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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 5 page paper which examines the character’s dramatic function in Shakespeare’s play. Bibliography lists 5 sources.
Page Count:
5 pages (~225 words per page)
File: TG15_TGmalvol.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
he is in love with Lady Olivia. There is also a bit of cross-dressing thrown in, with Viola "sizing up" her competition for Orsinos affections by disguising herself as
a man, Cesario, the singing page. Naturally, Olivia falls madly in love with Cesario, blissfully unaware that "he" is actually a "she." While this seems to have all
the elements of a conventional screwball comedy, the unpredictable Shakespeare throws another character into the mix, Olivias pompous steward, Malvolio. This transforms the play from trite comedy to dramatic
social commentary, and "invites reflection" (Greenblatt, 1986, p. 219). One critic observed, "Malvolio... was entirely Shakespeares invention... He is a literal example of the Italian malvoglio, which means ill
will," (Cahill, 1996, p. 62). Malvolio may be proficient at serving his fair maiden, but he has fared considerably less well at serving himself. He intentionally exists outside the
plays periphery as the most isolated of characters, the social outsider who has been denied membership in the societys elite club of status. Malvolio is none too happy with
the class to which he is relegated, and as a result, displays an irascible disposition, which is often played for laughs. The steward is immediately threatened by anyone who
is perceived as funnier or more intelligent than he. Olivia is the only person who comes close to understanding this complex man, his insecurities and egotism, and makes the
astute observation in Act I, Scene v (lines 83-84), "O, you are sick of self-love, Malvolio, and taste with a distemperd appetite" (Shakespeare, 1993, p. 290).
Malvolios bitterness renders him incapable of having a good time, and he resents seeing others enjoy themselves. In this way, he functions not only
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