Throughout his writing, William Shakespeare was never shy about conveying his beliefs. Shakespeare was a man who stood behind order and the maintenance of the status quo, as evidenced by his writings, and especially Twelfth Night, which features characters that interrupt society. Shakespeare makes it clear in his writing; interrupting business as usual is a cardinal sin. Although he allows characters like Viola, Orsino, and Antonio, to rock the boat for comedic effect, Shakespeare restores order by the end of the play. This is evidenced through the heroine Viola, her brother Sebastian, as well as Orsino and Olivia. When he approved of a society, or set of characters, Shakespeare would write them a happy ending in marriage. The survivor of …show more content…
(1.4.32-37) Orsino's description of "Cesario's" luscious mouth and sweet voice is pretty steamy. (You can check out a more detailed discussion of this quote by going to "Love.") Even though Orsino thinks "Cesario" is a boy, he's clearly attracted to his page's "girlish" features. Does this mean that Orsino is only attracted to "Cesario" because "he" is girly looking? Not necessarily. Even after Orsino knows the truth about Viola, he still calls her "boy" and "Cesario," as the two get cozy and prepare to celebrate their upcoming nuptials. This suggests that the Duke is also attracted to Viola's "boyish" charm. Part of Duke Orsino's function in the play, it seems, is to demonstrate how a person can be attracted to another's "feminine" and "masculine" features. Cesario, come, For so you shall be while you are a man. But when in other habits you are seen, Orsino's mistress, and his fancy's queen. (5.1.408-411) It's pretty striking that Duke Orsino calls Viola "Cesario," even after they are engaged and Viola's identity is revealed. Clearly, the Duke is not quite used to the idea that his "boy" is actually a girl. This passage also raises the question of whether or not Orsino is attracted to "Cesario" or "Viola" or