The Unseen Disguise

If there was ever a playwright who relished comedic situations and ironic twists, William Shakespeare fits the bill. No one in the play is exactly as they seem, as hinted at by Viola in her exchange with Olivia in Act III-

Olivia: Stay. I prithee tell me what thou think'st of me.

Viola: That you do think that you are not what you are.

Olivia: If I think so, I think the same of you.

Viola: Then think you right, I am not what I am.

While Viola disguises herself with a change of clothes, the other characters in the play have hidden aspects as well. Olivia has suffered the unbearable loss of both her brother and her father and in response has thrown on a disguise of coy refusal towards Orsino. Her grief hides who she really is and keeps her from the pursuit of men.

Orsino appears to be in love with Olivia but there seems to be a hint that he has fallen for Viola before the fifth act. When Sebastian arrives and the confusion is untangled, Orsino makes no move to challenge Sebastian for the love of the woman he has pursued for over three months. He has spend his days thinking of her, and quietly gives her up to a newcomer, quick to give his love to Viola instead. It seems that Orsino has had feelings for Cesario for some time, writing the love off because he believed Cesario to be a man.

Sebastian becomes subservient to Antonio and later unwittingly but not unwillingly is mistook for Cesario.

While it is difficult to ascertain the character of Sir Toby and Sir Andrew beyond their drunkenness (a disguise of alcohol!), Maria hides behind her trickery, prefering to shift attention from her-and her singlehood-towards making a fool of others. Feste plays the fool, showing only traces of his wit and wisdom.

Malvolio, the victim of this comedy and the only one left dissatisfied at the end of the play, is the only genuine character. He is at the end of all the jokes and he is thrown aside by his counterparts. Rather than hiding his feelings as the rest of the players do, Malvolio is unashamed of who he is, despite the fact that he is made a fool of. As Kristi pointed out in class, Malvolio did attempt to change who he was with the change of his clothes (attempting to please his lady, Olivia). However, I still believe that even in this action poor Malvolio was authentic in who he was.
Malvolio's genuine attitude is not rewarded, instead it is punished. Malvolio leaves the reader with the simple phrase, "I shall be revenged on the whole pack of you."

Overall, this Shakespearian comedy was a wonderful and clever read. However, I am left with a feeling of slight dissatisfaction. The resolution of all of the complex relationships was tied together cleanly, but where has Malvolio been left off? He has sworn revenge; sequel anyone?