Reading Questions for Twelfth Night
The best beginning procedure is always to familiarize yourself with the cast of characters and then to read the act or a scene all the way through so that you know what's happening. If possible, read the whole act first. The notes can help if you're stuck, but try to get the big picture of the act or scene before getting bogged down in details. Read through, then go back and clear up details. Then you're ready to read the work closely with these questions in mind. A note on line numbering in Twelfth Night: it is traditional to refer to plays by act, scene, and line numbers rather than page numbers. (Act.scene.lines) ex: (1.1.1-5) is Act One, scene one, lines 1-5).
ACT ONE
1.1
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1.
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What is Duke Orsino like? Why does he feel this way?
Orsino is is an powerful, but emotional man. He is emotional and dramatic because he is in love with Olivia. |
2.
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Why is Olivia in mourning and how long will it last (1.1.25-31)?
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| Olivia is in mourning because her father and brother died, she says she will mourn for 7 years. | |
1.2
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1.
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What has just happened to Viola? Whom does she think of first (1.2.3-4)?
Olivia was just in a shipwreck where she lost her brother, she thinks of him first as she holds a picture of the two of them together. |
2.
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Why does Viola want to serve Olivia (1.2.32-40)? What does she finally decide to do?
Viola wants to serve Olivia because she believes she can keep her identity private if she serves her. She decided to cut her hair and change her appearance to that of her brother's in order to look like a boy and be able to serve. |
1.3
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1.
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Who is Sir Toby and what is his relation to Olivia? What is his attitude toward life?
Sir Toby is Olivia's uncle. He is a drunkard and wild. |
2.
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Who is Sir Andrew Aguecheek and why is he there? When he appears at line 41, does he fit the description given of him earlier? What does he plan to do (1.3.84-85)? Why doesn't Sir Toby want him to leave? (Hint: see 1.3.20.)
Sir Andrew is Toby's friend who is a knight. Sir Andrew believes he has a chance with Olivia, but Toby really just desires his company. At first it is made to believe he is intelligent, but it is revealed that he can't speak well and does not catch humor. |
1.4
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1.
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Who is Cesario and what is his relation to Duke Orsino? What is Cesario being sent to do?
Cesario is Viola dressed as a man. His relation is servant or musician to Orsino. Cesario is sent to Olivia to get persuade her to be with Duke Orsino. |
2.
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What does Orsino think he sees when he looks at Cesario (1.4.30-34)?
What does he really see without knowing that he does? When Orsino looks at Cesario and notes that he looks and acts feminine. He is the first to see that she has female characteristics and is really a woman. |
1.5
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1.
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Why is Feste (the Clown) in trouble and how does he get out of it?
Festee is in trouble because he has not been keeping up his work duties, but he gets out of it by flattering Olivia. |
2.
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From what we see of her up to 1.5.93, how seriously is Olivia mourning?
Olivia is not really mourning at all. |
3.
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What does Malvolio think of Feste (1.5.78-84)? What does Olivia think of Malvolio and Feste (1.5.85-91). What is an "allowed fool" (line 89)?
Malvolio thinks Feste is stupid. Olivia does not think that Malvolio should be rude about Feste's lack of intelligence. An allowed fool is someone who is a fool, but is allowed under the power of a superior. |
4.
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How does Maria describe the young man at the gate (1.5.94-98)? How does Sir Toby describe him (lines 111-123)? How does Malvolio describe him (lines 133-155, especially 150-155)? Have any of them seen who is really there? Have any of them come close? (Remember Orsino at 1.4.30-34.) Who is "the young man at the gate"?
Maria describes the young man at the gate as a "tis a fair young gentleman, well attended" while Toby just refers to him as a gentleman and Mavolio says he is not a man nor a boy. Mavolio was close in his description as Cesario is the one at the gate and he is really a female. |
ACT TWO
2.1
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1.
