Within the works of William Shakespeare, there are many circumstances that prompt the readers to believe that there are strong homosexual tendencies and relationships. The clear references and ties to homosexual tendencies and beliefs during the period, connect deeply with Shakespeare’s texts. The homosexuality present within the works, may be a reflection on Shakespeare’s life as a bisexual or homosexual man in a time when those actions were illegal. Not only does Shakespeare include homosexual tendencies, he plays with the idea of gender and how it fits in with sexuality. Although homosexuality was prohibited during the creation of these plays, homosexuality played an important role within the powerful characters Shakespeare created in Twelfth Night and Othello. When…show more content… According to Pequigney, Shakespeare creates a “homoerotic element” throughout the play, between many of the main characters. One of the most prominent displays of bisexuality is the relationship between Orsino and Viola/Cesario Orsino’s love for Viola formed when he saw her “only as a male servant … in masculine attire,” and “addressed only with the masculine name Cesario” (Pequgu). He becomes drawn to Cesario from the beginning, not realizing it until Viola reveals herself as Cesario. The fact that Cesario is actually a woman, makes him finally obtainable for Orsino, who cannot publicly be involved with another man. The ending of the play when Orsino and Viola dressed as Cesario leave the stage keeps the open bisexuality element strong. This exit supports the idea that Orsino’s love connects to the relationship he formed with Cesario and not a relationship with Viola. Viola becomes an afterthought in Orsino’s love, he doesn’t pay attention to the differences in genders at that point, and he just focuses on his feelings for
