Three quotes from class

Viola: I am the man (II.ii.25)

Throughout the play Viola is masquerading as a man named Cesario and everyone believes her disguise. In context of the full quote, Viola is confused as to why Olivia returned a ring that she never gave to Olivia to begin with. Viola then realizes with mush surprsie,that Olivia must have fallen in love with Cesario. She states “I am the man” meaning she in the person that Olivia now loves. Viola feels pity for Olivia, upset that she has fallen in love with an illusion.

Malvolio: ...and yet to crush it a little, it would bow to me...(II.v.143-145)

When Malvolio is reading the message he finds the letters MOAI appear. These letters are in Malvolio’s name but together they do not spell it.By condensing his name, “crush it a little” Malvoilo fits himself into MOAI. Then, “it would bow to [him]” meaning the letters would spell his name. This represents his desperation for Olivia to love him back.

Viola: Then think you right. I am not what I am.
Olivia: I would you were as I would have you be. (III.i.148-9)

Olivia is confessing her love to Cesario (Viola) who cannot accept it, since she is a woman herself. Viola is trying to convince Olivia to no longer love her. “I am not what I am” is Viola’s subtle way of stating she is in a disguise. Olivia responds “I would you were as I would have you be”, meaning she wishes Viola was what she wants in a man. This is another ironic exchange in the play. Viola is trying to reject Olivia’s love without ruining her disguise.