Twelfth Night

A Fools’s Fool

Throughout Twelfth Night foolishness is imperative whether in the dialogue between Sir Andrew and Toby or the mischief the fool is up to. The foolishness does more than give humor to this comedy, because it also points to society’s flaws and the undeserving titles one receives. It has become apparent that the fool is actually the wittiest character of them all but instead of manipulating his way up the aristocratic ladder he is bound to his static character. Malvolio, however is the true fool who thinks he not only can escape his caste, but will even be shoved in that direction. Shakespeare’s humor in Twelfth Night is coated with satire to poke fun at the little merit nobility have in their stake, which creates this thin line between sanity and insanity.

The fool who has a real life equivalence to that of Shakespeare to his audience, is familiar with the line not to cross but enjoys meddling with it. The nobility recognizes his sanity because he plays the role that is expected. “Well, God give them wisdom that have it. And those / that are fools, let them use their talents;” (1.5.13-14). Here we see that the fool believes he has no choice but to be a fool because it has been predetermined just as his masters receive their roles. He is dispensable to his master, Olivia, as he is asked to come and go as she wishes. This works both ways because his talents can be taken elsewhere as we see in the final act. “Put your grace in your pocket, sir, for this once, / and let your flesh and blood obey it;” (5.1.29-30). Here the fool asks Orsino for more money but in doing so Orsino must disobey his virtues, which was very easily done. It may seem difficult to understand but a fool has just manipulated a duke into doing what he wants, which again discredits any title one has. Shakespeare is saying that people may have lavish titles but beware of those with more wits because they can come from many walks of life.

Malvolio, A fool’s fool, has gone mad...