Twelfth Night: Music in Act 3, Sc 1

In Act 3, Scene 1 of Twelfth Night, music is a prominent feature of the setting. Orsino commands his musicians to play a “sweet sound,” which he hopes will help to ease his melancholy and soothe his love-sick heart.

The use of music in this scene serves several purposes. First, it helps to create a romantic and melancholic mood, which is appropriate for Orsino’s character and his emotional state. The soft and melodic music provides a backdrop for his poetic language and reinforces the idea of love as a powerful and emotional force.

Second, the music also serves to create a contrast between Orsino’s state of mind and the reality of the situation. While Orsino is lost in his own emotions and desires, the world around him continues to function as normal. The music acts as a kind of metaphor for this contrast, as the sweet and melodic tones stand in contrast to the harsh and mundane reality of life.

Finally, the use of music in this scene also serves to highlight the importance of performance and entertainment in Elizabethan society. Music and other forms of entertainment were a key part of social gatherings and were used to create a sense of unity and celebration among members of the community.

Overall, the use of music in Act 3, Scene 1 of Twelfth Night helps to create a romantic and emotional atmosphere, while also serving as a metaphor for the contrast between Orsino’s inner world and the reality of the outside world.