The role of Malvolio in 'Twelfth Night'

The play "Twelfth Night" was written by Shakespeare during the reign of Queen Elizabeth the first, and was mainly shown during Epiphany which marks the end of the traditional twelve days of Christmas (hence "Twelfth Night"). The play was written to brighten people up because after Christmas in the 17th century, the food was scarce, and it was dark and cold. Shakespeare probably wrote this comedy to brighten people up during this time of sadness. …

…side of each character, and also adds an extra element of ridicule to the play. Finally, I don't think that Malvolio is a character that today's audience can accurately relate to because his Puritanical views are hardly ever witnessed in today's open society, but, as I mentioned earlier, in the Elizabethan audience, a majority of the public knew of a local Puritan group or individual and Malvolio typifies a hated minority in 17th century culture.