Irony in Twelfth Night Essay

Irony in William Shakespeares Twelfth Night or What You Will

In Twelfth Night or What You Will, William Shakespeare tells a story of twin siblings who have been separated and to each other thought dead after a shipwreck. The main character Viola is a virtuous woman who has good judgement of character and is very witty and bright. Due to circumstance, she must deceive others by altering her appearance and hiding her gender in order to protect herself. This places her in an odd position resulting in confusion and many unfortunate instances of all types of irony. Shakespeare uses dramatic irony to accentuate the statement that lying is never justified; it only leads to inner conflict, further complications lives of those involved and causes confusion amongst indirectly involved individuals.

Once a lie is initiated; it must continually be defended in order to be upheld. Viola, stranded on the strange island of Illyria, forms a plan for her survival. This involved disguising herself as a eunuch and names herself Cesario to provide an alibi for her high pitched voice, the ability to provide musical services and to be a servant within Duke Orsinos household. In the course of three days, Viola develops a deep connection with her Lord, Duke Orsino. On Violas part, this connection has surpassed that of an amicable connection to a romantic one Yet a barful strife,/ Whoeer I woo, myself would be his wife. (1.4.41-42). Due to her lie she is unable to act upon her feelings and must deny herself. Not only is she prohibited to be with Orsino, she is obliged to embody cupid and unite her love with the one he longs for, Olivia. When Viola tries to hint her love to Orsino in (2.4. 23-25), she is unsuccessful and must continue to oppress her emotions. Her love has grown so strong that even in his less than self endearing response in (28-34) she continues to love him and plays her part as Cesario. Despite Orsinos fickleness, moodiness and inconsistencies, her love has become unwavering. Violas struggle is once again exemplified in (2.4.78-125). She tries to share Olivias message that she cannot love him and refuses to hear his speeches; however, they argue at the matter. Once again she tries to share her love with him by using a story about her sister (105-118) and her melancholy smiling at grief. The dramatic irony connects the audience with Viola. The audience is able to relate to her woes and misfortune. The present one sided relationship now concerns the audience. The audience mourns at Violas grief and squirms at Violas many hints for they share Violas desire to outwardly love Orsino. Not only do lies harm you, it has the ability to affect others.

Violas single deception continues to complicate her situation. As she does her bidding and woos Olivia for Orsino, Olivia falls in love with Cesario. Against her own oath of being confined for seven years (1.1.25), Olivia so quickly catches the plague after Cesarios hypothetical profession of love (1.5.258-265). This creates a love triangle between Orsino, Viola/Cesario and Olivia. Olivias quick fondness of Cesario compels her to devise a plan to get him. She sends Malvolio to give him a ring that he left her. This persuades him to come back to her and return it. Olivias love later escalates to near desperation as she offers everything except her honour to Cesario in hopes of winning him over (3.4.204-205). Viola becomes torn, similar to all those in the triangle, she cannot love the one she desires, nor can she love the one who desires her, 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!(2.2.39). Violas lie causes her to be stuck in a situation of unhappiness; the only roads available to her are ones that lead to further sadness. The audience knowledge of Violas disguise further sways the audience in feeling sympathy for her. Lies follow a ripple affect and plague others indirectly related to the liar.

Unsuspecting individuals become harmed by a single lie despite the liars lack of connection to them.Unbeknownst to Viola, her brother Sebastian survived and resided with a kind man named Antonio. Sebastian and Antonio have developed a relationship similar to Orsino and Viola; where Antonio has strong romantic feelings for Sebastian. Unlike Viola, Antonio openly vows his affections to Sebastian despite it being one-sided (3.3.4-12). Antonio further risks his life by following Sebastian to Orsinos court although he has many enemies there and is likely to be killed (2.1.40). He lends his purse to Sebastian and watches over him. Later on, Viola is manipulated into duelling with Sir Andrew. Antonio, mistakes Cesario is mistaken for Sebastian due to their grave resemblance. He then offers to fight for Sebastian and put himself into danger to ensure Sebastians well-being. Unfortunately, his cover becomes blown and is captured by the police. As a result, he asks for his purse back from Sebastian which Cesario does not have. This causes confusion between them resulting in Antonio feeling betrayed by someone he greatly loved. This misunderstanding creates a rift between the two kindest, most giving characters in the play. Even in the dark, Viola offers half of all she had to help the kind stranger. This great irony impacts the audience as no one on stage is aware of the situation. Emotions rise high and great disputes happen between strangers. Once again, the lie deteriorates existing and potential relationships.

Were you a woman, as the rest goes even,/ I should my tears let fall upon your cheek/ And say Thrice welcome, drowned Viola (5.1.26-29). Only when the truth is present can everyone live happily. In the last scene, Violas lie is exposed and everyone understands the situation. For the first time in the play we learn the name of the protagonist we have been following. For the first time, she can stop lying, and deceiving herself and others. For the first time, she can be herself and go with her emotions. For the first time in a long time, she can be happy.

Lying is never justified. It only causes conflict, confusion and complications. Above all it can only bring unhappiness to you and to many others. When you are free from the shackles of deception can you be your true self; happy.