Love and desire

Definition

Love and desire are complex emotions that drive human relationships and interactions, often intertwining romantic affection with yearning or longing. In literature, these themes highlight the characters' motivations and conflicts, showcasing how love can be both a source of joy and pain. The dynamic between love and desire can reveal societal norms and individual identity, influencing behavior and shaping narratives.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In 'Twelfth Night', the theme of love is portrayed through various relationships, showcasing the complexities and misunderstandings that arise from desire.
2. The character of Viola experiences both love and desire when she disguises herself as Cesario, which complicates her feelings for Orsino and Olivia's feelings for her.
3. The play explores different types of love, including romantic love, friendship, and self-love, reflecting the multifaceted nature of desire.
4. Love is often shown as a source of chaos in 'Twelfth Night', leading characters into humorous situations and misunderstandings.
5. Desire in 'Twelfth Night' often challenges traditional gender roles, as characters express their affections in ways that defy societal expectations.

Review Questions

• How do the themes of love and desire influence the actions of key characters in 'Twelfth Night'?
  • In 'Twelfth Night', characters like Viola, Orsino, and Olivia navigate their feelings of love and desire, which drive their decisions throughout the play. Viola's disguise as Cesario complicates her relationship with Orsino, who is infatuated with Olivia. This creates a love triangle filled with tension and humor, as each character grapples with their own desires while facing the misunderstandings that arise from mistaken identities.
• Discuss how Shakespeare uses humor to portray the challenges of love and desire in 'Twelfth Night'.
  • Shakespeare employs comedic elements to highlight the absurdities that come with love and desire in 'Twelfth Night'. The mistaken identities lead to humorous situations where characters chase after unattainable love or misinterpret others' affections. This comedic lens allows the audience to reflect on the chaotic nature of desire while simultaneously addressing deeper emotional truths about longing and connection.
• Evaluate how 'Twelfth Night' critiques societal norms surrounding love and desire through its characters and plot.
  • 'Twelfth Night' critiques societal norms by challenging conventional ideas about gender roles and romantic relationships. Through Viola's cross-dressing and her pursuit of Orsino's affections, Shakespeare questions the rigid boundaries of gender identity. The fluidity of desire among characters blurs lines between love, friendship, and attraction, suggesting that societal expectations often constrain true emotional expression. By presenting diverse experiences of love, the play encourages a broader understanding of human connection.

Related terms

Romantic Love: A deep emotional attraction characterized by passion, intimacy, and commitment, often depicted as idealized in literature.

Unrequited Love: A one-sided love where one person has strong feelings for another who does not reciprocate, often leading to heartache and emotional turmoil.

Desire: An intense longing or craving for something or someone, often linked to physical attraction or aspiration.