Olivia
Extended Character Analysis
Lady Olivia is an upper-class, wealthy, and beautiful countess in Illyria. Olivia is judgmental and overindulgent. Much like Duke Orsino, Olivia is also quick to fall in love and makes rash decisions. She also claims to be in a seven-year, loveless period of mourning for her recently deceased brother. However, Lady Olivia’s mourning period appears to exist as an excuse to refuse Orsino’s advances.
Olivia’s Hypocrisy
Lady Olivia claims at the beginning of Twelfth Night to be mourning her brother’s death. She says she will mourn for seven years and will refuse to fall in love during that time. Lady Olivia shows that she is hypocritical in that she uses her brother’s mourning period to avoid Orsino’s romantic advances but ignores her promise to mourn once she falls in love with Cesario. When she meets Cesario—Viola in disguise—she throws her vow away and sends a ring after Cesario to secretly show her affections. Lady Olivia realizes the irrationality of her love for Cesario but finds that she cannot help it. In following with the theme of revelry in love, Olivia chooses to pine after Cesario despite her original intentions.
Olivia’s Love
Olivia’s abrupt change of heart and mind shows a distinct lack of rationality. She tries to woo Cesario but is unsuccessful given that Cesario is Viola in disguise. Olivia claims that she cannot love Orsino, despite his wealth, stature, and genuine personality. Olivia’s love for Cesario highlights the illogical side of love. Orsino is the more logical, sensible decision, but Olivia immediately feels love for a new young man whom she does not know.
Olivia goes so far in her love-induced blindness as to marry Sebastian, Viola’s twin brother. Olivia believes that Sebastian is Cesario and is pleasantly surprised when she notices his interest in her. Beforehand, Cesario (Viola) had always politely rejected her advances. Olivia is so excited to be able to be betrothed to Cesario that she plans the ceremony and completes the betrothal to Sebastian in a single day. However, having betrothed Sebastian instead of Cesario, Olivia soon finds herself in the center of duplicity and chaos over love and misattributed identity.
When Olivia meets Viola, who is still disguised as Cesario, she calls Cesario “husband.” This results in confusion and arguing until Sebastian arrives and clears the confusion. Olivia’s willingness to betroth Sebastian (whom she believed was Cesario) with such speed shows that her love was shallow and passionate instead of steady and thoughtfully considered. Once Olivia learns that Sebastian isn’t Cesario, however, she is surprised but not entirely disappointed. Like Orsino, Olivia’s love for Cesario was more motivated by the journey of finding love as opposed to an actual grounded affection for Cesario’s personality.
Expert Q&A
Why did Olivia fall in love with Cesario in Twelfth Night?
In Twelfth Night, Olivia falls in love with "Cesario" because of "his" candid manner and lack of romantic affectation in speaking with her.
In Twelfth Night, why didn't Olivia respond to the Duke's proposal?
Olivia did not respond to the Duke's proposal because she had unknowingly fallen in love with "Cesario," who is actually Viola in disguise. Olivia is a romantic who believes in love at first sight, as she expresses her sudden infatuation with Cesario in Act 1. Although Cesario attempts to woo Olivia for the Duke, it is unsuccessful. Ultimately, the Duke falls in love with Viola, leading to a happy resolution for all.
Why does Olivia stop mourning her brother after meeting Cesario in Twelfth Night?
Olivia stops mourning her brother after meeting Cesario because she finds a new love interest in him. Initially, Olivia vows celibacy for seven years to mourn her brother's death, possibly as a means to deter Orsino's advances. However, upon meeting Cesario, who is actually Viola in disguise, her feelings shift, leading her to abandon her mourning period in favor of pursuing this new romantic attraction.
In Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, why does Olivia avoid men?
Olivia avoids men because she is mourning her brother's death and has vowed to do so for seven years. This period of mourning serves multiple purposes: it helps her evade Count Orsino's persistent advances and allows her to retain control over her inherited estate. If she married, her property rights would transfer to her husband. Thus, her avoidance of men protects her independence and wealth, alongside expressing her genuine grief.
In Twelfth Night, does Olivia's rejection of Orsino's proposal challenge or reinforce cultural norms of courtship?
What does Olivia continually seek from Viola/Cesario in Twelfth Night?
Olivia seeks Cesario's love in "Twelfth Night." She falls for Cesario, unaware he is actually Viola in disguise. She attempts to win his affection by sending Malvolio with a ring, falsely claiming Cesario left it. This tactic ensures Cesario's return. When Cesario comes back, she confesses her feelings but is rejected, prompting her to plead for his return, hoping this might eventually lead her to love Orsino.
Olivia's Preference for Viola Over Orsino in "Twelfth Night"
Olivia prefers Viola (disguised as Cesario) over Orsino because she is charmed by Cesario's eloquence and genuine expressions of emotion. Unlike Orsino, who is overly dramatic and self-absorbed, Cesario's sincerity and wit captivate Olivia, leading her to fall in love with Cesario instead.
Olivia's Traits and Status in Twelfth Night
In Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, Olivia is portrayed as an emotionally driven and loyal character. In Act 1, she demonstrates obsessive mourning for her deceased brother, planning to seclude herself for seven years, which reflects her fanatical nature. Despite this, she shows loyalty and care by allowing her uncle Sir Toby to stay with her despite his behavior, highlighting her nurturing personality. Her emotional and caring traits are further emphasized by her interactions with Feste and her eventual interest in Cesario.
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