Count Malvolio, Machevill and Vice

Abstract

In this paper, Malvolio is seen, however tentatively, as being related to the "Machiavellian", whose crafty machinations are turned by Shakespeare into the silly antics of the bitter fool of Twelfth Night. The point of departure is Inge Leimberg's and John Russell Brown's discussion of Maria's riddling letter in scene 2.5.2.