28th Annual Student Research Conference
Orsino's and Olivia's Self-Centered View of Love: A Look at Twelfth Night
Ricky L. Hopkins
Dr. Hena Ahmad, Faculty Mentor
Orsino and Olivia are portrayed as parallel superficial characters who think they are deeply in love. However, both seem to be in love with the idea of love and, as such, the play questions the very meaning of love. It is noteworthy that throughout the play Orsino, devastated by Olivia's rejection, speaks to her not once during the entire play and appears to revel in playing the rejected suitor. On the other hand, Olivia, who is in mourning for her father and brother, and has vowed to not allow herself to be courted for seven years finds herself very quickly infatuated with Cesario. Drawing on specific scenes and dialogue, this essay will demonstrate the ways in which Orsino and Olivia are essentially in love with themselves and reflect each other's views of love.
Keywords: Shakespeare, Orsino, Olivia, Twelfth Night, Love, Self-Love, Superficial Love, Illusion and Reality
Topic(s):English
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 403-2
Location: VH 1224
Time: 2:45