Olivia From The Twelfth Night

Olivia: More Than a Melancholy Maiden in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night

Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, or What You Will is a comedic masterpiece brimming with witty banter, mistaken identities, and delightful chaos. While the play revolves around the romantic entanglements of several characters, Olivia's journey stands out as a complex and nuanced exploration of grief, love, and self-discovery. This article delves deep into Olivia's character, analyzing her actions, motivations, and evolution throughout the play, revealing a woman far more multifaceted than the initial impression of a melancholic heiress might suggest. We will examine her initial mourning period, her interactions with Orsino and Cesario, and ultimately, her transformation into a confident and independent woman.

Olivia's Mourning: A Performance of Grief?

The play opens with Olivia deeply immersed in mourning for her recently deceased brother. She has withdrawn from society, declaring a seven-year period of seclusion and rejecting all suitors, including the ardent Orsino. This initial portrayal presents Olivia as a woman consumed by grief, her actions seemingly dictated by societal expectations of appropriate mourning behavior. However, closer examination reveals a more complex reality. Is her grief genuine, or is it a carefully constructed performance, a shield to protect herself from unwanted advances and the pressures of her social standing?

Shakespeare masterfully uses language to suggest ambiguity in Olivia's mourning. Her pronouncements of grief are eloquent and dramatic, hinting at a possible theatrical element. Her initial rejection of Orsino, a powerful Duke, could be interpreted as a bold act of defiance against societal norms, a rejection of the expected path of a wealthy heiress marrying for power. The extreme nature of her mourning—a seven-year vow—further suggests a level of performativity, a calculated strategy to control her life and protect her autonomy in a patriarchal society.

The Entrance of Cesario: A Catalyst for Change

The arrival of Cesario (disguised Viola) disrupts Olivia's carefully constructed world of mourning. Cesario's charm and wit gradually penetrate Olivia's defenses, challenging her self-imposed isolation. Interestingly, Olivia's feelings for Cesario develop quickly and intensely, highlighting a sharp contrast to her initial coldness towards Orsino. This rapid shift indicates that Olivia's initial mourning may not have been solely about grief for her brother, but perhaps also a subconscious avoidance of romantic entanglement.

The dynamic between Olivia and Cesario is particularly fascinating because it reveals Olivia's capacity for genuine emotion and unexpected vulnerability. Her courtship of Cesario, complete with passionate declarations and lavish gifts, is a stark departure from her previously austere demeanor. It showcases a passionate side hidden beneath the veneer of mourning, suggesting a woman yearning for connection and genuine love.

The Deception Unveiled: Confronting Reality and Self-Awareness

The revelation of Cesario's true identity as Viola forces Olivia to confront her feelings and reassess her choices. The realization that she has fallen in love with a woman throws her into a temporary state of confusion, but ultimately, she accepts the truth with surprising grace. This acceptance is crucial in understanding Olivia's character arc. It demonstrates a level of self-awareness and adaptability that belies her initially restrictive persona.

Olivia's acceptance of Viola's true identity also highlights her capacity for empathy and understanding. Unlike many characters in the play who are initially driven by their own desires, Olivia ultimately demonstrates a willingness to adapt her desires to the realities of the situation. She chooses to love Viola, regardless of gender or societal expectations, demonstrating a level of emotional maturity and acceptance that elevates her beyond the stereotypical role of the grieving heiress.

Olivia's Independence and Strength: Beyond Romantic Entanglements

While Olivia's romantic relationships form a significant part of her storyline, it is crucial to recognize her inherent strength and independence. Even within the confines of her mourning period, she demonstrates agency and control over her life. She manages her estate, interacts with her household staff, and makes crucial decisions regarding her own future, all without relying on a male figure for guidance. This independence is further emphasized by her decisive actions after the revelation of Cesario's true identity. She does not succumb to despair or self-pity, instead, she adapts and moves forward.

Her ultimate marriage to Sebastian, while seemingly conventional in the context of the play, doesn't diminish her agency. She actively pursued a relationship with Cesario/Viola, and although circumstances led to her marrying Sebastian, her choice showcases a capacity for emotional resilience and a proactive approach to finding happiness. Her journey from a withdrawn mourner to a confident and decisive woman is a testament to her strength of character.

