Twelfth Night - Olivia

Give a quote from Olivia from Act 1, Scene 5 about sickness.

"Even so quickly may one catch the plague?"

Give a quote from Viola about Olivia in Act 2, Scene 2.

"speak in starts, distractedly [...] eyes had lost her tongue"

Give a quote from Orsino about Olivia in Act 2, Scene 4.

"sovereign cruelty"

Give a quote about Olivia from Act 2, Scene 5.

"being addicted to melancholy as she is"

Give five quotes from Olivia from Act 3, Scene 1.

- "Have you not set mine honour at the stake And baited it with all th'unmuzzled thoughts that tyrannous heart can think?"

- "A cypress not a bosom, Hides my heart"

- "last enchantment you did here A ring in chase of you"

- "Under your hard construction I must sit"

- "To fall before the lion than the wolf"

Give three quotes from Olivia from Act 4, Scene 1.

- "Ungracious wretch fit for the mountains and the barbarous caves."

- "Let thy fair wisdom not thy passion sway."

- "Beshrew his soul for me, He started one poor heart of mine in thee"

Give one quote from Olivia from Act 4, Scene 3.

"Plight me the full assurance of your faith That my most jealous and too doubtful soul may live at peace."

How is Olivia a catalyst for the plot?

Her mourning and subsequent vow to avoid men sets up the initial conflict. Her refusal to entertain Duke Orsino's advances and her instant attraction to Cesario drive the action of the play, and create the main plot of the love triangle. Her decisions create a domino effect, leading to misunderstandings and comedic situations.

How does Olivia fuel the love triangle?

Olivia is part of the love triangle, which is central to the play's romance and comedic entanglements, by falling in love with Cesario, while Viola is in love with Orsino and Orsino loves Olivia. This web of affection develops both the themes of love and desire and disguise and deception.

Whose character does Olivia contrast with?

Viola

How do Olivia and Viola contrast each other?

While Viola is practical and self-reliant, Olivia is portrayed as more emotional and impulsive. This adds depth to the presentation of gender and identity, and highlights that approaches to love and life differ between people.

How does Olivia present stereotypes about women?

She is presented as emotional, impulsive and hysterical depicting performative elements of grief.

How does Olivia serve as a social commentary?

Olivia's position as a wealthy noblewoman allows Shakespeare to comment on social norms and gender roles. Her pursuit of Cesario subverts traditional gender expectations exploring fluidity and the complexity of identity.

Which two themes does Olivia primarily serve to develop?

Melancholy and Love and Desire