The Parallels between Macbeth and Twelfth Night

Madness, a desperate desire for power, identity; all of these themes permeate throughout two of Shakespeare’s most well-renowned plays, Twelfth Night and Macbeth. Despite this, their use has drastically different effects on the audience in both plays.

While the plays Twelfth Night and Macbeth share the theme of madness, its effect on the audience differs drastically because of the distinct context and tools used. In the case of Macbeth, his actions throughout the play cause him to descend into a state of insanity. For instance, in Act 3, Scene 4, the ghost of Banquo appears before paranoid Macbeth despite being invisible to others. This scene portrays how Macbeth’s staggering guilt causes him to hallucinate and descend into madness where it states, “Prithee, see there! Behold! Look! Lo! How say you? Why what care I?” (3.4.73–74). In contrast to this, in the case of Twelfth Night, the myriad of overlapping events cause a frivolous madness and chaos. While Macbeth presents the theme of madness as a dark and gruesome psychological journey, in the Twelfth Night, it is exhilarating with a comedic effect. For example, in Act 4, Scene 1, a completely unaware Feste encounters Sebastian, believing him to be his twin, Viola/Cesario. The scene accelerates into chaos when the oblivious Sir Andrew and Toby enter, forcing “Viola” into a duel. The scene demonstrates how Viola’s choice to disguise herself has unraveled into complete havoc. The statement, “Nothing that is so is so” (4.1.8) epitomizes the confusion of the scene. The use of the theme madness in Twelfth Night has a humorous effect on the audience; the play delights in the chaos of the plot. The events within the complicated plot, combined with the range of contradictory characters, captivate and exhilarate the audience. The use of the theme madness in Macbeth is also captivating, however, this time it engrosses the audience as we follow his psychological journey into despair. The unearthly horrors we witness Macbeth commit throughout the play shock the audience. This demonstrates that while both plays share a common theme, it has a notably different impact on the audience.

Madness is not the only theme that permeates through both Macbeth and Twelfth Night; Shakespeare’s use of the theme of lust for power also has a significantly different impact on the audience in both plays. In the play Macbeth, it is the desire for power that drives both him and Lady Macbeth to advance in their despicable agenda. We first witness Macbeth’s desire for power in Act 1, Scene 3, during his encounter with the Witches where he learns of his three prophecies. Macbeth instantly clings to the conditions of the prophecies and demands further information, revealing his deep inner desires when he says, “Say from whence you owe this strange intelligence, or why Upon this blasted heath you stop our way With such prophetic greeting. Speak, I charge you.” (1.3.76) As the plot continues, Macbeth’s insatiable ambition rapidly accelerates as shown in Act 2, Scene 2, when he kills King Duncan to take the throne. In Macbeth, the lust for power is depicted to the audience as alluring, dangerous, and corrupt. It is what ultimately leads to his downfall. The same theme is present in Twelfth Night in the pompous character Malvolio, however, conversely, this time its presence has a humorous effect on the audience. Malvolio is characterized as vain and pretentious, holding himself in very high regard. Similar to Macbeth, he shares the desire to gain power and raise his social status. For example, in Act 2, Scene 5, Malvolio’s arrogance and overambitious plans are unveiled to Sir Toby, Andrew, Olivia, and Fabian when he states, “Besides, she [Olivia] uses me with a more exalted respect than anyone else that follows her.” When he displays haughty behavior, Maria’s quartet begins their shenanigans against him. They subject Malvolio to foolery through a series of humiliating practical jokes. For instance, in Act 3, Scene 4, he parades around Olivia wearing ridiculous yellow stockings falsely believing he is winning her heart. Malvolio’s pranks are remarkably amusing, thus demonstrating how the theme of lust for power has a humourous effect in Twelfth Night.

Finally, both Macbeth and Twelfth Night once again present widely differing perspectives on the shared theme of identity. Throughout Macbeth, the audience witnesses Macbeth’s constant struggle with his identity; conflicting between good and evil. Initially, Macbeth is portrayed as a gallant “worthy gentleman” (1.2.23), however, his desire for power, along with other external factors, challenges his true good nature and causes it to shift abruptly. For instance, in Act 1, Scene 3, when noble Macbeth is first presented with his tantalizing prophesies, he quickly begins to contemplate ominous thoughts of killing King Duncan for the throne. This demonstrates how Macbeth is conflicted between remaining true to his loyal character and achieving his ambitions when he states in his soliloquy, “If good, why do I yield to that suggestion whose horrid image doth unfix my hair?” Shakespeare’s use of soliloquies allows the audience to gain a deeper understanding of Macbeth’s complex inner thoughts and identify with him as he continues to struggle between good and evil. Macbeth’s lust for power, along with other external sources, such as the manipulative Lady Macbeth, continues to drive him to fight against his true identity and good nature. While Macbeth presents the theme of identity as a dark, and conflicted struggle between good and evil, the plot of Twelfth Night explores how Viola’s disguised identity is used to create confusion and comical chaos. When Viola’s ship unexpectedly crashes in Llyria, she unhesitantly disguises her identity as a man named Cesario, desperate to build a new life. However, this decision quickly becomes unmanageable as multiple issues begin occurring. For instance, in Act 1, Scene 5, a completely unaware Olivia begins falling hopelessly in love with Cesario; unknowing that he is a she. By Act 2, Scene 2, Viola finally recognizes the severity of the difficult situation she’s in. The scene demonstrates how Viola’s choice to disguise herself as a man has significantly affected her, and the lives of the people around her when she states, “…She’s deluded enough to be in love with me. What can possibly fix this situation? I’m pretending to be a man.” In addition to this, Viola herself has fallen madly in love with her lord, Duke Orsino. This is demonstrated in Act 2, Scene 4, when Viola hints her love for him by stating, “As it might be, perhaps, were I a woman, I should your lordship.” However, her choice to hide her true identity prevents her from ever being with her love, thus increasing the difficulty of her situation. The complicated plot consisting of overlapping events regarding Viola’s disguised identity is overwhelming and entertaining. The plot spirals into a comical madness, having a humorous effect on the audience, contrary to Macbeth. This demonstrates how, whilst both Macbeth and Twelfth Night share the common theme of identity, it’s effects are significantly different.

In conclusion, while the plays Macbeth and Twelfth Night share the themes of madness, lust for power, and identity, their effect on the audience differs drastically because of their distinct context. The tragedy Macbeth appropriately portrays these themes to the audience as a dark and conflicting psychological journey. Contrarily, the romantic comedy Twelfth Night portrays these themes as frivolous, comical, and exhilarating. Nevertheless, both these plays effectively captivate and engage the audience through their incredible brilliance. “Two truths are told, As happy prologues to the swelling act Of the imperial theme,” (1.3.130).

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