Discuss the similarities and differences between Olivia and Viola in "Twelfth Night".

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Lisa Bishop

Discuss the similarities and differences between Olivia and Viola in “Twelfth Night”.

Although Olivia and Viola possess a number of qualities which are not just different, but in complete opposition with one another other, they do in fact have a great deal in common. The names Shakespeare has given the two characters is perhaps a reflection of this; the words “Olivia” and “Viola” consist of almost exactly the same letters, yet are clearly arranged to form two different names. Firstly, and most obviously, their statuses in the play are very similar: they are both women, of approximately the same age, and have recently lost their brother. They are also, despite their individual flaws, both “good” people and possess many positive personality traits. However, although some of these positive traits are present in both Olivia and Viola, there are many that are unique to each and in order for these to be identified, careful attention needs to be paid to their thoughts and actions throughout the play.

        From our very first encounter with Viola in Act 1 we discover that she is a very practical person - she makes the best of her situation, and does not let the fact that she is shipwrecked orphan, and a woman in a strange land daunt her. She disguises herself as a eunuch - a decision, which illustrates that she is both courageous and resourceful. We also discover during this first encounter with Viola that she is very trusting; she accepts the sea captain’s help and resolves to use her accomplishments in order to gain employment in Orsino’s court.

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        As the play progresses, she proves herself to be the decent person as promised in this first encountering. We soon learn that she is intelligent, witty and charming, and there are many examples of occasions illustrating this, for example during her short conversation with Feste in Act 3, Scene 1:

VIOLA: Save thee, friend, and thy music! Dost thou live by thy tabor?

FESTE: No, sir, I live by the church.

VIOLA: Art thou a churchman?

FESTE: No such matter, sir. I do live by the church; for I do live at my house,                 and my house doth stand by ...

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