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Twelfth Night Identity

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In Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare the characteristics of identity, authority, and selfishness are pronounced. The idea of identity is relatable to people today because human nature allows people to change their perceptive of themselves to better fit in with society. The characteristics of authority and selfishness are relatable because people that have authority over others tend to use it to get the things that they want. Shakespeare’s work is relatable because of the emphasis he puts on themes that are relevant, such as irony and love. Shakespeare’s use of relevant themes and relatable characteristics are reasons why his work is so popular and still told in today’s world. Throughout Twelfth Night Shakespeare portrays the idea of identity …show more content…

The fact that Orsino dismisses Olivia’s wishes to be left alone and considers his love for her to be more important than the love she had for her brother shows a sense of selfishness. In Act 2 scene 4 Viola suggests that Olivia may not be able to love him and Orsino replies with “I cannot be so answered” (2.4.97). The preceding Quote reveals the amount of arrogance that Orsino has and that he thinks that because of his authority and position as duke he cannot be denied access to what he wants. That quote also reveals that Orsino does not care what Olivia wants as long as his wishes are met. The fact that Orsino sends his servants to pursue Olivia for him reveals a sense of carelessness in his moral conduct. He sees her as a prize that can be sought after rather than a person with feelings that matter. The actions of the character Orsino are relevant because everyone has a sense of selfishness and would prefer their desires to be met before thinking of others wishes. Shakespeare’s plays usually provide a reality of a human emotion or a relatable theme. In Hamlet there is a sense of irony, in Macbeth there is grief and pride, in Twelfth Night Shakespeare provides a sense of humor. These themes that Shakespeare includes in his plays are what give his work a relevant and relatable perspective. There are many retellings of Shakespeare’s plays today. The Lion King is a retelling of Hamlet and She’s

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