24 
0 
William Shakespeare’s play “Twelfth Night” is renowned for its intricate plot, humorous dialogue, and multidimensional characters. One of the most intriguing aspects of the play is the contrast between Duke Orsino’s feudal leadership style and the perspectives of Shakespeare’s audience. In this article, we delve into the distinct characteristics of Orsino’s leadership and examine how they challenge societal norms and reflect the playwright’s understanding of his audience.
Duke Orsino’s character exemplifies feudal leadership, a style prevalent during Shakespeare’s time. Feudal lords were expected to possess authority and maintain a hierarchal order within their territories. In “Twelfth Night,” Orsino embodies these ideals through his firm grasp of power and his desire for love. His opening lines, “If music be the food of love, play on,” demonstrate his passionate and authoritative nature. Orsino commands the court musicians to play music, indulging in his own emotions and asserting his dominance over his surroundings. This approach correlates with the expectations of Shakespeare’s audience, who would have recognized and appreciated the depiction of a powerful and charismatic leader.
However, Orsino’s leadership, despite adhering to feudal norms, also challenges them in certain ways. His infatuation with the beautiful Olivia becomes the focal point of his reign, engulfing his thoughts and actions. Orsino’s obsessive pursuit of love sets him apart from the conventional image of a strong leader focused solely on governance and the well-being of his subjects. Shakespeare intentionally exposes Orsino’s vulnerability and frailties, deviating from the traditional portrayal of feudal lords. By doing so, he invites the audience to question the idealized notion of leadership and explore the complexities of human nature.
The contrasts between Orsino’s leadership and the perspectives of Shakespeare’s audience are intriguing. While the audience would have been accustomed to feudal leaders showing strength and decisiveness, witnessing Orsino wrestling with his emotions challenges their expectations. Shakespeare’s audience could relate to the struggles faced by the Duke when it comes to matters of the heart, as love and desire are universal human experiences. By highlighting the conflicts within Orsino’s character, the playwright ensures that his audience can empathize and connect with the challenges the Duke faces, thus blurring the lines between traditional feudal leadership and the human condition.
Another contrast lies in the portrayal of power dynamics between men and women. In the play, Orsino uses his position to woo Olivia, assuming he holds authority over her decisions and actions. However, Olivia resists his advances and remains steadfast in mourning her brother’s death. The audience, particularly the women, would have observed this struggle between an assertive male leader and a strong-willed female character. Shakespeare’s depiction challenged societal gender norms of the time, encouraging his audience to question traditional power dynamics and consider the agency and autonomy of women.
In conclusion, “Twelfth Night” offers a fascinating exploration of the contrasts between Duke Orsino’s feudal leadership and the perspectives of Shakespeare’s audience. While Orsino initially embodies the stereotypical image of a strong leader, his vulnerabilities and preoccupation with love defy expectations. Through this contrast, Shakespeare challenges societal norms and offers his audience a nuanced portrayal of leadership. Additionally, the play’s examination of power dynamics between men and women allows for a deeper reflection on gender roles and a reimagining of societal hierarchies. “Twelfth Night” showcases Shakespeare’s understanding of his audience’s perspectives and his ability to engage them in thought-provoking ways that transcend the limitations of time.
0 | 
0