act 2 scenes 4 and 5 the twelfth night
What warning does the Duke give “Cesario” about love (II.iv.16-22)?
How does Viola hint to the Duke about her real feelings/identity (II.iv.29-33)?
What does Orsino admit about men and love (II.iv.37-40 and 44-45)?
What view of love is suggested by the Fool’s song (II.iv.58-73)?
What does Orsino say about woman’s love (II.iv.103-113)?
Does this contradict what he said in question #3? Why or why not?
How does Viola again hint about who she really is (II.iv.116-120 and 132-134)?
If Viola is in love with Orsino and Orsino is in love with Olivia, what does this say about love? About why people fall in love or how love affects people or how men or women love?
What does Maria tell the others to do (II.v.14-21)?
What is suggested by Malvolio’s statement “’Tis but fortune, all is fortune”?
About what is Malvolio daydreaming before he picks up the letter (II.v.22-27 and 44-80)?
How does Malvolio talk himself into believing the letter is for him (II.v.92-146)?
What does Maria tell Malvolio to do in the letter (II.v.153-162)?
Why will these things make him look stupid (II.v.201-209)?
What does Malvolio’s subplot add to the play’s ideas about love?
How are those in the audience implicated or part of the prank?
Write a freewrite on the following questions: The sentence from Maria’s trick letter, “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon ‘em” is a famous one that is often taken out of context. What do you think of that statement? Do you believe that there is more than one path to be greatness? Why or why not
In Act 2, Scene 4, the Duke warns "Cesario" about the dangers and fickleness of love. He tells him that love is a monster that feeds on people's emotions and can make even the most noble minds go astray. The Duke advises "Cesario" to be cautious and not let himself be manipulated by love.
Viola, disguised as "Cesario," hints to the Duke about her real feelings and identity by using ambiguous language. She mentions that her heart is captive to the Duke and that she cannot love anyone else. These statements subtly convey her love for him and her longing to reveal her true self.
Orsino admits that men are often fickle in love. He acknowledges that men tend to change their affection quickly and move from one woman to another. However, he also claims that women are more faithful and constant in their love.
The Fool's song suggests a cynical and pessimistic view of love. It portrays love as a cruel and unpredictable force that brings sadness and disappointment. The Fool's song highlights the foolishness and absurdity of love, suggesting that it is something to be laughed at or mocked.
Contradicting his previous statement about women's constancy in love, Orsino claims that women's love is fickle and subject to change. He believes that women are incapable of true love and that their feelings are constantly shifting.
Yes, this contradicts what he said earlier. Initially, he believed that women were more faithful in love compared to men. However, now he claims that women's love is fickle and unreliable.
Viola hints about her true identity by referring to her brother Sebastian and expressing her concern for him. She mentions that they are "one in fortune" and that if she were not his servant, she would dedicate her life to finding him. These hints reveal her true identity and the connection between Viola and Sebastian.
The fact that Viola loves Orsino while Orsino loves Olivia creates a complex love triangle. It suggests that love is not always rational or reciprocal. People can fall in love with someone who does not love them back. Love can be one-sided and can cause confusion, longing, and even heartbreak.
Maria tells the others to plant a fake love letter written in Olivia's handwriting for Malvolio to find. The letter will make him believe that Olivia is in love with him and desires him.
Malvolio's statement "’Tis but fortune, all is fortune" suggests that he believes everything that happens is a matter of chance. He dismisses the idea of fate or destiny and attributes all outcomes to luck or happenstance.
Before picking up the letter, Malvolio is daydreaming about becoming Count Malvolio and having power and wealth. He fantasizes about marrying Olivia and rising in social status.
Malvolio talks himself into believing that the letter is for him by interpreting the ambiguous phrases written in it as referring to him. He convinces himself that Olivia loves him and that his dreams are about to come true.
Maria tells Malvolio in the letter to wear specific clothing and act in a ridiculous manner to prove his love for her. She instructs him to smile constantly and to do absurd things, such as wearing yellow stockings and cross-garters.
These actions will make Malvolio look foolish because they go against his usual serious and reserved nature. The clothing and behavior instructed by Maria in the letter are meant to mock Malvolio and make him appear silly and ridiculous.
Malvolio's subplot adds to the play's exploration of the foolishness and absurdity of love. It serves as a reminder that love can make people act irrationally and pursue unrealistic fantasies. It also highlights the theme of deception and the negative consequences of playing tricks on others.
The audience is implicated or part of the prank because they witness the deception of Malvolio and are entertained by his foolishness. They become accomplices in the scheme by being aware of the trick and enjoying the comedic moments it creates.
The statement from Maria's trick letter, "Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em," is often taken out of context and used independently as a famous quote. In my opinion, this statement implies that there are different paths to greatness. Some people are born into positions of power and privilege, some work hard to achieve greatness through their efforts, and some unexpectedly find themselves thrust into positions of importance. I believe that there is more than one path to greatness because everyone has different circumstances and opportunities in life. Some may have advantages from birth, while others have to work hard to achieve their goals.