William Shakespeare was an extremely liberal idealist with a passion to expose and in a sense play with the social stereotypes early European cultures faced. Shakespeare loved to fictionally mirror the given societal roles in English life; showcasing conflicts of man and woman, rich and poor even the relationship's one experienced with siblings. Within the boundaries of these relationships Shakespeare desired to uncover the ideas and more importantly the majority views of equality deserved by each participant in this circle, while at the same time having some fun in mocking these very stereotypes. On the surface of the Twelfth Night it would seem apparent that Shakespeare is trying to portray woman as having the stronger role socially in relation to specific stereotype being identified with. In regards to strength in comparison to stereotype woman in general have a stronger essence; but just because the norm in Shakespearian society is male dominant, does that really mean that woman are stronger in attaining a level playing field in society? If one was pinned to the bottom of a rapidly flowing river, that soul would obviously have a toilsome time surviving in comparison to that of a soul already afloat, merely trying to stay buoyant. The idea of this struggle woman faced during the middle ages and into the renaissance is somewhat emblematic of the struggle woman of today still face. Viola, even while portraying herself as Cesario, clearly overcame strenuous endeavors to encapsulate her audience in a world of female hardships and social mountains. Ironically a viola is a musical instrument with a deeper, more masculine tone than a violin; this is definitely a clue to the nature of this character. While all woman associated with this play are strong in their will; Viola is undeniably the strongest.
Shipwrecked, stranded in the perils of a virgin land Viola is left with no other choice than to fend for herself. This choice of fen...