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Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night' presents audiences with a complex interplay of sympathy and resourcefulness, particularly in the character of Viola. As we delve into the first act of the play, we are confronted with Viola's shipwrecked predicament and her subsequent decision to disguise herself as a man. This essay aims to explore the extent to which Viola's resourcefulness influences our sympathy towards her character and whether there are other characters who may warrant more of our empathy. We will analyze her resourceful strategies, her handling of grief, and the contrasting reactions of other characters to uncover the intricate layers of sympathy and resourcefulness in 'Twelfth Night'.
Viola's resourcefulness emerges prominently in the opening scenes of 'Twelfth Night'.
Shipwrecked and left with nothing, she takes a daring step by disguising herself as Cesario, setting the stage for the entire plot. This decision is not born out of desperation but rather a calculated strategy to gain control over her situation.
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Viola's statement, 'the form of my intent,' reveals her thoughtful and resourceful nature as she carefully plans her course of action.
Moreover, Viola's resourcefulness shines through in her interactions with characters like Olivia. She exhibits command over language, employing controlled iambic pentameter and poetic phrases such as 'tis beauty blent' in improvised speeches. This quick-wittedness allows her to navigate through complex social situations, maintaining her disguise effectively. In contrast, Olivia, despite her high status, speaks in a loose and melodramatic prose, emphasizing the stark contrast between their communication styles.
Viola's resourcefulness extends beyond mere survival; it serves as a means of empowerment.
She chooses the guise of a man, highlighting the satire in the play, where men in power, like Orsino and Sir Toby, are portrayed as unjust and foolish. However, the irony lies in Viola having to become one of these men to secure her survival. It's a clever commentary on the role of gender and power dynamics in society.
While Viola's resourcefulness is evident, some argue that her success may be predetermined by fate rather than her own agency. Olivia's declaration that 'fate' will determine their outcomes and Sir Toby's reference to astrology raise questions about whether Viola's resourcefulness is indeed the driving force behind her fate.
However, it's important to consider that Viola's resourcefulness may have led her to a path aligned with destiny. Her decisions and actions are not arbitrary; they are the result of a strategic mind working to survive and thrive in a challenging situation. While fate may play a role, Viola's resourcefulness cannot be discounted.
Viola's resourcefulness also involves deception, as she conceals her true identity and gender. Some argue that her use of deception undermines our sympathy for her character. She resorts to lying about her gender and true identity to gain Orsino's favor, raising questions about the moral implications of her actions.
Olivia's suspicion, as she mentions 'with an invisible and subtle stealth,' suggests that Viola's deception might not be as resourceful as initially thought. Her actions unknowingly contribute to Olivia's suffering, as Olivia falls in love with the girl she believes Viola to be. This unintended consequence challenges the idea of Viola as a purely resourceful and sympathetic character.
Viola's ability to conceal her emotions is another aspect that affects our sympathy towards her. In Act 1, she remains reserved about proclaiming her grief over her brother's death. This contrasts with other characters, such as Maria, who employ flirtatious methods to gain power.
Viola's reserved mourning and her immediate decision to disguise herself betray a softer side of her character. Her statement, 'I saw your brother most provident in peril,' hints at her desire to honor her brother's memory by adopting his appearance. This unique way of grieving reveals a more human side to Viola, inviting greater sympathy from the audience.
Viola's approach to grief stands in contrast to Olivia's ostentatious mourning. Olivia's emotional facade is challenged when she questions, 'are you a comedian?' suggesting that her sadness may be superficial. In this comparison, Viola's private and intimate emotions, expressed through 'breaking the fourth wall,' evoke sympathy, as they are more authentic and profound.
Act 1 introduces a complex relationship between resourcefulness and sympathy. Viola's quick recovery from the shock of her brother's death and her lack of pursuit to ascertain his fate may be perceived as a lack of empathy. The line, 'O my poor brother!' followed by 'so perchance may he be,' suggests a swift shift in emotion, bordering on apathy.
Furthermore, Olivia's commitment to mourning her brother 'till seven years' contrasts starkly with Viola's apparent lack of grieving. This divergence highlights Viola's reserved demeanor, which may diminish our sympathy for her character. It's important to note that Shakespeare blurs the lines between comedy and tragedy, with both Olivia and Viola displaying unconventional reactions to loss.
Viola's resourcefulness is driven by her ambition to survive, which can be seen as ruthless when contrasted with weaker characters. She engages in intellectual conversations with characters like Valentine, questioning Orsino's character. This inversion of traditional gender roles challenges societal norms and could have caused the audience at the time to view her unsympathetically.
However, it's essential to consider the societal context of the play, where women in positions of power were often frowned upon. Viola's resourcefulness, though perceived as ruthless, can also be viewed as a form of empowerment, challenging conventional gender dynamics.
Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night' presents a nuanced exploration of sympathy and resourcefulness through the character of Viola. While her resourcefulness is evident in her calculated actions and quick thinking, it also involves elements of deception that challenge our sympathy. Her reserved approach to grief and ambition further complicate our perception of her character.
Ultimately, the relationship between sympathy and resourcefulness in 'Twelfth Night' is multifaceted. Viola's character defies easy categorization, inviting audiences to engage with the complexities of her personality. Whether we view her as a resourceful survivor or a ruthless deceiver, Viola remains a character whose actions and emotions warrant our consideration and reflection.
The Complexity of Sympathy and Resourcefulness in 'Twelfth Night'. (2016, Mar 31). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/viola-is-one-of-shakespeares-most-sympathetic-and-resourceful-heroines-to-what-extent-is-this-interpretation-supported-by-act-1-of-twelfth-night-essay
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