Malvolio

MALVOLIO
Answer in 2 paragraphs using quotes from the play.

1. How does Malvolio see himself?
2. How do the other characters see him?

Malvolio is the steward of Olivia, an envious andwealthy woman. Yet he belongs to the servant class. He believes that he is better than everyone else even though he serves them. Olivia states,“ O, you are sick of self-love, Malvolio, and taste witha distempered appetite. ”(1.5, Pg.17/86). When Olivia is not around, he tries to control the others, especially Sir Toby. Malvolio says, “Sir Toby, I must be round with you. My lady bade me tell youthat, though she harbors you as her kinsman, she’s nothing allied to your disorder.” (2.3, Pg. 30/88) Sir Toby is Olivia’s drunken uncle, despite Sir Toby being superior to Malvolio, Malvolio takes itupon himself to try to discipline him and his friend, Sir Andrew. Maria states, “The devil Puritan…So crammed, as he thinks, with excellencies.” (2.3, Pg. 32/136,139) Malvolio pretends to be aPuritan, while he is taunting the others.

Olivia seems to like how Malvolio carries out his duties, but what she doesn’t know is that he is a tattletale. Toby mentions,“ I’ll write thee a challenge;or I’ll deliver thy indignation to him by word of mouth.” (2.3, Pg.32/120) However, Sir Toby, Maria (Sir Toby’s housekeeper) and Sir Andrew Aguecheek (Sir Toby’s friend) find Malvolio arrogant. Thesethree people detest Malvolio because he is a Puritan. His grimly, respectful and serious view of life is the opposite of their jovial thinking because he always wants to reform them. The others justwant to enjoy life; as Toby says to Malvolio, "Dost thou think, because thou art virtuous, there will be no more cakes and ale?" (2.3, Pg.31/ 106) In revenge for his nosiness, they are planning to makehim think that Olivia (his boss), is in love with him. They create a letter “from her”. The letter states, I will be strange, stout, in yellow stockings, and cross-gartered…” (2.5, Pg.44/162) They...