the twelfth night
Explain the confusion between Sebastian and the Fool (IV.i.1-20)
What happens when Sir Andrew finds Sebastian (IV.i.24-45)?
How does Sebastian respond when Olivia says she is in love with him (IV.i.63-66)?
What does this tell you about what kind of person he is?
The fool says “That that is, is” (IV.ii.15) and earlier he said “Nothing that is so is so” (IV.i.
8-9). Which do you think is a better description of life? Why?
What does the fool dress up as? Why? What trick does he play on Malvolio (IV.ii. 23-36)?
How does Malvolio try to prove that he is sane (IV.ii.42-63)?
How have the others tried to make Malvolio go crazy, or lose his wits (IV.ii.92-98)?
What do these sections suggest about the definition of madness?
What does the fool say that he would have to do to determine if someone is crazy (IV.ii.
122-123)?
What evidence does Sebastian give that he is not crazy (IV.iii.1-16)?
What evidence does he give that Olivia is not crazy (IV.iii.16-21)?
What does this speech suggest about the way that Sebastian defines madness?
What does Olivia suggest that they do (IV.iii.23-32)?
How does Sebastian respond (IV.iii.33-34)?
Which character’s definition of madness is closest to yours? Why?
The confusion between Sebastian and the Fool in Act IV, Scene i of "Twelfth Night" occurs when Sebastian enters the scene and the Fool mistakes him for Cesario (Viola), Olivia's page. The Fool engages in playful banter with Sebastian, making references to their previous interactions, but Sebastian is completely confused because he has never met the Fool before.
When Sir Andrew finds Sebastian in Act IV, Scene i, he mistakes him for Cesario and initiates a fight, believing Sebastian has been involved in the mischief that occurred earlier between Sir Toby, Sir Andrew, and Cesario. Sebastian easily defeats Sir Andrew in the fight.
When Olivia confesses her love to Sebastian in Act IV, Scene i, he responds positively, stating that he reciprocates her love and they should get married promptly. This suggests that Sebastian is impulsive and easily swayed by romantic affections.
The Fool's statement, "That that is, is" and "Nothing that is so is so," both describe life from different perspectives. The Fool's first statement implies acceptance and resignation to the way things are, while the second statement suggests a level of skepticism and questioning of reality. Both descriptions have their merits and it ultimately depends on individual interpretation and personal worldview to decide which description is better.
The Fool dresses up as a priest in Act IV, Scene ii as part of a trick to further deceive and humiliate Malvolio, who has been imprisoned and believed to be mad. The Fool plays a trick on Malvolio by pretending to be the priest who has come to interrogate and "cure" him of his madness.
Malvolio tries to prove his sanity by proclaiming that he is not mad and that his actions have good cause. He argues that his treatment is unjust and demands justice for his mistreatment.
The others, including Sir Toby, Sir Andrew, and Maria, have tried to make Malvolio go crazy by manipulating him into believing that Olivia loves him and leading him to behave foolishly. They also trap him in a dark room, pretending he has been imprisoned and driven mad.
These sections suggest that the definition of madness can be manipulated and influenced by external factors. It is not solely based on one's mental state, but also on how other people perceive and treat an individual.
The Fool suggests that in order to determine if someone is crazy, one must act crazier than the person in question. He claims that if he pretended to be mad, it would make other people appear sane in comparison.
Sebastian gives evidence that he is not crazy by reciting his own history, proving his sanity through logical reasoning and coherent speech. He also points out that his appearance is not that of a madman.
Sebastian gives evidence that Olivia is not crazy by explaining that her love for him is a result of mistaken identity, as she originally thought he was Cesario. He suggests that her passion is misguided and not a sign of madness.
This speech suggests that Sebastian defines madness as a state of delusion and being led astray by mistaken emotions.
Olivia suggests that she and Sebastian get married right away in Act IV, Scene iii, suggesting a hasty and impulsive decision driven by her misguided love and infatuation.
Sebastian politely declines Olivia's suggestion, stating that they should wait to marry until they have known each other better. He displays a level-headedness and rationality in his response.
Each character's definition of madness is unique, but Sebastian's definition is closest to mine as it is based on rationality, logic, and not being swayed by impulsive emotions. Sebastian displays a more grounded and sensible approach to decision-making, which aligns with my perspective.