In Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, the motivation behind love is propelled by selfish desires. Shakespeare exhibits functioning love through Orsino and Viola, and contrasts it to the false relationships of the other couples. By trivializing the destructive relationships between Malvolio and Olivia, Olivia and Sebastian, and that of Maria and Sir Toby, Shakespeare emphasizes the true love between Orsino and Viola.
             Malvolio's love for Olivia is purely based on a wanting for a higher ranking in society, a selfish desire. Critic, John Draper agrees and states that "Not Malvolio's religion but his social status would seem to hold the key to this change in attitude toward him in the last century." (Draper, John/ Pg.90) Despite his own personality, Malvolio attempts to impress Olivia with what he is told, will attract her to him. "Remember who commended thy yellow stockings and wished to see thee ever cross-gartered...Let it appear in thy smiling; thy smile becomes thy well." (Pg. 85. Act.2 Sc.5) Here, Malvolio is willing to dress foolishly and smile continuously before Olivia, for a recognition from her, that he never does get. Olivia sees no more of Malvolio than a pestering servant, and when he address' her so ridiculously, she laughs and says, "Why dost though, man? What is the matter with thee?" (Pg.113. Act.3 Sc.4) This is clear evidence that Olivia's feelings for Malvolio are strictly pr!
             ofessional, and barely that. The relationship between Malvolio and Olivia is close to being non-existent, similar to the lustful relationship between Olivia and Sebastian.
             The relationship between Sebastian and Olivia is merely based on the others outer appearance. As the play is ending, Olivia encounters Sebastian of whom she believes is "Cesario", and pleads for him to marry her. If Olivia had loved him for more than his effeminate appearance, then she would have been able to recognize that it was not "Cesario" whom she w...