Dramatic comedy assignment

Viola sympathetically says: Poor lady, she were better love a dream. Disguise, see thou art a wickedness, Wherein the pregnant enemy does much. How easy it is for the proper false in women’s waxen hearts to set their forms… What will become of this, As am man, My state is desperate for my master’s love; s I am woman, now alas the day, What thriftless sighs shall poor Olivia breathe? Here Viola questions the morality of her disguise, as it has misled Olivia into what Viola thinks will be inevitable heartbreak. In addition she expresses a dilemma concerning her androgyny, as shown by the As I am man…

As I am woman part of this monologue. Viola has a twin brother Sebastian. At first, he is presumed dead after the shipwreck. However, it becomes apparent in Act 2 that, like his sister, Sebastian is alive and well. Viola’s cross dressing has convinced other characters so much, that when they meet Sebastian they mistake him for Viola and vice versa, usually with disastrous consequences for both twins. This is a source of humor for the audience, as one twin (usually Viola) is made to deal with the consequences of the other twin’s actions, reinforcing the element of confusion in dramatic comedy.

This shows that Sir Toby and his friends are continuing to antagonist Million by reinforcing the notion that he is insane. Also, Festers disguise has reinforced Maillot’s delusion. This practical joke is an instance where infusion is humorous to the audience, as Million is completely fooled and genuinely thinks that Fest is Master Topaz, whereas the plays audience is aware that it is Fest-as Fest is seen changing into his costume shortly before this scene takes place- and so therefore laugh at Maillot’s ignorance concerning the reality of the situation.

In modern performance however, this scene is sometimes acted in a more serious manner, making the audience pity Million instead of laughing at him, leaving the audience to wonder if the practical joke is cruel, as Million suffers much in his imprisonment, leading he audience to be sympathetic towards him. When Million is released in the plays final scene, he angrily tells Olivia that she has treated him unfairly. However, he finally learns of the prank played on him by Sir Toby and his friends, to which Olivia says: Alas, poor fool, how have they baffled thee!