Love's Impact on "Twelfth Night"

Love is a relentless condition of life and living that affects every human being. Whether it be "a strong affection arising out of kinship or personal ties" (Merriam-Webster), like the platonic love between friends or family, "a temporary attraction based on sexual desire" (Merriam-Webster), like a lustful love, or an "affection and tenderness felt by lovers" (Merriam-Webster) like a romantic love, everyone has experienced some form of love. Even in the 1600's, William Shakespeare explored …

…characters' love triangle. This love triangle and the characters' actions as a result of love are what shape the comedy. William Shakespeare shows how love can result in tragedy or comedy, and examines the affects and human impacts of love. Although it was written in the 1600's, Shakespeare explores ideas of love that are familiar and universal to us, even today. He shows us that love is timeless, and experienced by everyone in different ways.