Biblical Themes in Shakespeare
The three overriding Biblical concepts in the play are the fruits of folly, the cancer of deception, and the poverty of unbiblical love. Many examples of each of those themes can be found in the text, which correspond closely to what the Bible says on the same subject. Folly abounds in Twelfth Night, and it bears various kinds of fruit. The fruit of the coarse jesting among Maria, Sir Toby, and Feste is confusion, wasted time, and personal offense. Even though Malvolio is not a sympathetic character, he suffers greatly from the trick that is imposed on him, and spouts vanity as he imagines future wedded bliss with Olivia. Sir Toby and Sir Andrew represent different aspects of folly, and neither will inspire any child as a potential role model. Sir Toby epitomizes sloth, and is manipulative of Andrew in order to sustain his self-indulgence. Sir Andrew, aside from not comprehending the true nature of love, reveals the poverty of his philosophy when he states that life consists of eating and drinking (Act II, S. III), to which Sir Toby commends him as a scholar, showing the depths of his foolishness. There is a rich storehouse of Biblical thought
" The complications in the plot become more twisted because of the original deceit, and no good results arrive until the masks come off. But the Bible story goes on to illustrate that deceivers can be redeemed. Deception is practiced wholesale in Twelfth Night. In contrast, television comedies such as "Friends" present an equally bankrupt and superficial picture of love in a manner that makes the viewer sympathetic with these vain characters. concerning the contrast between wisdom and folly. Shakespeare actually takes on the role of satirist here as he "spoofs" these characters for their foolish conception of what love is about. "As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, so is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?" But Scripture speaks to us not only in aphorisms, it speaks by illustration. Although Shakespeare is highly inventive in the manner in which he portrays deception, it is important to note that he never justifies it. Even the clown deceives Malvolio by pretending to be a priest and torments him. And Sir Toby is exposed as only being interested in Andrew for the sake of drinking money. " The obvious interpretation of this verse is a proscription against mature adults cross-dressing for illicit purposes. " They "protest too much" (as in Hamlet) and too loudly their undying love for certain individuals, not even having any idea what the person is really like (or even what sex s/he is!). These people fall in and out of love with Professor Higgins's "speed of summer lightning. And finally, he shows that deceit can be repented of and overcome.
Common topics in this essay:
Sir Toby,
Night Shakespeare,
Twelfth Night,
Professor Higgins's,
Sir Andrew,
,
LORD God,
Toby Feste,
Eventually Viola's,
sir toby,
twelfth night,
Credit Shakespeare,
sir andrew,
night shakespeare,
twelfth night shakespeare,
deception practiced,
|
Acceptance Essays
