Sir Toby Belch's function in Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare

Jenna Hecker 3/10/05 Essay exam Part 1 Analysis of Sir Toby in Twelfth Night <Tab/>In Shakespeare's comedy Twelfth Night an emphasis is put on the importance of not taking oneself too seriously. This feeling of folly triumphing over gravity is proven by the success of the happier, less serious characters throughout the story. The embodiment of folly in Twelfth Night is Sir Toby Belch, the drunken uncle of Olivia. He serves many …

…does not like. His actions are constant and do not change. He is, in effect, a man who is serious about not being serious. <Tab/>Considering the levity Sir Toby Belch brings to Twelfth Night his actions are actually very important. He functions to show the reader the importance of conviction, and of folly. He is successful in his goals, and incredibly important to the overall message conveyed in Twelfth Night.