Within Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, we experience Shakespeare's notorious
             theme of conflict between opposites. In this particular play, nearly all characters portray some sense of disguise, whether it is of false appearance or altered personality.
             The first evidence we see is of Orsino, Duke of Illyria. Although he is a male, we witness him showing 'womanly qualities.' He continuously talks about his love for Olivia and includes the line:"O, then unfold the passion of my love. Surprise her with discourse of my dear faith." He also seems to get lost in his indulgence of emotions and becomes love sick. This signals the beginning of many contrasts and contradictions seen later in the play.
             The next character we see demonstrates the idea of false appearances. Viola has to disguise herself as a man to obtain a job as one of Orsino's 'messengers,' and try to woo Olivia for Duke Orsino. However, this idea turns into a bad decision when Viola falls for Orsino and progresses to more disastrous heights when Olivia falls for Viola. This 'love triangle' is bizarre, for we have Olivia falling for Viola, another woman who is dressed as a man, who loves Orsino, who in turn loves Olivia.
             Olivia can also be considered as acting as the opposite gender in the sense that she is trying to protect her pride and staunchness. Because of her father's death a year ago, and her brother's three months ago, she can be thought of as the 'man-of-the-house.' She acts heartless and appears confident of rejecting Orsino's 'childish' feelings.
             Olivia and Viola can be seen as acting similarly; both acting as males for the loss of their brothers. Viola's female side loves Orsino, yet she cannot express herself. On the other hand, Olivia has fallen for Viola's male side, Cesario. Viola's possesses manners, gentleness, and understanding, characteris...