Shakespeare Action and Words. Analysis of "Twelfth Night" (Act II, Scene IV) (PDF)

Seminar paper from the year 2013 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Literature, grade: 1,0, University of Cologne, language: English, abstract: Two key themes stand out in Act 2, Scene 4, of William Shakespeare's play Twelfth Night. On one hand constancy of love plays a significant part and on the other hand gender deception. In this scene Viola, disguised as Cesario, defends the love of women and defies Orsino's critic of women's inconsistent love compared to men's enduring passion:

"Too well what love women to men may owe. In faith, they are as true of heart as we."
(2.4.103-104)

Viola's appreciation of the woman's side and her continuous word plays demonstrate her intention to help Orsino uncovering her disguise and reciprocating her love. The following dialogue provides an essential challenge for the interpretation and production of this scene. One can either illustrate that Orsino actually reveals Violas deceit or lay emphasis on Orsino's simplicity and thus demonstrate his naivety. Her hints commence when she says: "We men may say more, swear more, but indeed our shows are more than will" (2.4.116). Here, Shakespeare uses the phonological identity of 'we men' and 'women' to create an ambiguity of meaning. The ambiguity peaks with her admission: "I am all the daughters of my father's house, and all the brother too" (2.4.118-119), indicating that Viola assumes her brother Sebastian died in the shipwreck. Orsino seems captured in Viola's story before he commands her to go to Olivia again concerning his confession of love.
However, the scene begins with a melancholic Orsino demanding for a song, performed by Feste. The waiting for the jester leads to a conversation between Orsino and Viola. Orsino realizes that Viola is in love with someone and interrogates her. In this dialogue she insinuates that Orsino is the one she loves but due to her disguise Orsino does not detect the clue although she uses the word 'your' conspicuously three times in a row.

"Viola: A little, by your favour.
Orsino: What kind of woman is't?
Viola: Of your complexion.
Orsino: She is not worth thee then. What years, i' faith? Viola: About your years, my lord."
(2.4.24-27)

How to emphasize Viola's 'your' is another crucial challenge for the interpretation of the production of this scene. After disclosing the age of Violas loved one Orsino gives her the advice to always take a woman that is younger than the man for the reason that the men's love is unsteady and faltering. [...]