Twelfth Night Malvolio's Transformation

MalvolioIn the play, Twelfth Night, most of the characters seem to go through many changes, particularly to their personalities. However, the one character that does not go through any changes to their personality is Malvolio. He was a very strict, self-righteous servant of Olivia. It appears he changes almost completely into the opposite of himself, but these changes were engineered to garner what he thought would be more power for himself. At first glance it may look like there is a change in him, but with careful scrutiny, it becomes apparent how superficial these changes actually are. Despite all of the seemingly radical transformations he undergoes in the play, he remains a stiff, conceited, power hungry narcissist.

Malvolio 's conceited personality is first revealed when he discovers Sir Toby, Sir Aguecheek and
Let me enjoy my private. Go off." (3.4.83). Having convinced himself that he was indeed on his way to becoming a master, he speaks to Sir Toby with impudence. He talks as if Sir Toby were his servant, and that he had the permission to dismiss him likewise. This is a true Carnivalesque moment, a servant ordering a master away. Domestic helpers would not tell employers to do the housework themselves, but this is exactly what Malvolio is doing, and it marvelously portrays his pretentiousness. When Sir Toby and Maria moved in to take him away, Malvolio retaliates "Go hang yourselves all. You are idle, shallow things; I am not of your element. You shall know more hereafter." (3.4.112-113). Here, he verbally abuses his social superiors. The way he persists with his insults show he is enjoying his power. He says, "I am not of your element". This means "I am above you". He then says, "you shall know more hereafter". It shows he is eager for the fictitious position of power waiting for him. Overconfidence and arrogance had provoked him to speak despicably towards his