Twelfth Night Lecture Notes

Flashcards based on lecture notes from Twelfth Night

Where does the play open and what is Duke Orsino doing?

The play opens in Duke Orsino’s palace in Illyria. He is listening to music and daydreaming about his love for Olivia.

What news does Valentine bring?

Valentine brings the news that Olivia is still in mourning for her brother and refuses to see anyone, including the Duke.

What does Viola fear after the shipwreck?

Viola fears her twin brother, Sebastian, may have drowned.

How are Viola and Olivia similar?

Viola and Olivia both have lost brothers and are dealing with their grief in different ways. They are also both strong and independent women.

What disguise does Viola adopt and why?

Viola asks the captain to help disguise her as a young man so she can serve Duke Orsino, hoping to stay safe and gain insight into her new surroundings.

Describe Sir Toby Belch

Sir Toby appears to be a heavy drinker, fun-loving, and somewhat reckless, enjoying late-night parties and not taking much seriously.

Why does Sir Toby flatter Sir Andrew?

Sir Toby flatters Sir Andrew by saying he has a good chance with Olivia and encourages him to stay, praising his dancing, wealth, and noble status mostly to keep Andrew around for his money and entertainment.

What name does Viola use in her disguise?

Viola takes on the disguise of a young man and calls herself “Cesario.”

How does Orsino treat Cesario?

Orsino favors Cesario (Viola) above others, confiding in her and trusting her deeply even after just a few days of service.

What task does Orsino give Cesario?

Orsino asks Cesario to go to Olivia and woo her on his behalf, hoping that Cesario’s youthful charm will succeed where others have failed.

What are Viola’s feelings towards Orsino?

Viola feels conflicted and saddened because she has fallen in love with Orsino, but she must help him pursue Olivia.

What does Feste imply about Maria and Sir Toby?

Feste jokes that Maria and Sir Toby are no better than he is, implying that they are fools in their own ways.

How does Feste attempt to change Olivia's mood?

Feste uses wit and clever reasoning to turn Olivia’s sadness on its head, saying she is the real fool for mourning someone whose soul is in heaven.

What is Malvolio’s opinion of Feste?

Malvolio thinks Feste is useless and disrespectful.

How does Olivia react to Sir Toby’s behavior?

Olivia is embarrassed and annoyed by Sir Toby’s drunken behavior and asks Malvolio to deal with him.

What does Olivia ask Cesario to do when they meet?

Olivia asks Cesario to deliver a speech about Orsino’s love for her but ends up being more interested in Cesario.

How does Viola (as Cesario) feel about Olivia?

Viola (as Cesario) is impressed by Olivia’s beauty and intelligence and tries to remain professional.

How does Olivia react to Cesario?

Olivia becomes flustered and intrigued by Cesario, admitting that he has caught her attention.

What scheme does Olivia devise to see Cesario again?

Olivia gives Malvolio a ring and claims Cesario left it behind, sending it after Cesario as an excuse to see him again and test his interest.