How Do You Respond To Malvolio

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How do you respond to Malvolio? “Malevolent”, is the word from which Malvolio’s name originates; it means malicious, spiteful, and unkind. Perhaps this word is slightly too strong to describe Malvolio, maybe malcontented is better. “Malcontented” means dissatisfied, discontented and someone who complains an awful lot. Yet, both these words are negative. Are they really the only words you can use to describe Malvolio with? This essay will explore how we respond to Malvolio throughout the play. At the beginning of the play, Act 1, Scene 5; we first meet Malvolio. In this scene he appears to be a good hard worker but with a conceited air about him. Malvolio dislikes Feste very much, as Feste can somehow say the most inappropriate things to Olivia and does not get reprimanded, for example Feste says to Olivia, “The fool, Madonna, to mourn for your brother’s soul, being in heaven.” (Line 61-62) Instead of scolding him, Olivia responds approvingly. When Malvolio asks Olivia why she wishes to keep a servant around who has no function except to poke fun at her, Olivia rebukes Malvolio for his “self-love” (Line 79) and tells Malvolio that Feste’s insults are only “bird-bolts” (Line 80) that do no damage. This aggravates Malvolio as he desires to be Olivia’s favourite servant and believes that he is in love with her, when really he is only in love with her power. Also, Malvolio thinks it slightly unfair for Olivia to say this to him, as he was actually only answering her question; “How say you to that, Malvolio?” (Line 72) Even though his answer was not particularly pleasant, it was a valid and fair answer. Furthermore, in Act 2, Scene 2, Malvolio is sent by Olivia to give her ring to Cesario, (Viola). When Malvolio gives Cesario the ring, Cesario gives it back to him, insisting that Olivia must keep it. Malvolio then throws the ring onto the ground and
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