Understanding The Humor: Why Malvolio’s Desire for Olivia is Seen as a Joke in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night

Introduction to Malvolio's Character

When we dive into Shakespeare’s "Twelfth Night," we meet a plethora of characters who navigate the complexities of love, identity, and ambition. One character that stands out for his peculiar desires is Malvolio, Olivia’s steward. His infatuation with Olivia is often seen as laughable rather than romantic. But why is this the case? To understand Malvolio's desire and its comedic portrayal, we need to delve into his character traits, social status, and the nature of love within the play.

The Nature of Malvolio's Desire

First off, let’s talk about what Malvolio actually wants. He yearns for Olivia not just out of genuine affection but because he sees her as a means to elevate his own social standing. This isn’t your typical love story where two people are drawn together by mutual feelings; instead, it’s more like a business proposal cloaked in romance. Malvolio imagines himself married to Olivia and thus climbing up the social ladder from being a mere steward to becoming a gentleman. It’s this ambition that strips away the purity typically associated with romantic desire.

Social Class and Irony

One significant layer to consider here is class dynamics. In Elizabethan society, social mobility was limited; one's class determined their place in life. For someone like Malvolio—of lower status—the idea of courting an aristocrat like Olivia comes across as absurdly ambitious but ultimately comical. The irony lies in how he genuinely believes that wearing yellow stockings and cross-gartering will win her over when it's precisely these ridiculous attempts that make him a subject of mockery.

The Role of Comedic Devices

Shakespeare cleverly employs various comedic devices throughout "Twelfth Night" that contribute to making Malvolio's pursuit appear as a joke rather than something serious or heartfelt. For example, one of the most notable elements is the use of dramatic irony—where audiences are aware of things that characters aren’t. We know from early on that Olivia has no interest in marrying anyone due to her mourning for her brother, yet here we have Malvolio daydreaming about winning her heart.

Add to this mix some slapstick humor when he gets tricked into thinking she loves him through a forged letter penned by Maria, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for comedy! His over-the-top reactions when he finds himself dressed in garish clothing only serve to amplify his foolishness in trying so hard to change who he is for someone who will never return those affections.

The Foolishness Factor

An essential element contributing to why we view Malvolio's desire as comical stems from his own foolishness. He displays traits such as self-importance and an inability to recognize how others perceive him—both significant factors leading him down this ridiculous path toward wooing Olivia. Instead of embracing humility or showing kindness toward others (which could endear him), he constantly looks down on those beneath him socially, particularly Sir Toby Belch and Sir Andrew Aguecheek.

This hubris makes it easy for them—and us—to laugh at his expense when he takes himself too seriously while concocting grand ideas about romance with someone utterly unattainable in both spirit and affection.

The Subversion of Love Tropes

Furthermore, Shakespeare plays around with traditional notions surrounding love itself throughout "Twelfth Night." Unlike other romantic entanglements—like Viola disguising herself as Cesario or Orsino's futile affections—the relationship between Malvolio and Olivia exists solely within the realm of fantasy borne out from delusions rather than genuine connection or chemistry between partners.

This subversion emphasizes how misguided ambitions can lead individuals astray; instead of seeking authentic relationships based on mutual respect or understanding—which would be deserving subjects worthy enough for our empathy—we witness an exaggerated caricature fixated solely on external appearances tied directly back towards societal expectations pertaining towards class structures!

Conclusion: A Comedic Reflection

In conclusion, it becomes evident why we see Malvolio’s desire for Olivia more as a joke than anything else! His aspirations are rooted not in true affection but rather ego-driven ambitions steeped within societal norms around class distinctions! Through clever use dramatic irony & comedic devices along with showcasing characters’ folly alongside whimsical subversions against tropes typically expected from romances–Shakespeare provides us insight into darker corners found amidst laughter producing moments reflective society still resonates even today!

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