Disguise In Twelfth Night

BETTER A WITTY FOOL THAN A FOOLISH WIT A CRITICAL EXPLORATION OF FESTE

In the view of many who have read and/or watched the play “TWELFTH NIGHT” by Shakespeare Feste is indeed the wittiest, most influential, diverse and misunderstood character in the play. Feste is first portrayed as a fool in both dress and attitude, however, we later discover that he is the wisest man of the lot and foolishness is only his guise. Far from being just a fool, Feste implores the use of erudite English and discernment and thus is able to present the audience with a higher knowledge of the plot than that presented by the other characters in the play. Disguise plays a pivotal role in the development of “TWELFTH NIGHT”, it is used to generate confusion and internal conflict and therefore adds to the audience’s overall enjoyment. My penciled sketch depicts the various manifestations of Feste. On the upper left side of the reinterpretation of Twelfth Night presented, a pair of masks can be seen. These masks represent the disguises worn by many of the characters in the play but mainly the one worn both physically and mentally by Feste the fool. The first mask is extremely jovial and

The image of the Jester in the reinterpretation represents both Feste and the house of merriment. His constant mocking of his "betters" further reinforces the idea of upsetting social order. Feste is able to transcend the traditional structure of aristocrats and plebeians to lead them on as he sees fit. This in itself makes Feste significant as a character. Masked by his humour Feste often offers others good advice. The name “Feste” in actuality means celebration or festivity and in essence this is an underlying theme of the play. Sir Toby Belch and Sir Andrew Aguecheek are often portrayed as drunken and in a state of pure enjoyment. The twelfth night also marks the beginning of what is known as Epiphany and is a time of festivities and celebration, hence the image of the