The gloomy man in an Elizabethan comedy

Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare is an HKCEE text.

William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night is a comedy. In terms of The Bard's work, a comedy is not just a play that is funny, though there is plenty to laugh at, particularly when actors interpret the roles of Sir Toby Belch and Sir Andrew Aguecheek on stage. A Shakespearean comedy also communicates a certain view of the world. It suggests a world where there is harmony and order, where relationships reach a settled, mature state. Why does Malvolio not fit into this comic world?

Malvolio the steward

Malvolio is a steward, a servant like a butler to Lady Olivia. He manages her estate and makes sure it runs smoothly. This is a role that occupies the middle ground in the social hierarchy of the play. He does not hold of the same social status as characters such as the Duke or Lady Olivia, who are aristocrats.

He is not even of the same social status as people such as Sir Toby and Sir Andrew. Although they are comic buffoons and objects of laughter, they are still aristocrats. But Malvolio is above mere servants, such as the handmaiden Maria.

Malvolio does not see himself as a servant, but that is essentially how the others view him. They believe he is pompous and has a higher opinion of himself than he deserves. This is the source of much bad feeling towards him in the play.