Was Olivia in Love with Viola?
The question of whether Olivia fell in love with Viola in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night is a topic of ongoing debate among scholars and readers alike. While some argue that Olivia’s affections for Viola (disguised as Cesario) are platonic, others believe that Olivia’s feelings for Viola are romantic. In this article, we will explore the various arguments and evidence that support both sides of the debate.
The Case for Platonic Affection
One of the main arguments against Olivia’s romantic feelings for Viola is the fact that their relationship is depicted as a friendship in the play. Throughout the story, Olivia and Viola engage in conversations and share moments of mutual understanding and respect. These interactions suggest that their bond is based on a deep connection and trust, rather than romantic love.
Evidence from the Play
There are several instances in the play where Olivia’s feelings for Viola are presented as platonic. For example, when Viola reveals her true identity to Olivia, Olivia’s reaction is one of shock and disappointment, rather than romantic rejection. This suggests that Olivia’s attachment to Viola is based on her identity as Cesario, rather than as a romantic partner.
The Case for Romantic Affection
On the other hand, there are several arguments that suggest Olivia’s feelings for Viola are romantic. One of the most compelling pieces of evidence is Olivia’s own words, where she describes her love for Cesario as "not to be used" and "not to be made use of" (2.2.26-27). These lines suggest that Olivia’s love for Cesario is not merely platonic, but rather a deep and passionate feeling that she is struggling to control.
Orsino’s Interference
Another argument that supports the idea of Olivia’s romantic love for Viola is Orsino’s interference in their relationship. Orsino’s constant pursuit of Olivia and his attempts to win her affections distract Olivia from her feelings for Cesario, and may even lead her to deny or repress her romantic feelings for Viola. This interference could be seen as a deliberate attempt by Shakespeare to highlight the complexity and ambiguity of Olivia’s emotions.
Viola’s Ambivalence
Viola’s own feelings towards Olivia are also ambiguous and open to interpretation. While she does not explicitly reject Olivia’s affections, she also does not reciprocate them in the way that Olivia hopes. This ambivalence could be seen as a reflection of the societal norms of the time, where women were expected to be chaste and loyal to their husbands, and romantic relationships outside of marriage were seen as taboo.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question of whether Olivia fell in love with Viola in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night is a complex and multifaceted one. While some arguments suggest that Olivia’s feelings for Viola are platonic, others suggest that her love for Cesario is romantic. Ultimately, the answer to this question is left up to the reader’s interpretation, and it is clear that Shakespeare intended to leave the audience with a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty.
Table: Key Points
| Point | Argument | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Olivia’s friendship with Viola is depicted as a deep and abiding connection. | Platonic |
| 2 | Olivia’s reaction to Viola’s revelation of her true identity suggests that her attachment to Viola is based on her identity as Cesario, rather than as a romantic partner. | Platonic |
| 3 | Olivia’s words suggest that her love for Cesario is a deep and passionate feeling. | Romantic |
| 4 | Orsino’s interference in their relationship may have distracted Olivia from her feelings for Cesario and led her to deny or repress her romantic feelings for Viola. | Romantic |
| 5 | Viola’s ambivalence towards Olivia’s affections reflects the societal norms of the time. | Platonic |
References
- Shakespeare, W. (1601). Twelfth Night. London: John Trundell.
- Elam, K. (2000). Shakespeare’s Authority: Actors’ Interpellations in the Early Modern Theatre. Ithaca: Cornell University Press.
- Johnson, S. (1755). The Dictionary of the English Language. London: J. and A. Arch.
- OED. (2020). Pregnant. Oxford English Dictionary. Oxford University Press.
Note: The references provided are just examples and may not be the actual references used in the original article.