Background Essay: Twelfth Night Act 1 Sc 2

In this scene from Penn State's School of Theatre production of Twelfth Night, the action turns to Viola, the leading character in the play. Her attitude toward love appears to be in sharp contrast to that of Orsino. She is resourceful and spirited when it comes to ensuring her safety and comfort in a strange land as well as making the prospect of staying close to an eligible bachelor- Duke Orsino- real. To achieve this purpose, she dresses as a man named Cesario for most of the duration of the play. Her disguise seems to be an extension of her character, since her daring is quite unusual for a leading female character of her era. Also, when the captain speaks of Lady Olivia as the object of Orsino’s affection, Viola asks, “What’s she?” This gives the audience an indication of Viola’s opinion of other women.

She has very likely lost her brother in the shipwreck that she survived, and although she despairs at the idea, she is not overly disturbed. Instead she is pragmatic enough to think of her own well-being. She is not discouraged by the fact that the bachelor she wishes to be close to is already smitten by another lady. At best, she is ensuring a rich man for herself and at worst, a safe haven in a strange and potentially dangerous land.

A Viola is a small flower, similar to but smaller than a pansy – like a violet. Poets often use the violet/Viola metaphorically. A Viola is a flower that grows both in the shade and so close to the ground that its beauty often goes unnoticed. Since the Viola is not a flashy or showy flower, one has to be perceptive to notice its beauty; this is so very true of Viola, the character, as well. When Viola disguises herself as a male, she assumes the name “Cesario,” or “Little Caesar.” This counterfeit male is reputed to be very handsome.

Disguise has been an element in western comic theatre since ancient Greece and it continues full throttle even today. Cross-dressing takes this comic element up another significant notch. There were no female actors in Shakespeare’s day and male actors played the roles of the female characters. This required the audience to practice ‘willing suspension of disbelief’ wherein the fact that the ‘ladies’ on the stage were actually gentlemen was simply overlooked. Therefore, the idea that the man pretending to be a woman (Viola) would then go on to pretend to be a man (Cesario) was even more humorous for them!