Keshala - lit cambridge ol 2023

How does Shakespeare make this moment in the play so moving?

Twelfth Night also known as What You Will, written by the World renown playwright: William Shakespeare,
is the only play of his to have an alternative title. It revolves mainly around love, deception, disguises and
comedy. In the given extract, Act 2 Scene 4, Shakespeare evokes emotions effectively moving the reader
using the following ways.

In line 44, as Viola confesses her love to Orsino in the form of a story where her father’s daughter falls in
love, he asks if her sister died of love.
“But died thy sister of her love, my boy?”
This evidence shows how self-absorbed, thoughtless, heedless and wrapped up in oneself Orsino is; He is
selfishly concerned only about his own love for Olivia. He seeks for love from a person who is not willing to
return it when someone who loves him greatly is right in front of his very eyes. This moment moves the
readers into feeling a sense of pity, compassion and sympathy for Orsino.

In line 20, Orsino criticizes womens’ love for being too shallow; however, Viola states that she knows a lot
about what women can feel for men and their hearts are as sensitive and loyal as mens’.
“No woman’s heart so big, to hold so much. They lack retention. Alas, their love may be called
appetite”
Using the above line it is clear that sexism existed in Shakespeare’s era; this moment of the play clearly
presents how women are degraded by men. As Viola speaks up on behalf of all women stating that both
genders’ love is equal in comparison this sparks power towards being a feminist. As women are looked
down upon even when it comes to their love, this creates injustice, sadness and sympathy hence moving
the reader.

In lines 9 and 11, Viola tries to make Orsino accept the fact that Olivia will not return his love but he
continues to refuse which adds to the pain of Viola’s love-sick heart.
“But if she cannot love you, sir?”
“Sooth, but you must.”
The dramatic irony as Viola confesses her love in an incomprehensible way shows her helplessness,
one-sided love and love-melancholy. However, Orsino does not pay attention to the hidden confession
leaving Viola to bear the pain in secrecy and to continue delivering messages of his love to Olivia. Here,
the readers will feel sympathy or maybe even empathy for Viola thus effectively moving them.

In line 6, Orsino declares he does not value Olivia due to the wealth she had inherited but because of her
rich-jewel like beauty.
“I hold as giddily as Fortune; But ’tis that miracle and queen of gems that Nature pranks her in
attracts my soul.”
This displays the fact that Orsino is not after monetary gains but has solely fallen for Olivia’s beauty. Even in the
modern world, marrying an individual due to their wealth and money is common, however, this act of a young
naive man falling in love with an innocent girl; something rarely found even nowadays leaves the reader
awestruck, charmed and filled with astonishment.

The above evidences, quotes and analysis shows how emotionally melancholy but also thrilling
Shakespeare creates this moment of the play. Some readers would even consider this to be the most
memorable and effectively moving part of Twelfth Night.