The Use of Deception in William Shakespeares Twelfth Night Essay

The Use of Deception in William Shakespeares Twelfth NightDeception is a key theme in William Shakespeares Twelfth Night. The characters must use dissembling to obtain good things, escape bad situations, or to play cruel hilarious ticks on other people. One example of deception is when Viola wearing apparel herself in mens clothing in order to obtain a job under the Duke of Illyria, Orsino. During another scene Sir Andrew, Fabian, Maria, and Sir Toby Belch trick Malvolio into make a fool of himself. A third example of deception is when Feste the jester disguises himself as Sir Topas and taunts Malvolio. Each of these scenes and characters helps depict the different uses of deception.The first example of deception is Violas decision to dress as a man. She must do this in order to survive. Viola is a young woman who narrowly escaped a crash along with her twin brother, Sebastian. Unfortunately, the twins where separated during the shipwreck and each believes the other perished. Vi ola has no way of survival other than to dress as a man and serve Orsino. Viola says For such disguise as haply shall become the form of my intent. Ill serve this duke...for I can sing...That will help bequeath me very worthy his service. (Shakespeare, 54-59)While serving as a messenger between the Orsino and his love Olivia, Olivia happens to fall in love with Viola sort of of the Duke. Later a captain finds Violas brother, Sebastian, on the shore of Illyria. They both g...