What is a smile for us? If it is a genuine smile it makes us feel good. We fall under its charm and respond emotionally, mentally and physically to it.
It is difficult for us to separate ourselves from the significance of a smile and see what it is, say, for a martian. An extraterrestrial would probably see it as a complex primate facial expression involving an upwards opening of the the mouth that exposes the teeth. This display elicits euphoria and a like response.
Real and fake smiles
One of the themes treated in Twelfth Night is disguise, and how it ironically can draw out the truth. Viola disguises herself as a boy and she draws out the true feelings of Olivia and Orsino; but, also enables herself to witness the true orsino and this leads her to fall in love with him.
Disguise is a form of deception and vice-versa. Malvolio is deceived into believing the Lady Olivia is in love with her; the objective being to draw out his true character for everyone to see. Malvolio is duped into believing that he should smile, something he does not do naturally, and this would please Olivia. Unfortunately, his smile, like his love makes a fool of him. Malvolio's humilation like the act of blushing draws sympathy from the happy couples but does not prevent Malvolio from leaving disgraced.
Humiliation
What is the significance of blushing?
Smiling
It is very difficult for us to distinguish a genuine from a fake smile. It is believed that it is simply better, for the sake of social unity, not to know what people are thinking or feeling.
In Twelfth Night, just as in the period of carnival, society collapses and fun and confusion reigns - where people can live out their fantasies and desires
Conversation with Paul Ekman - New York Times
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