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Who is Sebastian? Given what he says in 2.1.13-28, what do you expect will happen when he goes to Orsino's court (line 38)?
Sebastian is Viola's brother who she believes to die. I expect he will be perceived as Cesario when he goes to Orsino's court. |
2.
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Who is Antonio? Why shouldn't he go to Orsino's court, and why will he (2.1.40-43)?
Antonio is the man from the island that saved Sebastian. He says he has enemies on Orsino's court and should not go, but proceeds with Sebastion to ensure he is safe. |
2.2
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1.
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What does Viola/Cesario learn from her/his encounter with Malvolio? How will she solve it? (Note especially 2.2.39-40.)
Viola learnes learns that |
2.3
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1.
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What time is it? What are Sir Toby, Sir Andrew, and Feste doing? Why does Sir Toby think he can get away with it (2.3.71-75)?
It is past midnight and the boys are singing, drinking, and causing a ruckus. Sir Toby thinks he can get away with it because technically it is the next day which technically means they're up really early in the morning and his doctor tells him that getting up early is good for you. |
2.
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What is Malvolio's response to them? How does Sir Toby treat him? (Note especially 2.3.106-108.)
Malvolio does not approve to their behavior. Sir Toby treats him rudely saying he is just a servant and doesn't know how to have fun. |
3.
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How does Maria describe Malvolio (2.3.137-143)? What is Maria's plan (2.3.145-165)? From what we have seen, does Malvolio deserve to have a trick like this played on him?
Mario describes Malvolio as being basically a praty pooper. Maria's plan is to write a letter to Malvolio that he will think is from Olivia. Malvolio doesn't deserve this. He is fulfilling his duty as servant and they will mess with his emotions and well being. |
2.4
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1.
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Who sang for Orsino? (See 2.4.8-11.) Is this in conflict with 1.2.53-55?
Feste sang for Orsino. |
2.
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According to Orsino, should the man or the woman be older? Does he hear what Viola/Cesario is saying in 2.4.22-27? How willing (or able) is Orsino to listen to other people's ideas?
Orsino believes the man should be older. He begins to hear what Cesario is saying, but doesn't completely catch on. Orsino is not very willing to listen to others' ideas. |
3.
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What is Feste saying in 2.4.72-77? To whom is he saying it?
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4.
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What issue does Viola/Cesario raise in 2.4.86-87? How does she/he develop the idea in lines 88-91? How does Orsino answer her in lines 92-102?
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5.
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What happens to Viola/Cesario at line 2.4.102? Does Viola almost give herself away? How does she cover herself in lines 105-106?
Viola basically professes her love for Orsino and almost gives herself away when she says "My father had a daughter loved a man
As it might be, perhaps, were I a woman,
I should your lordship." She saved herself by adding the "If I were a woman" part at the end. |
6.
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What is Viola feeling as she/he tells the sister's story (2.4.107-121)? Is she trying to make Orsino see who she really is (consciously or unconsciously)? If she keeps going, will even he figure it out? Is that why she asks the question in line 122, to get his mind onto something else?
Viola is feeling passion for Orsino as she is really telling her story about how she cannot profess her love for him. I don't think Viola wants to show Orsino who she really is because it has major consequences, but she does reveal clues to who she is. If she keeps going he will eventually figure it out. She asks to go give her imaginary sister the jewel because she wants a quick easy scapegoat because she knows she might have revealed too much. |
7.
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Does Orsino change his behavior during Viola/Cesario's story about "his" sister (2.4.107-121)? Notice that his questions respond to what she has said. Has he ever truly listened to anyone this way before? What do his lines 109 and 119 suggest? What does he feel at line 122?
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| Orsino does change his behavior because he is now listening and more respondent. This is the first time he is really listening intently to anyone. 109 and 119 aren't Orsino's lines so I'm not really sure what this means. At 122 we know Orsiono is in love, or at least lust, with Viola's 'sister'. | |
2.5
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1.
