Twelfth Night - Malvolio

What does Bevington say about Malvolio's ambition?

"Malvolio is drawn into the crime of social aspiration"

Is Malvolio a character of transgression?

Yes - but he is neither comic or helps to expose unjust power structures

How does Malvolio contrast the idea that people should stay in their social positions?

The play seems to keep justifying keeping people like Malvolio out of positions of power because they would want to abuse it.

How does Malvolio serve as comic relief in the play?

His self-love and ambition make him a target for the practical joke which serves as most of the play's humour.

How does Malvolio serve as social commentary?

Malvolio's disdain for festivity and his adherence to social norms offers a critique to the conflict between social classes.

How does Malvolio serve as a plot device?

His ambition and the trick played on him as a result helps to advance the plot and themes of deception.

How does Malvolio serve as character contrast?

His seriousness and strict nature contrast sharply with carefree and fun characters like Sir Toby and Feste. This emphasises the themes of festivity and foolishness in the play.

How does Malvolio add to the depth of the narrative?

By exploring themes of ambition, social order and the impact of narcissism

What is the purpose of the gulling of Malvolio plot point? [5 points]

- Comic Relief

- Character Development

- Social Critique

- Theme Exploration

- Moral Lesson

How does the gulling of Malvolio plot provide comic relief?

The prank provides humour through his transformation from a stern, puritanical steward to a ridiculous figure dressed in yellow stockings and cross-garters.

How does the gulling of Malvolio plot provide character development?

It reveals key aspects of Malvolio's character, such as vanity, ambition and self-deception. It also highlights Maria's wit and Sir Toby's cruelty and mischief.

How does the gulling of Malvolio plot provide social critique?

The gulling critiques people who tries to move past rigid social hierarchies. Malvolio's aspirations to rise above his station are thwarted, reinforcing the idea that excess ambition must be dealt with self-awareness and humility.

How does the gulling of Malvolio plot provide theme exploration?

It explores themes of deception and self-deception and adds to the comedy through mistaken identities. It also examines the complexities of human behaviour.

How does the gulling of Malvolio plot provide a moral lesson?

It carries a darker undertone underneath the humour. His vow for revenge casts a shadow on the joyful conclusion, reminding the audience of the consequences of cruelty and the line between comedy and tragedy.

Give two quotes from Malvolio in Act 1, Scene 5 about madness.

- "wise men that crow so at these set kind of fools no better than the fools' zanies"

- "Infirmity that decays the wise doth ever make a better fool"

How do Malvolio's comments on madness in Act 1, Scene 5 develop his character? [2 points]

- Shows how Malvolio believes he is above festivity and foolishness

- "Infirmity that decays the wise..." - links to his ambition; foreshadows his fate of madness

Give a quote from Olivia to describe Malvolio in Act 1, Scene 5?

"O, you are sick of self-love, Malvolio, and taste with a distempered appetite"

Give one quote from Malvolio from Act 2, Scene 2.

"If it be worth stooping for, there it is lies, in your eye; if not be it his that finds it"

Give two quotes from Malvolio from Act 2, Scene 3.

- "My masters, are you mad or what you? Have you no wit, manners nor honesty but to gabble like tinkers at this time of night."

- "She shall know of it, by this hand"

Give three quotes from Malvolio from Act 2, Scene 5.

- "Some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them"

- "baffle Sir Toby, I will wash off gross acquaintance"

- "I extend my hand to him thus, quenching my familiar smile with an austere regard of control"

Give two quotes from Malvolio from Act 3, Scene 4.

- "nightingales answer daws"

- "Go hang yourselves [...] You are idol, shallow things, I am not of your element"

Analyse "I extend my hand to him thus, quenching my familiar smile with an austere regard of control". [4 points]

- Irony in "familiar smile" - Malvolio is serious and never smiles - adds to the comedy

- Shows Malvolio's ambition and delusional attitudes

- "extend my hand" creates imagery of being rich; expecting servitude

- "austere regard of control" - Malvolio likes to have control over everything; thirst for power

Analyse "Go hang yourselves [...] You are idol, shallow things, I am not of your element" [4 points]

- Development of a motif of violence - "Go hang yourselves"

- Use of imperatives shows his thirst for power

- "idol, shallow things" - dehumanisation; sin - suggests an abhorrence for those of a lower class

- "not of your element" - not in their world; above them; power/illusions of power have gone to his head

Give one quote from Malvolio from Act 4, Scene 2.

"laid me here in hideous darkness"

Give two quotes from Malvolio from Act 5, Scene 1.

- "I'll be revenged on the whole pack of you"

- "The madly used Malvolio"

What is Malvolio used to criticise? [3 points]

- Narcissistic behaviour

- People who try to transgress social norms

- Puritanical behaviour