Shakespeare's Twelfth Night is a riot of mistaken identities, comedic misunderstandings, and romantic entanglements. However, beneath the surface lies a fascinating exploration of social hierarchy and the powerful role of status symbols in shaping identity and relationships within the play's Elizabethan world. This exploration delves into the subtle and overt ways Shakespeare uses clothing, titles, wealth, and even perceived lineage to illuminate the complexities of his characters and the society they inhabit.
What are the main status symbols in Twelfth Night?
The primary status symbols in Twelfth Night revolve around wealth, lineage, and clothing. Wealth is clearly indicated through Orsino's lavish court and the resources he commands. His ability to maintain a large household, including musicians and servants, speaks volumes about his social standing. Lineage is suggested, though not always explicitly stated. Olivia's wealth and landed estate indicate a noble birth, while Viola's disguise obscures her true noble origins, highlighting the importance of outward presentation. Clothing itself is a powerful symbol; the elaborate garments of the nobility contrast sharply with the simpler attire of the lower classes, immediately establishing visual cues of social rank. Furthermore, the shift in Viola's clothing from male to female (or the intended shift) directly affects her social standing and the opportunities available to her.
How does clothing function as a status symbol in Twelfth Night?
Clothing acts as a powerful, almost immediate indicator of status. Orsino, as the Duke, commands attention through his attire, reflecting his power and wealth. Olivia, as a wealthy heiress, also uses clothing to project an image of refined elegance and mourning. Conversely, the disguise adopted by Viola as Cesario, albeit a simple one by noble standards, allows her a degree of agency she wouldn't possess as a woman in a patriarchal society, showcasing how clothing can manipulate perceptions of social standing and gender. The change in clothing, and ultimately, the revealing of Viola's true identity, acts as a catalyst in the play's resolution of romantic conflicts and the re-establishment of social order. The clothing choices of the characters powerfully illustrate the limitations and opportunities presented by the social structures of the time.
What role does disguise play in relation to status symbols?
Disguise is central to the play's themes and directly impacts how characters are perceived and treated. Viola's disguise as Cesario allows her to move freely within Orsino's court and gain insight into his character and motivations. It also forces her to navigate the social landscape differently, forcing her to adapt and interact with different hierarchies based on the clothing and gender she is presenting. The disguise not only alters Viola's social position but also shapes her relationships, leading to both comedy and dramatic tension as people misunderstand her true identity and thus, her true social standing and intentions.
How do the characters' actions reflect their understanding of status?
Characters in Twelfth Night actively manipulate or respond to status symbols. Orsino's obsession with Olivia, fuelled partly by her social standing and wealth, highlights the importance of social prestige in courtship and the patriarchal society he inhabits. Olivia, in her initial mourning period, uses her status to maintain a degree of control and seclusion. Malvolio, meanwhile, attempts to elevate his status through ambitious self-promotion, ultimately leading to his humiliation and highlighting the dangers of social climbing. Each character's response to and use of status symbols reveals their personality, motivations, and their understanding of the social world surrounding them.
Does the play suggest a critique of social hierarchies through its status symbols?
While Twelfth Night doesn't explicitly condemn social hierarchies, the comedic mishaps and romantic entanglements arising from the characters' preoccupation with status subtly critique the rigid social structures of the time. The play suggests that true identity and worth extend beyond outward appearances and material possessions. The resolution of the play, which sees a merging of social classes and the triumph of love over social barriers, hints at a possible rejection of inflexible social hierarchies, while acknowledging their prevalent reality in Elizabethan society. The play highlights the absurdity and even cruelty that can stem from the obsession with status, suggesting that lasting relationships and true happiness are ultimately not dependent upon social rank.
This exploration of status symbols in Twelfth Night reveals not only how Shakespeare depicted the social dynamics of his time but also how he used those very symbols to create a complex and enduring work of art that continues to resonate with audiences centuries later. The play ultimately reminds us that the pursuit of social standing, while a powerful motivator, should not overshadow the importance of genuine connection and individual worth.