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How big is Maria? (See 2.5.11 and other references.) If you have read A Midsummer Night's Dream, what part did this actor probably play in it?
Maria is refered to as little in that line. |
2.
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What is Malvolio doing before he finds the letter (i.e., in 2.5.21-78)? What does this tell us about him? (Of course, we might note lines 21-22; perhaps the plot has already begun.)
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3.
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How does Malvolio read the inscription (2.5.79-133)? How does he read the body of the letter (lines 134-162)? How does he read the postscript (lines 163-168)? How will he appear when we next see him? How will Olivia respond? (See lines 187-194.) Does he deserve to have this trick played on him?
Malvolio reads the letter by analysing each sentence and part and makes comments about Olivia. He is going to wear yellow socks with crossed garters. Olivia hates this however and will respond with disgust. Again, Malvolio does not deserve this trick, he is only doing his job and he genuinely likes Olivia so they should be sensitive to his feelings. |
ACT THREE
3.1
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1.
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How does Feste fare with Viola/Cesario (3.1.1-58)? Why does Feste mean when he says he is Olivia's "corrupter of words" (lines 34-35)? What is he trying to accomplish when he talks about Cressida, Troilus, and Pandarus (lines 42-58)?
Feste and Viola do not get along. By saying Olivia is 'corrupter of words,' he means that she twists his words into things he does not mean. By relating to those people he is saying he wants a partner. |
2.
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What is Viola/Cesario saying about Feste in 3.1.59-67? How well does Viola understand Feste?
Viola is saying Feste actually has to be smart in order to do what he does. She understands him pretty well. |
3.
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What happens when Olivia meets Viola/Cesario (3.1.92-161)? Does Olivia understand who this person really is who says "I am not what I am" (line 138)?
Olivia meets Viola and at first they're odd and there seems to be tension, but hen Olivia completely goes after Cesario/Viola romantically. Viola says I am not what I am because she is not really a dude which Olivia think she is. |
3.2
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1.
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Why is Sir Andrew leaving (3.2.1-6)? How does Sir Toby get him to stay? What will Sir Andrew do instead of leaving?
Andrew is leaving because Olivia treated Cesario better than he gets treated. Toby got him to stay by telling him that Olivia only flirted with Cesario because she wanted Andrew to get jealous and that he could still be with her. Andrew will fight Cesario instead of leave. |
2.
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What does Maria tell them to come and see (3.2.62-76)?
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| Maria tells them to come and see Malvolio in his yellow socks. | |
3.3
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1.
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Why won't Antonio go with Sebastian to view the town (3.3.25-37)?
Antonio won't go because he destroyed Orcino's ships and will get arrested if he is found in Illyria. |
2.
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What does Antonio give Sebastian and why?
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| Antonio gives Sebastian money so that he can afford lodging and meals. | |
3.4
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1.
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What does Malvolio look like when he enters at 3.4.15? What does he think he is saying in lines 38, 40, 42, 44, 46-47, 49, 51-52, and 54? Does he expect Olivia to recognize the statements? Doesshe recognize them? What does she think he is saying, especially at 3.4.51-52? How does she diagnose what is wrong with Malvolio (3.4.55)?
Malvolio is wearing yellow socks with criss crossed laces. He thinks he is quoting Olivia from 'her' letter. He does espect her to recognize the statments, but she doesn't because they weren't actually from her. She thinks he is going crazy and just wants money. |
2.
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Does Malvolio realize that anything is wrong? Should he respond as he does in 3.4.64-82?
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3.
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How do Sir Toby, Fabian, and Maria treat Malvolio (3.4.83-122)? What do they assume (at least to him) is the nature of his madness? How do they propose to treat it? (See 3.4.132; this is the normal treatment at the time for madness.)
They treat him poorly still, but Toby continues the act by actually catering to Malvolio's needs. In their time, a witch doctor was a treatment for madness. |
4.
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What is the effect of Fabian's statement at 3.4.124-125?
