Discuss The Theme Of Love In “Twelfth Night”

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The play “Twelfth Night” is presented as a light-hearted romantic comedy, this may relate to the fact that Shakespeare wrote it to be performed on Christmas day. The indication is that there is something for everyone, drama, love, suspense and humour. This may also lead to the play’s second title, “What You Will” meaning that this is a play for all to enjoy.
Although the actual plot for “Twelfth Night” is not the most original of Shakespeare’s ideas, the classic poetry and memorable characters makes it one of his most successful pieces to date. The exploration of love and romance are at the heart of this play. Almost every type of love is expressed, Sibling relationships, Genuine love, Self-love leading to complete blind love. Love is also closely associated with madness and the characters seem to go to ultimate extremes to obtain the love they desire. At the core of the play, is the love triangle between Olivia, Viola and Orsino adding suspense, comedy and drama.

The first character introduced into the play is Duke Orsino. Many productions of the play will have melancholy music being played to add a dismal, dreary opening effect to the scene as Orsino’s mind drifts on the thoughts of love. He claims to want excess of love,
’If music be the food of love, play on.’ This indicating that he is love-sick, a man in pain. Personal pronouns are often stressed to show Orsino’s love for himself.
‘That instant was I turned into a hart, and My desires, like fell and cruel hounds, E’er since pursue Me.’
It seems as though Orsino, rather than actually being in love with Olivia is in love with the thought of loving.
‘The appetite may sicken, and so die.’ Although he says that he is in pain from this rejected love, he enjoys the self-pity and therefore wants it to carry on. Orsino talks intensely about his love for Olivia,
‘O, when mine eyes did see Olivia first, m...