"I am the man."

Twelfth Night, Act II and beginning of Act III:

FFW on the lunacy, instability, and delirious musings in Illyria

Viola: "I am the man." (II.ii.25)

- This quote is ironic because it is said by Viola, a woman. Viola says this after Malvio gives her the ring that Olivia claims that she left behind. She didn't actually leave a ring behind, Olivia just wanted a reason for Viola to come back so she could see her again. This is said aside in the play and Viola is speaking to herself, but aloud, about how she has realized that Olivia is in love with her. In the play, "the man" translates to " the one she loves", which is describing the love Olivia shows for Viola. When Malvolio was returning the ring to Viola, he was very unhappy about doing so. Malvolio truly cares about Olivia and can see that she has feelings for Cesario (Viola). He holds a grudge against Viola because he has been the messenger for some stages of this love situation. Olivia has been sending Malvolio to fetch Viola or tell her to return. Viola is stuck in a hard position because she has had someone fall for her because of the fact that she thinks Viola is a man. Viola, in this quote, is beginning to understand how deep she has gotten herself into.