“Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do, and what is right to do.” ― Potter Stewart. Malvolio’s behavior in Twelfth Night is unacceptable, he treats others miserably, yet gets upset when he receives a taste of his own medicine. Viola claims to be somebody that she is not, this could potentially hurt someone. Feste was harmful and dishonest, and did not think about his actions before acting upon them. People should without a doubt treat others just as they would like to be treated; it is too often that one does not think about his actions before acting. Harming others to satisfy one’s self is not ethical; in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, Malvolio, Viola, and Feste learn this in many ways.
Malvolio behaves in a way that causes others to despise him. He hates everything, and everyone ― he criticizes anything…show more content… Once they planted the letter, Feste, Maria, and Sir Toby hid behind a hedge to laugh ― at his expense. Malvolio meticulously decoded the letter, then fell for it. He says to Olivia: “Not black in my mind, though yellow in my legs. It did come to his hands, and commands shall be executed. I think we do know the sweet Roman hand.” (III, iv, 25-27). After making a complete fool of himself in front of Olivia, who he loved, the joke continued. After making Malvolio believe he’s gone mad, Feste decides to take the deception to the next level, and disguises himself as Sir Topas. When Malvolio manages to ask who he is, Feste responds: “Sir Topas, the curate, who comes to visit Malvolio the lunatic.” (IV, ii, 21-22) Feste says some very hurtful words to Malvolio, and Malvolio pleads to get out. Feste eventually lets him out, however, he is very emotionally damaged. Feste was very mean and dishonest, which is not ethical. He also damaged Malvolio and his friendship for good, which makes no sense. His impetuous decisions were very harsh, and quite