Author(s): Sonam

Abstract: Shakespearean comedies are widely recognized for their complex characters and sophisticated examination of themes. Through a comparative analysis, this research paper aims to study the labyrinthine themes of love and disguise in two of William Shakespeare's well acclaimed comedies, The Two Gentlemen of Verona from his earlier plays and Twelfth Night from his later plays. The study primarily focuses on analysing the selected monologues and soliloquies of the protagonists—Julia and Viola—to elucidate their inner worlds and motivations to pursue their love. By colligating these characters’ self-expressions, the paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of the subtleties of Shakespearean character development, growth of Shakespeare as a writer, portrayal of women in Elizabethan England and the thematic significance of love and disguise. It emphasizes how love and disguise go beyond mere manipulation and trickery, offering deep insights into human nature. At the heart of this study lies the analysis of significant themes of love and disguise, using the triangular theory of love proposed by Robert Sternberg. Julia and Viola tend to follow the traditional Elizabethan culture in general along with certain deviations from their traditional feminine roles which mark the uniqueness and individuality of these heroines. In the exploring the individual journeys of Julia and Viola, various similarities and differences become apparent which highlight the convolutions of love and identity, often intertwined with deception and self-discovery. Both Julia and Viola are projected as strong characters possessing the three basic elements in Sternberg’s theory of love though their approaches are different.

Keywords: complex identities, deception and self-discovery, gender disguise, love, portrayal of women, Shakespearean comedies, traditional roles.

Article Info: Received: 09 May 2026; Received in revised form: 01 Jun 2026; Accepted: 05 Jun 2026; Available online: 11 Jun 2026

DOI: 10.22161/ijels.113.61