Why does Viola disguise herself as a boy?

Viola disguises herself as a boy primarily to navigate the societal restrictions and limitations imposed on women during the Elizabethan era. In Shakespeare's play "Twelfth Night," Viola finds herself shipwrecked in a foreign land and realizes that by presenting herself as a man named Cesario, she gains access to opportunities, freedom, and privileges that would otherwise be denied to her as a woman. This disguise allows her to secure employment, move about freely, and participate in activities traditionally reserved for men, ultimately enabling her to navigate the complexities of the plot while exploring themes of gender identity and love.

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