Harts
Harts, or deer, appear frequently in the play, usually during Orsino's speeches about his love for Olivia. In this context, harts symbolize romantic pursuit, as they are part of the hunter/hunted dynamic that was often used as a figurative way of describing one's pursuit of their beloved. Notably, however, Orsino often mixes this metaphor by describing himself as the hart who is pursued by his own desire. His use of this common early modern symbol to describe the weight of his own desire showcases his character's self-interested nature.
The Sea
For a number of characters in the play, but especially Orsino, the sea symbolizes the power and unpredictability of love. Orsino compares his feelings for Olivia to the unrelenting sea, suggesting that love is vast, deep, tumultuous, capricious, and at times dangerous. Other characters experience a similar phenomenon when they fall in love quickly and surprisingly – Olivia, for example, develops feelings for Cesario despite having sworn off men for seven years while she mourns the death of her brother. The symbol of the sea – dually significant for the coastal city of Illyria, where the play takes place – reflects the play's own capricious narratives of desire.
Androgyny and Attraction
A central motif of the play is the attraction of androgyny. Androgyny, or the mixture of both masculine and feminine features and behaviors, appears throughout the play in the form of Viola disguised as the page boy, Cesario. Both Orsino and Olivia cannot understand why they are so drawn to Cesario – Olivia romantically, and Orsino platonically, though this is called into question at the end of the play. The play suggests that the appeal of Cesario/Viola stems directly from his/her androgynous appearance and action. Furthermore, characters not in disguise also exhibit androgynous qualities in the play. Olivia, for example, steps into the traditional male role of pursuer when she asks Sebastian to marry her.
Letters
Letters play a dual role in the play as symbols of both connection and deception. Orsino's letter to Olivia, for example, is full of expressions of his love, but Olivia assures Cesario that it is likely insincere. The letter that Maria writes to Malvolio impersonating Olivia appears to Malvolio as his opportunity to finally climb the social ladder, but is ultimately a well-crafted rouse to humiliate Malvolio. Feste, the professional fool, remarks that letters can be turned inside-out, like gloves, suggesting that those who work with words (like Shakespeare) are both powerful and suspicious.
Jewels and Coins
Jewels, coins, and other valuable objects appear in the play as symbols of connection and trust. Olivia gives Cesario a ring to show him her affection, while Antonio gives Sebastian his entire purse to demonstrate his trust and devotion to his new friend. In many ways, jewels and coins serve as alternative form of communication to carefully-crafted letters, as they are inherently valuable and, the play suggests, are less likely to be misconstrued.
