Take a firm stance on the prompt and write a 5-paragraph, double-spaced essay supporting your position. Make sure that you have a strong thesis statement at the end of your introduction and clear topic sentences in each body paragraph that provide arguments in support of your thesis. Be sure to provide textual support in the form of quotations to buttress each of your claims.
Olivia accuses Malvolio of being “sick of self-love.” Which other characters also suffer from the same disease that makes them proud and self-important? Analyze the extent to which these characters are infected, and the effect of this self-love on their actions and those they come in contact with. Compare and contrast these characters with several whose love is more genuine or even selfless.
In Shakespeare's play Twelfth Night, the character Olivia accuses Malvolio of being "sick of self-love." However, it is not only Malvolio who suffers from this disease of excessive pride and self-importance. Other characters such as Orsino, Sir Andrew, and even Olivia herself are also infected to various extents. This self-love affects their actions and interactions with others, creating chaos and obstacles. In contrast, characters like Viola and Antonio display a more genuine and selfless love. Through a careful analysis of these characters, it becomes evident that excessive self-love leads to negative consequences, while genuine love promotes harmony and growth.
Orsino, the Duke of Illyria, is deeply in love with Olivia. However, his love is shown to be more of a self-indulgent infatuation than genuine affection. Orsino's love for Olivia is characterized by his excessive self-love and his desire to possess her. He constantly describes his love in extravagant terms, saying, "O spirit of love, how quick and fresh art thou, that, notwithstanding thy capacity, receiveth as the sea." (1.1.24-26) His focus is on his own emotions rather than the well-being or feelings of Olivia. This self-love blinds him to the possibility of pursuing a meaningful connection with Viola, who truly loves him.
Similarly, Sir Andrew Aguecheek, a friend of Sir Toby Belch, is motivated by self-love rather than genuine affection. He believes himself to be a worthy suitor for Olivia, despite lacking any qualities to back up his claim. Sir Andrew's self-importance and arrogance are apparent when he declares, "I would I had bestowed that time in the tongues that I have in fencing, dancing, and bear-baiting: O, had I but followed the arts!" (1.3.87-89) His love for Olivia stems from his desire to be seen as important and desirable, rather than from any true emotional connection. This self-love causes him to pursue Olivia relentlessly, even though it is clear that she has no interest in him.
Olivia herself is not immune to the disease of self-love. Although she accuses Malvolio of being "sick of self-love," her own actions and decisions are driven by her vanity and self-importance. When she falls in love with Cesario/Viola, it is not for Cesario's virtues or qualities, but for his pleasing appearance and charming words. Olivia expresses her self-love when she admits, "Yet, a barful strife! / Whoe'er I woo, myself would be his wife." (1.5.237-238) Her love is rooted in her desire to be desired, and she enjoys the attention and admiration that comes with being pursued. This self-centeredness creates confusion and complications that ultimately hinder her ability to form a genuine connection.
In contrast to these characters, Viola and Antonio demonstrate a more genuine and selfless love. Viola disguises herself as a man, Cesario, in order to navigate the challenges of the society and to serve Orsino faithfully. Her love for Orsino is characterized by her willingness to sacrifice her own happiness for his. Viola states, "I'll do my best to woo your lady: [aside] yet, a barful strife! / Whoe'er I woo, myself would be his wife." (1.5.237-238) Viola's love is not self-centered or possessive but rather selfless and devoted.
Antonio, a pirate who saves Sebastian's life and forms a deep attachment to him, also displays a selfless love. Antonio risks his own safety and reputation to protect Sebastian and even follows him to Illyria, despite being wanted by the authorities. Antonio's love for Sebastian is evident when he says, "I could not stay behind you: my desire, / More sharp than filed steel, did spur me forth" (2.1.44-45) His love is characterized by his willingness to put Sebastian's well-being above his own, even if it means sacrificing his own freedom.
In conclusion, the characters in Twelfth Night who suffer from excessive self-love, like Malvolio, Orsino, Sir Andrew, and Olivia, are shown to be driven by their own desires rather than genuine affection. Their actions and interactions with others are influenced by their egos and pride, leading to chaos and misunderstandings. In contrast, characters like Viola and Antonio demonstrate a more genuine and selfless love, which promotes harmony and growth. Through these contrasting characters, Shakespeare highlights the negative consequences of excessive self-love and the transformative power of genuine and selfless love.