the twelfth night
Why does Antonio say that he came into Orsino’s court (V.i.74-83)? Quote and explain at
least one interesting phrase from his speech.
How does Antonio describe the time he’s spend with Sebastian (V.i.93-95). Paraphrase in
your own words.
What does Orsino say he’ll do when he’s rejected by Olivia (V.i.119-134)?
How does Viola feel about this plan (V.i.135-136)?
How does Orsino’s reaction to rejection both parallel and differ from Antonio’s.
What does Viola say is the one thing keeping her and Sebastian from happiness (V.i.
261-262)?
What is strange about the way that Orsino addresses Viola in lines 279-280?
How does Malvolio describe what has been done to him (V.i.316-325)?
Do you agree with this portrayal of the events of the play? Why or why not?
What does Olivia say that she will do for Malvolio (V.i.373-377)?
When she finds out who was at fault, what does she actually do (V.i.392 and 402)?
Why does Orsino say he will continue to call Viola Cesario even though he knows that
she is a girl (V.i.408-411)?
What view of life or the human condition is offered by the Fool’s song at the end of the
play?
1) Antonio says that he came into Orsino's court because he was in love with Sebastian and wanted to be near him. He explains, "I have many enemies in Orsino's court," indicating that he was taking a risk by being there. One interesting phrase from his speech is when he says, "More than my brothers are bound to me." This shows the deep affection and loyalty Antonio feels towards Sebastian, considering him even more important than his own siblings.
2) Antonio describes the time he's spent with Sebastian as joyful and blissful. He says, "I could not stay behind you. My desire, / More sharp than filed steel, did spur me forth." In other words, his intense desire and longing for Sebastian compelled him to follow him wherever he went.
3) When Orsino is rejected by Olivia, he says he will "revenge this slight," meaning he will seek revenge for the rejection and make Olivia regret her decision. He plans to do this by wooing Olivia with such persistence that she will eventually give in to him.
4) Viola feels unease about Orsino's plan and questions it. She says, "O, soothest mistress, / With most gladness, / That ever I came near thy gentle presence, / But dull-eyed fool, / That dotes on her own sadness." Viola realizes that Orsino's persistence is fruitless and that it is a mistake for him to keep pursuing Olivia.
5) Orsino's reaction to rejection parallels Antonio's in the sense that both are driven by intense emotions. However, they differ in their approach towards their respective loves. Orsino remains persistent and determined, while Antonio accepts the reality and continues to support Sebastian from a distance.
6) Viola says that the one thing keeping her and Sebastian from happiness is their gender. She states, "My brother, he is in Elysium. / Perchance he is not drowned. What think you, sailors?" Viola knows that if Sebastian were alive and present, they could be happy together, but their disguises make it impossible.
7) Orsino addresses Viola in a strange way by referring to her as both Cesario and boy, even though he knows she is a girl. He says, "Give me thy hand, / And let me see thee in thy woman's weeds." This shows that Orsino is still holding onto the illusion of Viola as a boy, possibly because he finds it easier to interact with her in that persona.
8) Malvolio describes what has been done to him as a cruel prank. He says, "To be imprisoned, kept in a dark house, visited by the priest, and made the most notorious geck and gull that e'er invention played on." Malvolio feels humiliated and trapped, as he was tricked into believing that Olivia loved him and made a fool out of himself.
9) Whether one agrees with the portrayal of the events of the play depends on personal interpretation. Some may find the comedy and trickery entertaining, while others may sympathize with certain characters who were deceived or mistreated. It ultimately comes down to personal opinions and perspectives.
10) Olivia says she will have Malvolio released from his confinement, saying, "I will discharge thee ere I go from thee." This shows her willingness to correct the wrongs that were done to him.
11) When Olivia finds out who was at fault for Malvolio's mistreatment, she does not actually take any action. In lines 392 and 402, she simply says, "Malvolio, you have been most notoriously abused," without specifying how she will address this abuse. This suggests that she may not be interested in seeking justice for him.
12) Orsino says he will continue calling Viola Cesario even though he knows she is a girl because he is comfortable with her in that identity. He says, "I'll sacrifice the lamb that I do love / To spite a raven's heart within a dove." Orsino is willing to indulge in the illusion because it allows him to maintain the dynamic and relationship that he has established with Viola as Cesario.
13) The Fool's song at the end of the play offers a view of life and the human condition that highlights the fleeting and unpredictable nature of happiness. The song emphasizes the idea that joy and sorrow are intertwined aspects of life and that one cannot exist without the other. It suggests that people should embrace the transient nature of happiness and not take it for granted.