Fabian's statments frustrate Toby. |
5.
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How good is Sir Andrew's challenge (3.4.138-176)? How does Sir Toby plan for the encounter to take place (3.4.177-188)?
The challenge is not good because Toby won't do it. |
6.
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How is Olivia's suit to Viola/Cesario going (3.4.193-208)?
Olivia gives Viola jewelry and continues the persuit, but Viola is not going to give in considering she is a girl. |
7.
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Read the "duel" scene carefully (3.4.209-297). How eager are Viola/Cesario and Sir Andrew to fight? How are Fabian and Sir Toby helping matters along? Is the scene funny? Consider how you might stage the scene.
They are not eager to fight, Viola is unsure of why they even want to fight. Toby and Fabian are encouraging the fight and scaring Viola saying that Andrew is a vicious fighter. |
8.
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What happens when Antonio and then the Officers appear (3.4.298-319)?
Antonio gets recognized and the officers appear to take him away |
9.
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How does the play change at 3.4.320? What plot complication now needs to be resolved? What happens when Antonio asks for his purse at line 323? Does anyone else learn anything or even recognize what has happened? Has Sir Toby understood anything (3.4.372-375)? Do you recognize anything familiar in line 376?
At 320, Viola and Sebastian begin to get mixed up. The plot is now complicated by the presence of two characters that look to be the same person and are being confused. Viola does not know what Andrew is talking about, Sebastian does but Andrew thinks Viola is Sebastian. No one has completely caught on yet. |
10.
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What is Sir Andrew going to do next? Why? (See lines 377-381.)
Andrew is going to beat Cesario up because Cesario caught Olivia's eye. |
ACT FOUR
4.1
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1.
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How well do Feste and Sebastian get along (4.1.1-22)?
Sebastian and Feste do not get along at all. Sebastian pays him to leave pretty much. |
2.
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What happens when Sir Andrew attacks the person he thinks is Cesario (4.1.23-42)? Who wins?
The person is not really Cesario, it's Sebastian. No one wins because Olivia enters and interrupts the scuffle. |
3.
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What happens when Olivia interrupts them at line 43? How does Sebastian respond to Olivia? What does she think is happening?
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| When Olivia interrupts they stop fighting. Sebastian responds by asking if he is in a dream because so much is going on and he sees Olivia and falls for her. | |
4.2
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1.
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How do Sir Toby, Maria, and especially Feste treat Malvolio? Does Malvolio still deserve the treatment he receives? Note Sir Toby's change of heart at 4.2.66-71.
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| They still challenge Malvolio. In a way he deserves this now after we saw how quick he was to change sides and treat the others when he though he would be their master. | |
4.3
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1.
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What is Sebastian's response to what has happened?
Sebastian believes it is crazy, but he rationalizes Olivia's judgement and decides to continue pursing their marriage. |
2.
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To whom does Olivia think she is talking? What does she want Sebastian to do? Will he do it?
Olivia thinks Sebastian in Cesario. She wants Sebastian to marry her and he will. |
ACT FIVE
5.1
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1.
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How successful is Feste in dealing with Orsino (5.1.7-44)? Why is the Duke there?
Feste is successful in that he gets extra money, but he can't get a third coin. Orsino is there to see Olivia. |
2.
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What happens when the officers bring Antonio to Orsino (5.1.45-92)? How long ago did the ship carrying Viola and Sebastian sink (5.1.90)? Does this amount of time match what you feel has happened in the play?
When the bring Antonio, Orsino becomes mad because Antonio played a part in destroying his ship and making his nephew loose a leg. |
3.
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What do you expect will happen when Olivia enters at 5.1.93? What happens to Olivia as she and Orsino talk (5.1.97-113)? Why might she be surprised at Cesario's answers? What does Orsino threaten (5.1.114-117)? What does he threaten to do to Viola/Cesario and why (5.1.118-128)? How does Viola/Cesario respond (lines 129-130)? But what has Orsino revealed that he has not said (or perhaps realized) before (lines 123 and 127-128)?
