Discuss the theme of madness in the twelfth night. Some questions you might want to consider:
How do people define madness? Which characters see themselves or others as mad?
Why? What causes people to go crazy? What point does Shakespeare make about madness?
In Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, the theme of madness operates as a tool for exploring the blurred lines between reality and illusion, as well as the transformative powers of love and self-deception. Madness is depicted as a subjective concept that varies according to the perspectives of different characters.
Several characters in the play define madness differently. Malvolio sees madness as a personality trait of those who act foolishly or against social norms. He labels Sir Toby, Maria, Feste, and others as mad due to their revelry and unorthodox behavior. Similarly, Sir Toby believes that Malvolio has gone mad due to his attempt to make Olivia love him. However, more perceptive characters such as Viola recognize that madness can also be a state of mind brought about by unrequited love or loss.
The causes of madness within the play are predominantly related to the theme of love. For example, Olivia's obsession with mourning for her dead brother leads her to vow solitude and reject Orsino's advances. Her behavior, driven by grief and an extreme emotional state, can be seen as a form of madness. Similarly, unreciprocated love prompts Orsino to engage in melancholic mood swings and excessive self-indulgence. This suggests that love, or the lack thereof, can drive people to irrational behavior and emotional instability.
Shakespeare presents madness as a transformative force, often leading to self-discovery or resolution. For instance, Malvolio's supposed madness and humiliation ultimately lead to a greater understanding of himself. He realizes his own arrogance and false sense of superiority, ultimately emerging as a more empathetic character. Additionally, Viola's disguise as Cesario and the mistaken identities further the theme of madness. They blur the lines between appearance and reality, highlighting the performative aspect of identity and love.
Furthermore, the theme of madness in Twelfth Night challenges the notion of a stable and rational society. The characters' perceptions of madness are often based on their adherence to social norms, highlighting the foolishness in strictly conforming to societal expectations. Shakespeare suggests that it is the eccentricities, the madness, and the revelry that can awaken people to their true selves and bring about personal growth.
In conclusion, madness serves as a multi-faceted theme in Twelfth Night, illustrating the subjective nature of sanity and exploring the transformative powers of love and self-deception. Through various characters, Shakespeare highlights the causes and consequences of madness, ultimately challenging societal norms and suggesting that madness can lead to self-discovery and personal growth.