Generosity and courtesy are both traits that are difficult to refuse. Because generous and courteous people earn respect through their actions, successful relationships often result. In William Shakespeare's play Twelfth Night (TN) Viola, a young lady who dresses as a boy, arrives from a shipwreck and encounters a series of intertwined relationships. Duke Orsino of Illyria, Viola, Orsino's servant, and Feste the Fool all demonstrate kindness and graciousness that lead to successes in their bonds with other characters. Shakespeare shows that when people exhibit both generosity and the ability to accept graciously, the result is flourishing relationships with others.

Viola's generosity results in positive relationships with Orsino, Feste, and Antonio. Charles Boyce identifies Viola as "the most clear-sighted and honest figure" in the play (667). According to Richard Henze, Viola's "generous giving" is defined as she gives herself and her services to Orsino (149). Viola charitably agrees to not only...