Twelfth Night: Writer's Methods and Techniques

Key Methods and Techniques - Twelfth Night

Disguise and Dramatic Irony

Disguise is central to the play, creating dramatic irony and driving the comedic misunderstandings. Viola's transformation into Cesario blurs gender boundaries and causes confusion, especially in the love triangle between Viola, Olivia, and Orsino.

Examples:

• Viola's disguise: The audience knows Viola is a woman, but the characters mistake her for a man, creating dramatic irony as Orsino confides in Cesario and Olivia falls in love with him.
• Mistaken identity with Sebastian: The confusion between Viola and Sebastian adds layers of humour and chaos, particularly in Act IV when characters mistake Sebastian for Cesario.

Wordplay and Wit

Shakespeare's language in Twelfth Night is rich with puns, double meanings, and clever dialogue, reflecting the playful tone of the play.

Examples:

• Feste's wit: As the fool, Feste uses his sharp humour to expose the truth about other characters. For example, he tells Malvolio, "Better a witty fool than a foolish wit" (Act I, Scene v), mocking Malvolio's self-importance.
• Maria's letter: The forged letter to Malvolio is an example of Shakespeare's use of language to create comedy, as the phrasing plays on Malvolio's arrogance and ambition.

Symbolism

Shakespeare uses symbolic elements to represent themes of love, chaos, and identity.

Examples:

• The yellow stockings: Malvolio's yellow stockings symbolise his foolishness and self-delusion, as he believes wearing them will win Olivia's love.
• The sea: The shipwreck and the sea represent chaos and transformation, setting the stage for the disorder that follows Viola's arrival in Illyria.

Subplots and Parallel Storylines

The play intertwines the romantic main plot with a comedic subplot involving Malvolio, Sir Toby, and Maria, balancing light-heartedness with deeper emotional themes.

Examples:

• Malvolio's humiliation: The subplot of Malvolio being tricked by Maria and Sir Toby adds humour but also introduces darker tones, as his ultimate isolation contrasts with the happy endings of the main characters.
• Sir Toby and Maria's romance: Their subplot mirrors the main love stories but adds a layer of satire, as their marriage results from manipulation rather than genuine love.

Festive and Anarchic Tone

The play reflects the spirit of Twelfth Night, a festival where social hierarchies are overturned and rules are temporarily suspended. This atmosphere allows characters to step outside their usual roles and behaviours.

Examples:

• Sir Toby's indulgence: His love for drinking and revelry represents the festival's chaotic and celebratory nature, creating a stark contrast to Malvolio's stern demeanour.
• Cross-dressing and mistaken identities: These elements heighten the sense of disorder and unpredictability, embodying the festive spirit.

Resolution and Restoration

Like many of Shakespeare's comedies, Twelfth Night ends with resolution and harmony, as the confusion of the play is resolved and most characters find happiness.

Examples:

• Viola's true identity is revealed: The unmasking of Viola restores order, allowing her to marry Orsino and resolve the love triangle.
• Malvolio's exclusion: While most characters find joy, Malvolio's unhappy ending reflects the play's exploration of exclusion and the consequences of ambition.