Antonio and Sebastian share a very close relationship with one another. During my reading, I personally perceived that Antonio is in love with Sebastian, but perhaps not the other way around. When we first meet Sebastian and Antonio, Antonio is concerned that Sebastian does not want to stay with him nor allow Antonio to come along. “By your patience, no. My starts shine darkly over me. The malignancy of my fate might perhaps distemper yours. Therefore I shall crave of you your leave that I may bear my evils alone. It were a bad recompense for your love to lay any of them on you” (2.1.3-7). I interpret this as Sebastian just making sure he doesn’t jeopardize the thanks he owes Antonio for saving him from the waves that nearly killed him. This can show us that Sebastian is grateful for everything Antonio has done for him, but I don’t see any romantic theme coming from Sebastian’s words.
Antonio on the other hand, basically begs Sebastian just to let him be around him. “If you will not murder me for my love, let me be your servant” (2.1.30-31). His love for Sebastian is so substantial that he would jump at the opportunity to be his servant just so he will always be with him. This reminds me of when Helena told Demetrius that she would be honored to be his pet just so she could be near him in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Sebastian tries yet again to push Antonio away as he says goodbye and exits the scene. However, Antonio does not give up, “The gentleness of all the gods go with thee. I have many enemies in Orsino’s court, Else would I very shortly see thee there. But come what may, I do adore thee so That danger shall seem sport, and I will go” (2.1.38-42). Antonio would risk getting arrested by his enemies just so that he can follow Sebastian to Count Orsino’s court. Antonio seems to continually put Sebastian before himself.
The next time we hear from Sebastian and Antonio, Antonio again does not want to stay away.
“I could not stay behind you. My desire, More sharp than filèd steel, did spur me forth. And not all love to see you, though so much As might have drawn one to a longer voyage, But jealousy what might befall your travel,Being skill-less in these parts which, to a stranger Unguided and unfriended, often prove Rough and unhospitable. My willing love, The rather by these arguments of fear, Set forth in your pursuit” (3.3.4-13).
He was worried about Sebastian being alone and unfamiliar in a new place. He felt a strong desire to follow Sebastian and Antonio did this because of his strong love for him. Rather than Sebastian being intimate in conversation back after this long explanation from Antonio, he basically just says he wish he could pay his gratitude back to Antonio with money. I feel like there is a cycle of Antonio chasing after Sebastian and Sebastian not giving much back in return.
The most important thing I’ve read in relation to Sebastian and Antonio’s relationship is the concept of Antonio giving Sebastian his purse. I believe Antonio giving Sebastian his purse symbolized him handing over his heart, as if he’s saying here is the most important piece of me and I want you to have it to use for whatever you like (in the text, Antonio tells him specifically to use it to purchase things he wants). What if that was a way of Antonio saying use my heart to get me if you want me. Sebastian takes it and immediately leaves without any kind of sentimental talk. Later on in the story, Antonio intervenes in the fight between Cesario/Viola and Sir Andrews thinking Cesario/Viola is Sebastian. He is hurt when Cesario/Viola does not recognize him or save him from getting arrested. Because of this, Antonio demands he give his money back because he feels so betrayed. “But oh, how vile an idol proves this god! Thou hast, Sebastian, done good feature shame. In nature there’s no blemish but the mind. None can be called deformed but the unkind. Virtue is beauty, but the beauteous evil Are empty trunks, o’er-flourished by the devil” (3.4.332-337). I take this as Antonio saying give me my heart back, you’ve hurt me and you no longer deserve to hold such an intimate and sacred piece of me.
Would it even matter to the story if these two male characters were some kind of in a romantic relationship? Do you think men can have intimate relationships without there needing to be any sexual desires involved? I think adding these possibilities makes the story have even more of an entertaining twist because it keeps us guessing about the type of relationship these two men share, whether intimate, family-like, or friendly.