Compare Act 2:1 of Sheridan's ‘the Rivals’ (Lines 139-270) with Act 4:2 of Shakespeare's ‘Twelfth Night.’ How Do the Playwrights Present the Themes of Mockery and Deceit in These Scenes?
The themes of mockery and deceit are central to both Sheridan's 'The Rivals' and Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night'." The act of mockery is defined using insulting or contemptuous action or speech, having a subject of laughter and derision, or performing an insincere imitation. There are many similarities in the way that both playwrights present the themes of mockery and deceit. These can be seen clearly in their presentation of language and characters. The techniques of mockery are presented in a similar way in both Act 2:1 of ‘The Rivals’ and Act 4:1 of ‘Twelfth Night’ because it is carried out in a similar way in both scenes. However, there are some aspects of the theme that are presented differently depending on the context in which the plays were written. It also depends on the role of the characters in the play. In ‘Twelfth Night,’ Malvolio’s role is to show the audience that even in the best and most enjoyable of worlds, someone must suffer, whereas in ‘The Rivals,’ through the mocking of Faulkland, Sheridan is mocking the current trend for sentimentality. Both playwrights present the theme of deception differently depending on the circumstances of the character. For example, in ‘The Rivals,’ Jack Absolute deceives Lydia because he loves her, whereas Feste deceives Malvolio for more sinister reasons such as revenge.
An element of the theme of mockery that is presented similarly in both plays is the concept that mockery is used to gain status and power over others. In the scene from Twelfth Night, as Feste torments Malvolio, we begin to wonder if he is employing his talents to a good end. Malvolio, whose earlier humiliation is perhaps well deserved, now seems a helpless victim. Perhaps Malvolio touches a nerve in his bitter scrutiny at their first encounter in the play: ‘unless you laugh and minister occasion to him, he is gagged’ (Act 1:5 81-2). Feste needs the approval of the audience and others to be happy. Malvolio’s refusal to give him this approval is the
An element of the theme of mockery that is presented similarly in both plays is the concept that mockery is used to gain status and power over others. In the scene from Twelfth Night, as Feste torments Malvolio, we begin to wonder if he is employing his talents to a good end. Malvolio, whose earlier humiliation is perhaps well deserved, now seems a helpless victim. Perhaps Malvolio touches a nerve in his bitter scrutiny at their first encounter in the play: ‘unless you laugh and minister occasion to him, he is gagged’ (Act 1:5 81-2). Feste needs the approval of the audience and others to be happy. Malvolio’s refusal to give him this approval is the