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Question of Sexuality

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The Question of Sexuality
Shakespeare is known for being one of the greatest play writers of all time. Due to his clever use of language and rhyme, many people like to use his work when teaching literature or drama. He is also notorious for implying religious beliefs and suggesting themes that may not be well accepted during his time. One of these major themes in Twelfth Night happens to be the question of sexual identity throughout the play. From the beginning until the end of the play, Shakespeare shows how the idea of sexual identity can be questionable and how it affects the main characters throughout the play. As the play Twelfth Night begins, the reader gets a first glance at how Shakespeare suggests the idea of cross dressing through Viola, who poses as Cesario in order to work for Orsino. “For such disguise as haply shall become the form of my intent,” here Viola tells the Captain her plans and asks him to keep quiet. Wearing her brother’s clothing, she disguises herself to be a man because she fancied Orsino and to get closer to him. In this scene Shakespeare raises the question of Viola’s sexuality because of her cross dressing. Even though the idea of cross dressing seems to be over stepping social acceptance bounds, it is also ironic considering that theatre at the time always contained cross dressing if a play consisted of female parts. Viola’s relationship with Orsino progresses rapidly in a matter of a few days which helps to understand how Viola is proceeding in her plan for Orsino when she said , “I’ll serve the duke;” ultimately drawing her to the conclusion that it will show Orsino, “that will allow me very worth his service,” meaning she’s worthy to serve him. When Viola is sent to “address thy gait unto her”, referring to Olivia, to convince her of Orsino’s love for her she does so even though she wishes herself to “be his

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