Short Answer 
The excerpt from ‘The Twelfth Night’ introduces Curio and Duke Orsino, highlighting Orsino’s infatuation with Lady Olivia and the complexities of love. The wordplay and imagery used in their dialogue emphasize the metaphorical nature of love and the theme of idealized affection, as Orsino views Olivia as a healing presence rather than recognizing her true self.
Step 1: Understand the Characters
In ‘The Twelfth Night’, two main characters are introduced in this excerpt: Curio and Duke Orsino. Curio serves as a gentleman attending Orsino, who is deeply infatuated with Lady Olivia. Their interactions set the stage for exploring the complexities of love and desire that permeate the play.
Step 2: Analyze the Context and Wordplay
This conversation occurs in Act 1, Scene 1, where Curio suggests hunting, hinting at Orsino’s ongoing pursuit of Olivia. The clever wordplay on ‘hart’ serves a dual purpose, representing both a hunted deer and Orsino’s ‘heart’ focused on Olivia. This exchange emphasizes the metaphorical nature of love and its pursuit in the play.
Step 3: Explore the Imagery and Themes
Orsino’s descriptions of Olivia reveal rich imagery showcasing his admiration for her beauty. He claims that her presence ‘purged the air of pestilence’, portraying her as a healing force in his life. This illustrates the theme of idealized love, highlighting how Orsino is captivated by an ideal rather than the reality of Olivia herself.