f wit. He must observe their mood on whom he jests, the quality of persons, and the time, and, like the haggard, check at every feather that comes before his eye. This is a practice as full of labor as a wise man's art, for that he wisely shows is fit, but wise men, folly-fall'n, quite taint their wit" (3.1:62-70). This shows Viola's awareness of Feste and his ability to read people in order to say the right thing at the right time. Through this keen observation by Viola, she is perhaps conceding the fact that the clown might even have the ability to see through her own disguise. Although Feste never openly claims to know of Viola's deception, it is indicated that he might be on to her: "Now Jove in his next commodity of hair send thee a beard" (3.1:47-48). It is not only Feste's insight on the reality of the play's events that make him an important character but his ability to stay detached from the emotional and self-motivated acts of the others. While most of the other characters are distressed because of their loss of love or want of love, Feste remains self-contained, seemingly driven only by his financial needs. Since he relies on monetary compensation from others, he must act in a way that ensures a benefit. It is because the clown is not involved emotionally in the innermost action that he is less of a participant and more of a commentator. Therefore it seems befitting that Shakespeare assigns Feste the final lines in the comedy. Feste precedes his song by mocking the enraged, mistreated, self-indulged, arrogant, and misguided Malvolio. It suggests that because Malvolio is a self-involved unlikable character that is unwilling to change that he should be burdened by his despicable qualities. These comments further enrage Malvolio and instead of learning something from the insights of Feste he becomes more egotistical than before. This further shows the foolishness of those who hold themselves upon a higher level than a "fool" b...
