Shakespeare's Twelfth Night isn't just a romantic comedy; it's a shrewd observation of Elizabethan society, its hierarchies, and the ways individuals navigated them. Status, both real and perceived, plays a crucial role, shaping characters' actions, relationships, and ultimately, the play's comedic resolutions. We'll delve into the various status symbols employed by Shakespeare and explore their significance in the context of the play.
What are the key status symbols in Twelfth Night?
Several factors contribute to a character's perceived status in Twelfth Night. These include:
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Clothing: Costume in Elizabethan England was a powerful indicator of wealth and social standing. Elaborate fabrics, rich colors, and fine tailoring signified high status. The contrast between Viola's humble disguise as Cesario and the opulent attire of Olivia highlights this disparity. Olivia's mourning attire, while initially signifying grief, also speaks to her elevated social position, allowing her the luxury of extended mourning.
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Wealth and Land Ownership: In Shakespeare's time, land ownership was the ultimate symbol of wealth and power. Orsino, as a Duke, commands vast resources and territories, establishing his high position immediately. Olivia's wealth, although not explicitly detailed, is inferred through her grand estate and numerous servants. The lack of these markers for characters like Viola/Cesario and Sebastian underscores their more vulnerable positions.
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Titles and Nobility: Titles like "Duke" (Orsino) and "Lady" (Olivia) instantly establish social hierarchy. These titles grant automatic respect and authority, influencing how others interact with them. The play subtly comments on the misuse of this inherent power, with Orsino's romantic pronouncements lacking genuine substance despite his elevated rank.
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Service and Employment: The roles of servants, like Feste the clown, and the status of employment also reflect social standing. While Feste's wit grants him a certain degree of freedom, his role as a jester inherently places him below the aristocracy. Similarly, the gentleman's servant Antonio displays loyalty, yet his status is clearly defined by his subservience.
How do these status symbols drive the plot of Twelfth Night?
The play cleverly uses these symbols to create comedic misunderstandings and propel the plot forward. Viola's disguise as Cesario allows her to navigate the court and interact with both Orsino and Olivia, blurring the lines of class and gender. Her disguised status fuels the romantic complications, highlighting how appearance and societal expectations can mask true identity and desire.
Orsino's lavish pronouncements of love, while impressive in their volume, are ultimately revealed as shallow and performative, showcasing that title and wealth don't necessarily equate to genuine emotion or depth of character. Olivia's initial rejection of suitors, fueled by her grief and high status, creates obstacles for those seeking her affection, reinforcing societal norms around courtship.
What role does social class play in the relationships in Twelfth Night?
The play explores the complexities of social class and its impact on relationships. The cross-class attraction between Viola/Cesario and Orsino, and later Olivia, challenges the rigid societal norms of the time. The very possibility of these relationships highlights the fluidity of identity and the potential for love to transcend social barriers.
How does Feste's role as a clown influence his interaction with characters of different social standing?
Feste, as a clown, enjoys a unique position. His wit and observations allow him to freely comment on the actions of the upper class, providing critical commentary and exposing the follies of those in power. His interactions demonstrate how humor can bridge social gaps, yet he remains inherently bound to his class despite his intelligence and insightful observations.
What is the significance of disguise and mistaken identity in Twelfth Night?
Disguise is central to the comedic mishaps and romantic entanglements. Viola's disguise as Cesario creates a chaotic but ultimately fulfilling narrative, revealing the arbitrary nature of social roles and the power of self-discovery. The mistaken identity of Sebastian further amplifies the comedic chaos and ultimately leads to the play's happy resolution, proving that even chaos can lead to unexpected love and harmony.
In conclusion, Twelfth Night masterfully uses status symbols to reveal the complexities of Elizabethan society, exploring themes of love, class, identity, and the often-humorous consequences of misinterpretations fueled by social constructs and societal expectations. The interplay of these status markers drives the narrative and provides rich comedic opportunities, making Twelfth Night a timeless exploration of human nature and societal norms.
