Love sought is good, but given unsought, is better

Love sought is good, but given unsought, is better

In William Shakespeare's play "Twelfth Night," the character Duke Orsino famously declares, "If music be the food of love, play on; give me excess of it, that, surfeiting, the appetite may sicken, and so die." This line sets the tone for the theme of unrequited love that runs throughout the play. Orsino is in love with the Countess Olivia, who is mourning the recent death of her brother and has sworn to avoid all suitors for seven years. Despite Orsino's best efforts to win Olivia's affections, she remains steadfast in her rejection of him.

The quote "Love sought is good, but given unsought, is better" can be seen as a reflection of the relationships between Orsino, Olivia, and the other characters in the play. Orsino's pursuit of Olivia is relentless and passionate, but ultimately fruitless. Olivia, on the other hand, finds herself unexpectedly falling in love with Cesario, who is actually Viola disguised as a man. Viola's love for Orsino is also unrequited, as he sees her only as a messenger to deliver his messages of love to Olivia.

The idea that love given unsought is better than love sought can be interpreted in a few different ways in the context of "Twelfth Night." On one hand, Olivia's love for Cesario/Viola is more genuine and pure because it is not based on any expectations or demands. She falls in love with him/her without any ulterior motives or preconceived notions, making their relationship more authentic and meaningful.

On the other hand, Viola's unrequited love for Orsino is also significant in its own right. Despite knowing that Orsino will never return her affections, Viola remains loyal and devoted to him, even going so far as to help him win Olivia's heart. This selfless act of love demonstrates the power of unrequited love to inspire acts of kindness and sacrifice.

Overall, the quote "Love sought is good, but given unsought, is better" captures the complex and nuanced relationships between the characters in "Twelfth Night." It highlights the idea that love is not always about getting what you want, but rather about giving of yourself selflessly and unconditionally.