Study Questions for Twelfth Night (Act 3-5)

1 STUDY QUESTIONS FOR TWELFTH NIGHT (ACT 3-5)

Act 3, scene 1 1. In her soliloquy, Viola describes the fool and his art. Summarize in your own words what she says. 2. Explain what Viola means by these lines: “I have but one heart, one bosom, and one truth. / And that no woman has, nor never none, / Shall mistress be of it, save I alone.”

Act 3, scene 2 3. What makes Sir Andrew decide to leave Olivia’s house? 4. How do Sir Toby and Fabian persuade Sir Andrew to stay after all?

Act 3, scene 3 5. Why is it dangerous for Antonio to “walk these streets”? 6. What arrangements does Antonio make with Sebastian?

Act 3, scene 4 7. What does Olivia think is wrong with Malvolio? 8. What does Malvolio believe at the end of his interview with Olivia? 9. Provide two or three examples of how misunderstanding leads to confusion in this scene.

Act 4, scene 1 10. In what tone of voice does Feste (the Fool / the Clown) say his second speech? 11. What three strange situations does Sebastian find himself in during this scene?

Act 4, scene 2 12. How does Feste, in disguise as Sir Topas the Curate, attempt to push Malvolio into madness? 13. Quote a line that shows that Sir Toby realizes they have gone too far with Malvolio. 14. What help does Malvolio ask of Sir Topas?

Act 4, scene 3 15. List three things that have happened that might make Sebastian think he is mad. 16. Can you justify Sebastian’s ‘love’ for Olivia? Explain your answer.

Act 5, scene 1 17. What trait of Orsino’s do we see when he “learns” that Cesario is “betrothed” to Olivia? 18. Before Sebastian comes in, what does each of the following think about Cesario: Olivia, Orsino, Antonio, and Sir Andrew? 19. Why does Sir Toby turn against Sir Andrew? 20. How have we been prepared for Sir Toby’s marriage to Maria? 21. What evidence is there that Malvolio has not changed? 56. What is the purpose of the final song? 2