Chaos of Love and Identity in Twelfth Night

In 2:5, the joke Maria, Sir Toby, and Sir Andrew played on Malvolio gives full rise to the theme of “identity instability” because they are acting as though they are Olivia sending a love letter to him. This was present in Act I when Viola disguised herself as Cesario in order to seek service with Duke Orsino. It is also apparent in this play that there are concerns with falling into love without really realizing what kind of love it may be. Cesario, who is really Viola, loves Duke, who loves Olivia, who loves Cesario, and Malvolio believes that Olivia loves him and he loves her in return. Everybody is in an extreme web of chaos when it comes to identity, love and trust. But with all of this chaos occurring, what will happen when those who are in love with another are unable to contain their passion and all skeletons come out of the closet? How will everybody react to the news of Cesario actually being a girl? The relationship between Duke and Cesario becomes very close and not only does Cesario do work for Duke, but they build a relationship of trust alongside of that. Olivia, being in frequent contact with Cesario, is unknowingly falling for a girl. Will they both consider what Viola has done an act of betrayal? And what will happen when Malvolio reveals to Olivia that he believes she is in love with him? Will she be disgusted with him? In further thought, how will Olivia react towards the trusted gentlewoman, Maria, her own uncle, Sir Toby, and his companion, Sir Andrew? They are all very trusted people in her home and family and they have gone behind her back to attempt to convince Malvolio that she is in love with him. How could she trust them again; how will anybody be able to trust each other again?