Hammond 1

Brooke Hammond

13 February 2013

Ms. Sweezey

H English II

Viola A.K.A Cesario

Viola is a young woman and orphan who lost her twin brother, Sebastian, in a shipwreck. He is

still alive, however, she does not know that for sure, “And what should I do Illyria? My brother he is in

Elysium: Perchance he is not drowned; what think you, sailors?” (Shakespeare 24). Viola is considered

to be loved by everyone and sweet to others, “Most radiant, exquisite, and unmatchable beauty – I pray

you, tell me if this be the lady of the house...” (Shakespeare 56). Due to the fact Viola is a girl alone in

the world, she disguises herself as a boy and calls herself Cesario. This leads to a love triangle between

Orsino, Olivia, and Viola (Cesario). Viola plays the role as a page for the Duke and ends up falling in

love with him. However, Orsino thinks he loves Olivia, and Olivia falls in love with Viola, who she

believes is really Cesario. The problem is, Viola can't tell the Duke she loves him because she must

keep her disguise and she can't tell Olivia there's no chance for them for the same reason. Viola even

drops subtle hints to the Duke, “Say that some lady, as perhaps the is, hath for your love as great as a

pang of heart as you have for Olivia...” (Shakespeare 96). While many of the other characters are

unsure of who they really love and often jump back and forth from person to person, Viola remains in

love with the Duke Orsino throughout the whole time. For this reason, she is very much liked,

respected, and admired by the other characters. Viola is an overall reasonable girl and has no serious

faults or flaws.