A Comparison to Other Female Characters: Olivia's Unique Position

Comparing Olivia to other female characters in Shakespeare's plays reveals her unique position. Unlike the often passive or subservient female characters of many tragedies, Olivia actively participates in the shaping of her own destiny. Unlike the more overtly manipulative characters, her actions stem from genuine emotions, albeit sometimes clouded by societal expectations and grief. She is not simply a love interest; she is a complex individual with her own desires, ambitions, and flaws. Her transformation throughout the play showcases a profound internal journey towards self-acceptance and genuine happiness, making her a remarkably modern and relatable character.

The Role of Societal Expectations: Navigating Patriarchy

It's important to consider the societal context in which Olivia operates. As a wealthy heiress in a patriarchal society, she faced immense pressure to conform to specific roles and expectations. Her initial mourning could be seen as a way to manage these pressures, providing a socially acceptable excuse for avoiding unwanted suitors and maintaining control over her own life. Her subsequent rejection of those societal expectations demonstrates a growing awareness of her own autonomy and desire for a life beyond the predetermined paths laid out for her. Olivia's journey is thus a subtle but powerful rebellion against the limitations imposed by her social standing.

Olivia's Language: A Window into Her Inner World

Shakespeare uses Olivia's language to reveal the complexities of her inner world. Her initial pronouncements of grief are formal and stylized, hinting at a performance of sorrow. As her feelings for Cesario develop, her language becomes more passionate and revealing, filled with metaphors and imagery that convey the depth of her emotions. Her interactions with Malvolio, though often laced with wit and sarcasm, still reveal her shrewdness and power within her household. The careful use of language throughout the play is crucial in showcasing Olivia's evolution from a restrained figure to an emotionally expressive and self-aware individual.

Beyond the Comedy: Olivia's Enduring Relevance

While Twelfth Night is classified as a comedy, Olivia's storyline transcends mere comedic tropes. Her journey reflects timeless themes of grief, love, loss, and self-discovery that resonate with audiences even today. Her struggle with societal expectations, her capacity for both vulnerability and strength, and her ultimate acceptance of her own desires make her a compelling character whose story continues to inspire and engage readers and viewers centuries after the play's creation. Her character challenges the limitations often placed upon women in Shakespeare's time and serves as a reminder of the enduring power of human connection and self-acceptance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Is Olivia a strong female character? Yes, Olivia is a remarkably strong female character for her time. While initially appearing constrained by societal expectations and grief, she demonstrates agency, resilience, and a capacity for independent thought and action. Her ultimate choices reflect a strength of character that transcends traditional gender roles.

• What is Olivia's motivation throughout the play? Olivia's motivations are complex and evolve throughout the play. Initially, she uses mourning as a shield, but her subsequent actions reveal a desire for genuine connection, love, and autonomy. Her ultimate goal is self-discovery and happiness, even if the path to achieving it is unconventional.

• How does Olivia's character contribute to the overall comedic effect of the play? Olivia's initial melancholic persona provides a stark contrast to the playful and often chaotic energy of the other characters. Her eventual transformation into a loving and decisive woman contributes to the overall resolution and comedic satisfaction of the play. Her journey is a comedic arc in itself, highlighting the unpredictable nature of love and the power of self-discovery.

• What makes Olivia's character unique in Shakespeare's works? Olivia's unique blend of strength, vulnerability, and self-awareness distinguishes her from many other female characters in Shakespeare's plays. Her ability to navigate societal expectations, while simultaneously pursuing her own happiness, makes her a complex and enduring character.

Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy

Olivia, from Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, is far more than a melancholic heiress. She is a woman of surprising depth, resilience, and strength, whose journey of self-discovery resonates powerfully with modern audiences. Her initial portrayal of grief and withdrawal ultimately serves as a foundation for a remarkable transformation, revealing a character who actively shapes her own destiny and defies societal expectations. Olivia's legacy lies not just in her romantic entanglements, but in her capacity for genuine emotion, her unwavering pursuit of happiness, and her ultimate triumph over adversity. Her character serves as a reminder that even within the constraints of a patriarchal society, individuals can find their own voices and forge their own paths to fulfillment.