Analyzing Viola
By Erica
Identity
"Who I am and what I want are a secret" (V.iv.194-195). Viola's identity is like this thing that was completely kept to herself and one man who helped her conceal herself. Viola had no friends or any family that were alive, so she was alone. She was basically all alone in a place she has never been to before. The only way she could really do anything was to dress as a man and conceal her identity from everyone, otherwise it would have ended up much worse.
Gender
"And she, mistaken, seems to dote on me. What will become of this? As I am man, my state is desperate for my master's love. As I am woman, now, alas the day, what thriftless sighs shall poor Olivia breathe! O time, thou must untangle this, not I. It is too hard a knot for me to untie!" (II.ii. 22-40). Basically, Viola knows shes a woman but she has to dress up as a male so she can be taken more seriously. She does that so she can become an equal part in society, and treated equally too. Because Viola was shipwrecked she was also left with nothing in a place all by herself, so she had to do what she could to be able to live on her own. By dressing as a man she was able to live comfortably, live on her own, and actually marry a man she wanted who comes from a lot of money also.
Perception
"Of very ill manner. He'll speak with you, will you or no... He is very well-favored, and he speaks very shrewishly" (I.iv.140-149). When Malvolio first met Cesario, he had a very keen impression of him. Malvolio thought he was arrogant, because he had an answer for everything. Maria even thought Cesario was really full of it. Basically, I think that because Viola is a guy, now she's able to do as she pleases. She is now able to act like she's in charge, because as a woman she would not have been able to do that ever.
Differences
"It may be worth thy pains, for I can sing And speak to him in many sorts of music that will allow me very worth his service. What else may hap to time I will commit. Only shape thou thy silence to my wit" (I.ii.54-58). The difference between Viola and I is that she can literally take what ever comes her way, and roll with it. She's so quick on her feet and smart that I literally can't even compare to it.
Similarities
"And I would die a thousand deaths cheerfully, if it made your life easier" (IV.i.128-129). The way Viola and I are similar is that she was so willingly able to do whatever she needed to for Duke Orsino. Like I'm the same way with my loved ones, and I always put them first.
She's The Man
Identity
Viola sees herself as a very strong independent woman. When her soccer team was cut, she went right up to her coach and said she wanted to be on the boys soccer team. Which is very daring. Not a lot of people can actually go out of their way to get what they truly want. She took it even further when she had the opportunity to go to a nice high school, and she joined the boys soccer team their disguised as a boy. She is very cunning (Shes the man).
Gender
Viola I think realized playing soccer as a girl, with having a mom like hers, that it wasn't completely up to society's standards. She didn't like having to wear dresses, eating properly, or not fighting for her own beliefs. But she didn't really agree with the standards that were put her way. She is very strong headed and did what she believed was right. She also didn't even let the limitations of her soccer dreams be cast away. Viola did what she wanted and thought was good, and got on the soccer team she wanted too (Shes the man).
Perception
In the movie, while Viola is pretending to be Sebastian, she is seen as this really popular guy around Illyria High School. Viola is seen as this hot guy, because the hottest girl in school likes him (Olivia) & is really good in sports. So she's basically seen as this macho man that everyone likes. Than when everything goes down and everyone finds out Sebastian is actually Viola, it kind of sticks. She is very brave and willing to still do what she needs in order for her success.
Similarities
The one thing Viola and I have in common is that we both can't get into the terms of society. I can't get into the girly things like dresses, constantly doing make-up, etc. It's just one of those things to me that don't make sense, as long as your happy why else would anything matter.
Differences
One thing I definitely noticed between Viola and I is that she is really brave. She is willing to take a stand for what she believes in, and I don't have the guts half the time to really even say whats on my mind. She takes all that comes her way and runs with it.