The theatrical appeal of Twelfth Night depends primarily on Shakespeare's dramatic presentation of the relationships between men and women. Can you...

There are a couple of different things going on with this question. First of all it is asking about the play's theatrical appeal, so it's important to understand what is meant by this. What makes aspects of a play "theatrical" and do those criteria apply to this play? Theatricality is sometimes considered an idea similar to spectacle or pageantry; or it can mean the potential for heightened drama or action, and a corresponding intensity of emotions experienced by the characters, which in turn creates an emotional experience for the audience. There is a great deal of romantic intrigue in this play that creates the potential for a highly theatrical production. Put another way, the relationships between men and women and the behaviors centering on the pursuit of romantic love are central to the play's action and progress.

For example, there are several sub-plots that complicate the main action (the romance between Orsino and Viola), such as the one involving Malvolio and the trick played on him by the other servants. Another sub plot involves Viola's attempt to disguise her identity, which causes confusion; Olivia, thinking Viola is a young man, falls in love with her. These sub-plots advance the main action because they complicate things for the main characters and present obstacles for them to overcome. The resolution of these obstacles at the end generally produces a happy ending for everyone but Malvolio.