The theme of the folly of ambition in Shakespeare's
Twelfth Night is apparent in the character of Sir Andrew Aguecheeck
who pretends to be Sir Toby's friend, but he really scams him for his money. Not of the
upperclass, he entertains aspirations of Olivia's love. However, he proves himself
little more than vain and cowardly. Probably, then, the best exemple of foolish ambition
is in the character of Malvolio. Because he is no Puritanical, dampening the anarchy of
enjoyment that prevails with such characters as Sir Toby and Sir Andrew Aguecheek and
others, Sir Toby and Maria devise a plot that exploits his desire for Olivia. In Act
III, Scene 4, as he enters in his yellow stockings and crossed garters that cut off his
circulation--and denote derision, Malvolio presents a most ridiculous figure in his
ambitious vanity. Yet, he insults Maria by stating that he is superior to her,
comparing himself to a nightinggale and her to the daw, a crow-like bird. And, of
course, his famous lines are leant much humourous irony in this
scene:
'Some
achieve greatness'And some have greatness thrust upon
them.' 3.4.40.43)
As Sir
Toby and Maria feign sympathy for him when Olivia begins to doubt him,
Malvolio disparages them,
Go hang youselves all! You are idle shallow
things: I am not of your element. You shall know more hereafter.
3.4.116-118)
Although his
aspirations toward spirituality seem genuine, Malvolio's inflated ego and his elaborate
fantasy about life bring him nothing but ridicule.
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