the twelfth night
Why do you think that Viola and the Fool get along so well (III.i.1-60)?
Explain one thing that they joke or talk about.
Explain Viola’s paradoxical statement: “This fellow is wise enough to play the Fool” (III.i.61-62).
Choose one confusing or paradoxical sentence to paraphrase from lines 145-149.
How does Viola react when Olivia says she loves Cesario (III.i.165-170)?
Why does Sir Andrew say he will leave (III.ii.1-6)?
How do Sir Toby and Fabian convince him to stay (III.ii.10-29)?
What do they send him off to do (III.ii.41-49)?
What does Sir Toby reveal about his friendship with Sir Andrew (III.ii.52-54)?
Why did Antonio follow Sebastian (III.iii.4-12)?
Why is Antonio in danger here (III.iii.26-30)?
Why does Antonio give Sebastian his purse (III.iii.48-50)?
Choose one line of Viola or the Fool that you think can be applied to your life or human nature in general. Quote it and explain why you can relate to the idea
One possible answer to this question could be:
Viola and the Fool get along so well because they both possess wit, humor, and a quick sense of observation. Their shared ability to perceive the absurdities of the world allows them to connect and appreciate each other's company.
One thing they joke about is Sir Toby's foolish and drunken behavior. Viola mocks him by saying, "In firmat...[he] can no more but a steward...he’s a coward, and a coystrill, that will not drink to my niece till his brains turn o’ th’’other side…" (III.i.34-37). This jest at Sir Toby's expense highlights his foolishness and irrational behavior.
Viola's paradoxical statement, "This fellow is wise enough to play the Fool" (III.i.61-62), means that the Fool is intelligent and perceptive enough to act as a Fool and play the role effectively. It suggests that beneath the Fool's humorous facade, there is wisdom and insight.
A confusing or paradoxical sentence from lines 145-149 is "Many a good hanging prevents a bad marriage." This sentence can be paraphrased as "Avoiding a bad marriage can sometimes be achieved by having a criminal punished and executed beforehand." It is confusing because it juxtaposes the concepts of marriage and hanging, suggesting that a negative outcome can be prevented by taking drastic measures.
When Olivia says she loves Cesario, Viola is taken aback and reacts with surprise and confusion. She is caught off guard by Olivia's sudden confession and does not know how to respond. Viola tries to gracefully decline Olivia's advances and insists that her duty is to serve Orsino faithfully.
Sir Andrew says he will leave because he believes that Olivia is in love with Cesario and does not stand a chance with her. He lacks confidence in his own abilities to win her over and decides to give up.
Sir Toby and Fabian convince Sir Andrew to stay by tricking him into thinking that Olivia is testing Cesario's love for her by challenging him to a duel. They assure Sir Andrew that he has a chance to prove himself and convince him that leaving would be a missed opportunity.
They send Sir Andrew off to write a challenge letter to Cesario and deliver it to him. This is part of their plan to create chaos and further amuse themselves at Sir Andrew's expense.
Sir Toby reveals that his friendship with Sir Andrew is purely self-serving. He admits that he keeps Sir Andrew around because he provides entertainment and is a source of amusement for him. He does not genuinely care for Sir Andrew but takes advantage of his foolishness and naivety.
Antonio followed Sebastian because he had fallen in love with him and saved his life during a shipwreck. He sees Sebastian as a potential romantic partner and feels a deep emotional connection with him.
Antonio is in danger because he has several enemies in Illyria, including Orsino and the inhabitants who have mistaken him for Sebastian. He is also wanted by the authorities for piracy.
Antonio gives Sebastian his purse because he wants to support him financially and help him start a new life. He has great affection for Sebastian and wants to ensure his well-being, even if it means sacrificing his own resources.
One line from Viola that can be applied to life or human nature is: "I am not what I am." This quote reflects the idea that individuals often present themselves differently from who they truly are. It demonstrates the complexity of human identity and the tendency to conceal one's true self for various reasons. This idea can resonate with many people who have experienced the need to hide their true thoughts, emotions, or identities in different situations.