ut accordingly act as such. Along with the condemnation of Malvolio are other happy endings in the form of marriages. Although these events are optimistic, Feste's final song lessens the hope of a completely happy ending. The purpose of this song, which states "the rain it raineth every day," insinuates that at any time the happiness that now occupies the characters in Illyria could at any time be swept away. With this song, Feste seems to suggest that even as a person goes through life, with its various ups and downs, he or she must remember that at any time one can end up in an unfamiliar place with a completely different life. Feste's role as a fool, in both Olivia and Orsino's houses, makes him accessible to all character's in the play. But it is his ability to avoid attachment to other characters and his licensed foolery that enables him to become a critic on the actions of others and allows his character to thrive. It is through this commentary that Feste can assert his true wit over the true foolishness of the other characters. His insightful dialogue provides criticism and interpretation of the central events of the comedy. While Feste's role as the fool should imply a lack of intelligence, it is exactly the opposite....
