In Shakespeare’s comedic and light-hearted story the Twelfth Night, Olivia, a rich countess of Illyria, is the constant admiration of Orsino, Duke of Illyria. Orsino, who in his cowardly ways is unable to approach Olivia, so sends Cesario (Viola, disguised as a man) to court Olivia for him. Generally accustomed to being treated with dignity and respect, Olivia is flirtatious and playful in romantic matters. Her behavior toward Viola-Cesario, with whom she is infatuated, is thrown in high contrast to Viola's mostly nonchalant and subtle flattering of Orison.
Cesario appeals to Olivia when he speaks of the Duke’s love in a poetic and soothing quality. Cesario states, “With adorations, and fertile tears/ With groans that thunder love, with signs of fire,” wooing Olivia with h
Olivia acts on impulse, especially in love. She only sees what she wants in the face of love. She creates her own reality, which is a mere perception of her fantasy. Even though the Duke has strong admirations for her, she only sees him as selfish and arrogant, rejecting all other emotions he feels for her. On the other hand, she wants to fall in love with someone other then the Duke and Cesario's words are alluring to her, not allowing herself to see past to see that Cesario is really a woman.
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