In Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare, there is a great deal of comedic scenes. A great amount of these are to the credit of the character of Viola. The audience often finds themselves laughing at the predicament that she has involved herself. In short, she is trying to set up the man she loves with a woman that is not her, who ends up falling in love with her dressed up as a man. There is the obvious irony that she is her love’s confidante, without him knowing that he is really a she not a he and that she really loves him. Even though Viola is obviously miserable by the position she is in, one can’t help but find humor in it. Not malicious by any means is the spirit in which this laughter is born, but thoughtful. In other words, it is not foolery, or silliness, or malarkey that causes one to laugh at Viola; but the hopeless situ
Twelfth Night gives its audience a chance to reflect on their own mishaps, similar to that of Viola’s. Being able to be the observer and not the involved allows one to see the humor in it, even though it is a serious situation. Reflecting back on one’s faults and ironies and being able to share a laugh over it is the best way to re-evaluate a mistake and analyze one’s previous actions, as well as to soften the blow of any damages caused; especially in the matters of the heart.
Anyone can create a hilarious scene consisting of clumsy stunts and limericks. However, creating a situation which is entirely beyond its character’s control is the sign of a true art. Shakespeare manages to convey seriousness and sincerity for Viola’s love of the duke. The situation itself, is purely comical. The fact that it is purely coincidental that
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