In II.iii.179, Maria calls her scheme to manipulate and embarrass Malvolio "sport royal..." What do you make of this?
The term "sport royal" I believe means that her scheme is going to be a lot of fun, almost like a game. She is very playful and somewhat manipulative and this scheme of hers is an opportunity to express that playful side of hers. She really wants to make a fool out of Malvolio and although I do not believe she means for it to end badly, it may cause more drama in the play. This term also could coincide with the motif of hunting that is shown throughout the play, in the sense that Maria is chasing Malvolio down (emotionally) in order to make a fool out of him. In a time where women are usually the objects of pursuit and men are the hunters, it also allows Maria to switch roles and assert superiority over her male counterpart.
I agree with you. That was well written. Along with hunting I think another motif would be foolishness. You said yourself that Maria wants to make a fool out of Malvolio. It seems that everyone is becoming a fool in the play.
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