Shakespeare's Use of Subplot in Twelfth Night

Research Paper (postgraduate) from the year 2013 in the subject English - History of Literature, Eras, grade: 80.00, Memorial University of Newfoundland, course: English 2000, language: English, abstract: In English Renaissance drama, the relation between plot and subplot is often complementary. The main action can be explained, emphasized, or contrasted by the subplot. William Shakespeare used this device well in his comedy on merriment, love, and mistaken identity, Twelfth Night. The main plot follows the love triangle of Olivia, Orsino, and Viola, while the subplot follows the hilarious Sir Toby, Sir Andrew, and Maria in addition to their misadventures with Malvolio, Sebastian, and eventually the love triangle of the main plot. Shakespeare uses this mirror-like main-plot-to-subplot relationship to enlarge the main points of his play, and develop the thematic and dramatic significance of the subplot.