Jul 24, 2008

Twelfth Night | Olivia (Character Analysis)

Olivia, of course, is the main female role, the object of amorous intentions by the Duke, by Sir Andrew, by Malvolio and, eventually, by Sebastian. She is obviously a beautiful young woman of proper breeding who disapproves of Sir Toby's tipsy rabble-rousing but nonetheless generously tolerates his presence in her household. Her kindness is also evident in Olivia's efforts to bring Malvolio back into the wedding society at the play's end. On the other side of the coin, Olivia is a moody woman whose reclusiveness seems more a matter of posturing than of genuine mourning. We note, for...