls madly in love with her. The dramatic irony is created when she says 'Thy tongue , thy face, thy limbs, actions, and spirit'. The dialogue assembles all the outer appearence which shows Olivia is fooled by Viola's 'masculinity'. The repetition of 'thy' shows her obsession over Viola which makes Olivia seems funny for falling for a woman, especially under Elizabethan audience's viewpoint. Ironically, later on, Feste tells Viola 'Send thee a beard!' which suggests how Viola is looking nothing like a man. The two contradictions makes Olivia seems like a fool in love which convey the idea how identity and gender is not important when it comes to love. Yet this also brings out laughter since despite the characters are unaware about the disguise, audience knows that Viola is actually a woman. Viola once says 'I am not what I play', this could be interpret as her revealation about the facade she's hiding under but other characters seem to misinterpret which can bring out laughter on their foolishness. Twelfth Night is a classic comedy, based on Beard and Kent , ' disorder is the heart of a comedy' which provokes laughter. Viola being mistaken as a man is one of the main disorder that run through the whole play, this contributes to bring out laughter which is the most important element in a comedy.]]> 2018-04-11 07:24:24 UTC https://padlet.com/victoriacoates/8yzhh9vcx9r6/wish/250587799 Stella https://padlet.com/victoriacoates/8yzhh9vcx9r6/wish/250587942 In Twelfth Night, Shakespeare manipulated the act of mistaken identity and disguise to create confusions and chaos to provoke laughter , as it is one of the most important element of the comedy genre. Furthermore, using mistaken identity in "Twelfth Night" also help Shakespeare to challenge societal standards and deliver a sense of disorder to society. Lastly, mistaken identity is conveniently the element he uses to tighten up the plot and connects different acts together.

One of the most striking act of mistaken identity in Twelfth Night is the sub-plot where Maria pretends to write a letter as Olivia to deliver to Malvolio. Shakespeare challenges the stereotypical Puritan Malvolio in order to entertain the audience through the idea that humans can act incredibly foolish when they're tricked with mistaken identity. Initially, Malvolio is a "devil puritan" who are "sick of self love". However, when Maria's disguise as Olivia told him to wear "yellow stockings" and "see thee ever cross -gatered" in the letter, he immidiately turned into a foolish daydreamer ("I do not now fool myself to let imagination jade me, for every reason excites to this, that my lady loves me"). Obviously, these act incredibly contradicts with Malvolio's personality,as yellow is a color that represents dominance and excitable in the Elizabethean four humours. 
This irony heightens the intensity of the plot, therefore, provoke expected laughter. Shakespeare might have manipulate disguise through the use of a letter to shown the audience the effect that it has, as it can be as powerful as changing another human's identity, in this case, Malvolio's identity as a stubborn and strict Purtian. Furthermore, this is not the only time that Shakespeare uses the symbolism of the letter to present mistaken identity. The second sub-plot where Sir Andrew challenges Cesario to a duel is also being deliver through the use of a letter. In the letter, Sir Andrew identity himself as a merciless fighter who “kill'st like a rouge and a villain.” Again, the audience is aware that Sir Andrew is the opposite of a "villain", rather a "foolish drunk."

Shakespeare cleverly uses the letter as a physical object to present mistaken identity along side with disguise of apperances (Cesario and Feste) has convey its importance in delivering Shakespeare's intentions to the audience in an entertaining and laughable matter, a factor that drives comedic performances at the time.
 
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]]> 2018-04-11 07:24:55 UTC https://padlet.com/victoriacoates/8yzhh9vcx9r6/wish/250587942 https://padlet.com/victoriacoates/8yzhh9vcx9r6/wish/250976289 2018-04-12 02:15:39 UTC https://padlet.com/victoriacoates/8yzhh9vcx9r6/wish/250976289 https://padlet.com/victoriacoates/8yzhh9vcx9r6/wish/1120185127 Initially, Shakespeare presents the element of mistaken identity as an important method to bring out laughter among the audience. This is shown through Odw livia mistaken Viola as a man a falls madly in love with her. The dramatic irony is created when she says 'Thy tongue, thy face, thy limbs, actions, and spirit'. The dialogue assembles all the outer appearence which shows Olivia is fooled by Viola's 'masculinity'.]]> 2021-01-25 04:29:03 UTC https://padlet.com/victoriacoates/8yzhh9vcx9r6/wish/1120185127 https://padlet.com/victoriacoates/8yzhh9vcx9r6/wish/1120210787 2021-01-25 04:42:52 UTC https://padlet.com/victoriacoates/8yzhh9vcx9r6/wish/1120210787 https://padlet.com/victoriacoates/8yzhh9vcx9r6/wish/1147578778 2021-02-01 08:41:34 UTC https://padlet.com/victoriacoates/8yzhh9vcx9r6/wish/1147578778