12n.7z
: Does the play suggest that "gender" is merely a performance? Consider how Olivia falls for the character of Cesario, while Orsino becomes deeply attached to his "boy" servant before the reveal. 2. Madness as a Social Weapon
: The ambition of Malvolio to marry into the aristocracy. 12n.7z
: Contrast Duke Orsino’s performative love for Olivia with Viola’s silent, sacrificial love for Orsino. : Does the play suggest that "gender" is
: Analyze whether the prank played on Malvolio is a harmless joke or a cruel act of social cleansing. Is his "madness" a legitimate mental state, or a label forced upon him by those who dislike his puritanical nature? 3. The Melancholy of the Fool Madness as a Social Weapon : The ambition
For more structured prompts, you can explore the suggested essay topics on SparkNotes to find a specific question that fits your assignment requirements. Suggested Essay Topics - Twelfth Night - SparkNotes
: Feste as the "wise fool" and the observer of reality.
: Examine why the prospect of Malvolio (a steward) marrying Olivia is seen as such a threat to the other characters. This topic explores the "upwardly mobile" tensions in the play.
