Social
and gender norms are in disorder throughout the entire play. Viola presented
herself to Orsino as a eunuch. Viola decision to disguise herself as Cesario
proves to be successful. Valentine tells
Viola “Cesario, you are like to be much advanced. He hath known you but three days, and already
you are no stranger” (1.4.2-4). Social and gender norms are in disorder during Maria’s
interactions with Sir Andrew. Maria speaks openly to Sir Toby about her
feelings toward Sir Andrew and says “he’s a fool” (1.3.27). I perceived Maria’s attitude in 1.3 as condescending
toward Sir Andrew. Gender roles also appear to be switched when Olivia asks
Sebastian (assumed to be Cesario) “nay, come, I prithee. Would thou’dst be
ruled by me!” and Sebastian responds “Madam, I will” (4.1.61-62).
Viola
had discovered Sebastian had not died in the wreck and is delighted. Order is
restored when Viola exposes her disguise. Luckily for Viola, Orsino felt
affection toward her. Orsino releases Viola as his servant and declares she is
“Your Master’s mistress” (5.1.320). Olivia
discovers she had married Sebastian instead of Viola. We observe that Olivia’s love is no longer
restricted by death of her brother and father. Malvolio does not have order
restored in his live. Malvolio is humiliated by everyone and declares: “I’ll be
revenged on the whole pack of you!” (5.1.373).
Sir
Andrew is discouraged that he will not gain Olivia as a wife. Sir Toby comforts
Sir Andrew and informs him “she’ll none o’ th’ Count. She’ll not match above
her degree, neither in estate, years, nor wit. I have heard her swear’t. Tut,
theres life in’t, man” (1.3.102-04). Maintaining social order is observed in Sir
Toby’s statement; Olivia will not break social rank, status, or age for
marriage. The most puzzling element of the play is that the 17th century gender
and social order still shocks 21st century American audiences.
Great way utilizing the quotes when restating what happened in Twelfth Night. You used the proper format in quoting and citing each quote. Yet it seems like that is all your doing is; restating the play. The blog did not fully answer the rest of the prompt, does it critique or uphold social and gender norms of Shakespeare’s England?
ReplyDeleteDo not be afraid to write your opinions. If it helps, look at the play with different a points of views. Ask yourself did it influence a new set of standards? Was it poking fun at the social norms? For instance the knights Sir Andrew and Toby they did not act like noblemen at all, even though they were. What was Shakespeare trying to get across as he had Viola dress up as a male? Is Osino, a male, supposed to be in love with love? There are many things that break the norm. Good start to described the play but it would be greater if it had more insight to the main question at hand.
Hello Saul,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your interpretation of Maria's and Toby's communication and how confident she was to call him a fool. You did a great job summarizing the main points and ideas during the play. However, I would love to see how you take some of these quotes and hear more of your reaction or analysis to them. Especially when you presented how Viola presented herself as a eunuch. Maybe you can define what that is and how uncommon for a female to change into one. You chose great quotes that would be great to continue on furthering the discussion. :)
While you make some valid and insightful points, this post read more as a list of scenarios that went against the norm rather than an analytical one page essay. Next time try to begin with a clearer thesis and narrow your focus more. Instead of trying to cover the whole play in one page, focus on one of the main points that support your thesis.
ReplyDelete