Why Is Malvolio's Desire For Olivia Seen As A Joke

Why Is Malvolio's Desire for Olivia Seen as a Joke? A Deep Dive into Twelfth Night

Shakespeare's Twelfth Night is a riot of mistaken identities, comedic misunderstandings, and romantic entanglements. Within this vibrant tapestry of witty banter and farcical situations, Malvolio stands out as a figure of both pathos and ridicule. His yearning for Olivia, the wealthy and beautiful countess, is not simply presented as unrequited love; it's portrayed as laughable, even contemptible, provoking amusement rather than sympathy from the audience. But why? Understanding this requires a deeper exploration of Malvolio's character, his relationship with Olivia, and the comedic techniques employed by Shakespeare.

Malvolio: A Study in Contradiction

Malvolio isn't simply a lovesick fool; he's a complex character whose flaws are intricately woven into the play's comedic fabric. He represents a number of societal anxieties, particularly those surrounding class mobility and the anxieties that come with the shifting social order. His ambition and self-importance are clearly his downfall, leading him to become the target of a cruel and elaborate prank. This prank, however, only highlights the pre-existing comedic potential inherent in his personality.

The Puritanical Persona: A Source of Humor

Malvolio's puritanical nature clashes sharply with the festive, often licentious, atmosphere of Illyria. His severe demeanor, his disdain for merriment, and his strict adherence to propriety make him an easy target for mockery. He stands in stark contrast to the playful, often capricious, characters that surround him. His attempts to impose order and seriousness on the chaotic world of Twelfth Night are consistently undermined, generating humor through the incongruity of his behavior with his surroundings. This deliberate incongruity is a hallmark of Shakespearean comedy, and Malvolio embodies this comedic device perfectly. He's a stickler for rules in a world that thrives on breaking them, a source of both amusement and exasperation.

The Yellow Stockings and Cross-Gartered Legs: Visual Comedy

Shakespeare's comedic genius extends beyond the written word. The visual gags associated with Malvolio, particularly his yellow stockings and cross-gartered legs, contribute significantly to the audience's perception of him as a ludicrous figure. These are not simply arbitrary details; they are carefully chosen to emphasize his pretentiousness and the incongruity between his self-image and reality. The yellow stockings, associated with foolishness in the Elizabethan era, visually mark him as a figure deserving of ridicule. The cross-gartering, a deliberate violation of sartorial norms, further emphasizes his eccentricity and comical inappropriateness. These visual cues enhance the comedic effect, transforming Malvolio's romantic aspirations into a spectacle of absurdity.

Ambition and Class Aspiration: A Source of Tragicomedy

Malvolio's ambition is another key element that contributes to his comedic downfall. He is clearly a man of ambition wanting to achieve greater social standing. He sees his relationship with Olivia as a path towards achieving this higher status. This pursuit, though understandable, is presented in a comedic light due to his methods and misinterpretations. His desire to climb the social ladder is not inherently humorous, but his naive and clumsy attempts to achieve it, coupled with his misreading of Olivia's affections, make his ambition a source of both laughter and pity. This blend of humor and pathos is a characteristic of Shakespearean tragicomedy. We laugh at Malvolio's predicament, but we also feel a degree of sympathy for his thwarted desires.

The Cruel Prank and the Reinforcement of Societal Norms

The elaborate prank played upon Malvolio is undoubtedly cruel. The forged letter, designed to make him believe that Olivia is secretly in love with him, plays upon his vanity and ambition, ultimately leading to his humiliation. However, the humor of this scene is complex and multifaceted. It is not simply a matter of laughing at Malvolio; it's also about laughing with the characters who orchestrate the prank.

The Power Dynamics at Play: Olivia, Maria, and the Subversion of Expectations

The prank is not just a random act of cruelty; it is a complex interaction of power dynamics between the characters involved. Maria, the clever lady's maid, and Sir Toby Belch and Sir Andrew Aguecheek, the drunken and foolish gentlemen, are largely driven by amusement and a rebellious streak against Olivia’s more rigid authority. Their prank serves to subvert Olivia's perceived authority, and it also reveals the inherent social structures and power imbalances of the time. Olivia's eventual response to Malvolio's behaviour, while seemingly cold, also serves to reinforce societal norms. The whole situation is a complex interplay of social hierarchies and comedic subversion.

The Role of Deception and Misinterpretation: A Comic Trope

The prank hinges on deception and misinterpretation, two key comedic tropes employed throughout Shakespeare’s works. Malvolio's misreading of the forged letter is the catalyst for the entire sequence of events that lead to his humiliation. This misinterpretation, stemming from his own vanity and ambition, highlights the dangers of unchecked desire and the importance of proper judgment. The humor arises from the stark contrast between Malvolio's expectation and the reality of the situation.

Malvolio's Rejection and the Reinforcement of Societal Structures

Malvolio's rejection is not simply a matter of unrequited love; it's a rejection of his ambition and his attempt to transcend his social standing. Olivia’s ultimate rejection, while initially seemingly cold and calculated, reinforces the existing social order. The power structure remains intact; the upper class maintains its position, and the social climber is put in his place. This reinforcement of social hierarchies, while seemingly harsh, is presented within the comedic context of the play. It is not meant to be taken as a bleak commentary on societal injustice, but rather as a comedic exploration of the consequences of social ambition and misjudgment.

The Absence of Romantic Sympathy: A Deliberate Choice

Shakespeare deliberately avoids generating romantic sympathy for Malvolio. Unlike other characters who experience romantic setbacks, Malvolio's failings are presented as a source of humor rather than pathos. His character flaws, his ambition, and his misinterpretations contribute to the comedic effect, minimizing the audience’s inclination toward sympathy for his romantic plight.

The Enduring Legacy of Malvolio's Humiliation

The enduring appeal of Malvolio's humiliation lies in its complexity. It's not simply a case of straightforward bullying; it's a multi-layered comedic situation that explores themes of social ambition, misinterpretation, and the subversion of power structures. The humor derives from the clash between Malvolio's self-image and the reality of his situation, making him a compelling and enduring character despite, or perhaps because of, his comedic downfall. His character continues to resonate with audiences because he represents the anxieties and aspirations of individuals striving for upward mobility, even if those aspirations are ultimately presented in a comedic light. He remains a cautionary tale, a reminder of the potential pitfalls of unchecked ambition and the importance of self-awareness. His story isn't just a joke; it's a multifaceted comedic exploration of human nature and its foibles. It's a testament to Shakespeare's genius that a character as flawed and ultimately ridiculed as Malvolio can still capture the audience's attention and provoke both laughter and reflection long after the curtain falls.