Orsino will probably annoy Olivia and now that she is married, she will be even more frustrated. She will be surprised at Cesario's answers becuase she really married Sebastian even though she thinks she married Cesario. Orsino threatens to sacrifice Cesario because it is an Egypt tradition. Viola responds by pronouncing her love for Orsino. Orsino has revealed that he cares for Viola and pretty much has a thing for him/her. |
4.
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How does line 140 change the situation? What has happened to Viola's hopes for Orsino by line 168?
In line 140, everyone thinks that Cesario married Oliviia. This ruins Viola's hopes with Orsion because he thinks that Cesario is married to Olivia. |
5.
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Based on what Sir Andrew says when he enters at line 169, what has happened offstage? What revelation can we expect soon? But first, what happens between Sir Toby and Sir Andrew at lines 201-204?
Offstage there has been a fight between him and who they think is Cesario(who is really Sebastian). This will probably lead the the revelation that there is a Cesario and a Sebastian. First, |
6.
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What happens when Sebastian enters at line 206? Who first recognizes him? Whom does he first recognize?
At 206 Sebastian approaches Olivia. Orsino first recognizes him and Sebastian first recognizes Anthony. |
7.
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How long does it take for Viola and Sebastian to recognize each other? Why doesn't she just say who she is at line 240? Is it really taking this long, or are they playing it out?
It takes a little bit for them to recognize each other. She doesn't just say who she is, she has to drag it out and use the reveal to make her actions acceptable. If she just told him who she was then they wouldn't know the reasons why. they're playing it out for this reason. |
8.
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How does Sebastian explain what almost happened to Olivia (5.1.257-261)?
Sebastian explains that Olivia almost married a woman and tries to remedy the situation by saying that she should be glad that she married him. |
9.
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What's going to be the problem in getting Viola dressed like a woman? (See lines 251-253 and 271-276.)
The captain is in prison and he was holding Viola's woman clothes. |
10.
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How is Malvolio's situation resolved? How is the captain's situation resolved? Is Malvolio placated?
Malvolio's situation is resolved when Olivia tells them to let him go. The same goes for the captain who is released Malvolio is placated |
11.
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How does Feste explain his part in tricking Malvolio (5.1.366-372; compare 1.5.78-84)? What does Feste mean by lines 371-372?
Feste explains his part by saying he was the priest. When he says lines 371-372 he is saying that even though they were cruel to Malvolio, he still did things that made him deserve their tricks. |
12.
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What weddings will take place, and where? (See lines 314-322 and 377-380–but also note line 360.)
Cesario will marry Orsion after the captain is released from jail. |
13.
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What characters are left out of the happiness?
Malvolio is still upset and especially now that Olivia is taken. Also Toby, Andrew, and the fool really don't get any happiness. |
14.
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Is Feste's song (lines 384-403) a fitting conclusion to the play?
It is a fitting song. |
duke-superficial, lustful
viola head over heels, appreciates duke for who he is
Comparisons between how different characters perceive and describe love.
Mavolio- Tricked into thinking Olivia loves him, Materialistic, love will conquor all
Toby and Andrew-Mockery of love, perceive it as a joke,
Diction of different characters -- what words do they choose to use, how do these words describe their state of being.
Mavolio speaks in longer phrases and chooses it shoes his affluence, but the long flowing phrases also show his lovestruck state
Fabian, Toby and Andrew give one liners and often whisper behind Mavolio, this shows their immaturity and lack of education,
Examples of dramatic irony
There is almost an immediate role reveral of Mavolio becoming the master over Toby and Andrew while they really have control over him and they're the ones making the joke.
personal references--how do characters describe themselves and what does it reveal about themselves
Mavolio- reveals he is going to be toby, fabian, and andrew's master which shows that he has a big ego
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