Literature

Jerusha Praimlal – 4D

Twelfth Night written by William Shakespeare, an English playwright and poet born in
Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom. Widely regarded as the greatest writer in
English language and the world’s pre-eminent dramatist. In Shakespeare comedy
“Twelfth Night,” the theme of mistaken identity is used, set in the fictional kingdom
of Illyria, the play delves into the complexities of human desire and the lines
between reality and illusion. Outlined hereunder is an analysis of two incidents and
dramatic effects that is used in Shakespeare play.
Mistaken identity is central element in the play ‘Twelfth Night.’ Viola’s decision to
disguise herself as a man named Cesario, after the shipwreck took place she wanted
to speak with the Duke. When Cesario meets the Duke she ends up falling in love
with him, but Orsino the Duke was trying to win Olivia’s love. Cesario became a
messenger for the Duke, he sends love letters to Olivia but when she saw Cesario she
fell in love with him. However, Oliva soon confessed her love for Cesario. (1.5.270.
“Unless perchance you come to me again”)
When this all took place, One of Olivia’s men, Sir Andrew challenges Cesario to duel
(3.4.211-217 “Of what nature the wrongs are thou hast done to him, I know not; but
thy intercepter, full of despite, bloody as the hunter attends thee at the orchard end.
Dismount thy tuck, be yare in thy preparation, for thy assailant is quick, skilful and
deadly.”) But we can see that Cesario declines this, because she knew she was not fit
to fight an actual man since she was just a woman. In the play we are introduced to
many different characters and one of them being Viola twin brother Sebastian,
during the course of the play twin brother shows up, who was also shipwrecked,
makes an appearance and results in marriage to Olivia(4.3.22-35) Olivia mistakes him
for Cesario (4.1.48-49 “Be not offended, dear Cesario- rudesby, be gone! I prithee,
gentle friend,”)
Knowing that Olivia mistakes Sebastian for Cesario, she asks Sebastian to marry her.
Olivia does not know that Cesario is a woman in disguise and obviously does not
know she has a brother. Sebastian is now very confused (4.3.1-21). For he does not
know who Olivia is and she asks him to marry her. He declines her offer. At a time
now all of the characters (Olivia, Cesario, Sebastian, and Orsino) are together and
both Olivia and Orsino are confused by the two figures who looks exactly identical
(5.1.18-19 “Which is Sebastian? Most wonderful!”). At this time now Viola decides to
reveal her true self and confirm that she is the twin sister of Sebastian (5.1.47 “That I
am Viola”). Now that the pieces have been put together, Orsino seeing Viola asks for
her hand in marriage. This works out perfectly for viola as she loves Orsino and she
happily accepts his offer. And Sebastian he then takes Olivia to be his wife
The dramatic effects used in the play are, cross-dressing and disguise as we can see,
Viola disguises herself as Cesario, leading to confusion because she had a twin
brother and also Comedic situations Another dramatic effect used is mistaken
identity, where the characters mistake one another for someone else which adds to
the comedy and complexity of the plot.
In conclusion, Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’ brilliantly showcases the comedic
potential of mistaken identity and also highlighting the absurdity of human
perception and the flow of gender roles. Through the characters misperceptions and
misunderstandings, that ensue from characters assuming false personas. ‘Twelfth
Night’ remains a timeless masterpiece, reminding us of the enduring appeal of
Shakespeare’s exploration of human foolishness and the power of love and gender.