Andeisha Fermin, Jahir Young, Briana Luna, Janelle Hernandez, Tyrell Brooks, Asari Scott

4 Arts
Literature
March 18,2024
Edward P. Yorke Highschool

In the play, Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare, the theme of appearance versus reality is a
central element driving the plot forward. Throughout the play, characters often find themselves
deceived by outward appearances, leading to confusion, misunderstandings, and comedic
situations. Two instances where appearance differs from reality prominently emerge, each
shedding light on the complexities of human perception and the consequences of misjudgment.

One example of appearance versus reality is Viola's disguise as Cesario. Viola, shipwrecked and
assuming her brother Sebastian has drowned, decides to disguise herself as a man to navigate the
unfamiliar territory of Illyria. This disguise serves her well, allowing her to secure employment
with Duke Orsino and inadvertently become the object of his affection. Orsino, unaware of
Viola's true identity, confides in Cesario (Viola) about his love for Olivia, thus sparking a chain
of events that drives much of the play's plot.

The reality of this situation is twofold. Firstly, Viola's disguise conceals her true gender from the
other characters, creating a disparity between her appearance as Cesario and her reality as Viola.
Secondly, her disguise leads to a series of misunderstandings and complications, particularly in
matters of love. While Orsino believes he is confiding in a fellow man, he is unknowingly
expressing his feelings to the very woman he is meant to be pursuing. Viola's hidden identity
blurs the lines between appearance and reality, demonstrating the power of disguise to
manipulate perceptions and shape interactions. Shakespeare employs dramatic irony to
underscore the contrast between appearance and reality in Viola's disguise. Dramatic irony
occurs when the audience possesses knowledge that the characters do not, leading to tension and
humor as the characters remain oblivious to the truth. Throughout "Twelfth Night," Shakespeare
uses dramatic irony to great effect, particularly in scenes involving Viola/Cesario.
For instance, in Act 2, Scene 4, Viola expresses her love for Orsino while disguised as Cesario
"I'll do my best To woo your lady: yet, a barful strife! Whoe'er I woo, myself would be his
wife."Here, Viola's words carry a poignant irony as the audience understands her true identity
and the impossibility of her situation. While Viola earnestly professes her love for Orsino, her
words take on a deeper significance when viewed through the lens of her concealed identity. This
dramatic technique not only highlights the disparity between appearance and reality but also adds
depth to the characters' interactions, inviting the audience to engage with the complexities of the
plot.

In conclusion, Twelfth Night explores the theme of appearance versus reality through various
instances of deception and mistaken identity. Viola's disguise as Cesario exemplifies this theme,
revealing the tension between outward appearances and inner truths. Through the use of dramatic
irony, Shakespeare skillfully navigates the complexities of human perception, inviting the
audience to contemplate the blurred lines between appearance and reality in the world of the
play.