This essay will be exploring how Malvolio is a strong victim for humour, how Shakespeare shapes the audiences perception of Malvolio

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Malvolio is Olivia's administrator. He is the one and only character in this play who ever seems to be making a mindful effort to be 'honest' but also the only one of the household who shows no genuine like towards fellow workers and masters. This immediately tells us that people are going to dislike him and, in a way try to get back at him. On the other hand, he is the only effective and with no doubt devoted employee. As a steward his main job is to manage Olivia's household and arrange certain affairs. Malvolio's intentions are to run an orderly house and keep Olivia in happiness, this being out of common affection and of course duty to both. Although he is a very pompous man, he must be good at what he does, yet particularly frustrated by other characters intentions.

This essay will be exploring how Malvolio is a strong victim for humour, how Shakespeare shapes the audiences perception of Malvolio and in what scenarios this has become apparent. I will be focusing mainly on Act 2 Scene 3, Act 3 Scene 4 and Act 4 Scene 2 as this is when Malvolio's character has been displayed most but of course will be referring to other scenes for further support to the argument.

Malvolio's strange conduct first becomes apparent in Act 2 Scene 3. Sir Toby, Sir Andrew and Feste are drinking and singing. It is very late; they are very drunk and very loud. Maria comes in to quiet them down, but it's all just too exciting and she doesn't want to end the fun everyone is having at the party. Typically Malvolio ruins the evening with his bad temper and scolding,

'My masters, are you mad? Or what are you? Have you no wit, manners, nor honesty but to gabble like tinkers at this time of night?' Act 2 Scene 3 Lines 75-77.
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Malvolio begins by rudely shouting at the group. He shows respect by using 'my masters' but then quickly turns this around by shouting and insulting them. He asks many questions but waits for no answers, he carries on,

'Do ye make an alehouse of my lady's house, that ye squeak out your coziers' catches without any mitigation or remorse of voice? Is there no respect of place, persons, nor time in you?' Act 2 Scene 3 Lines 77-79

Malvolio then continues to abuse the group. He uses his puritanical outlook on life, contrasting to that ...

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