ACT 1
What is Duke Orsino's emotional state at the beginning of Act One?
He is lovesick and obsessed with Lady Olivia, lamenting the pain of unrequited love.
What does Antonio decide to do despite the danger it poses to him?
Antonio decides to follow Sebastian to Duke Orsino’s court, even though he is a wanted man in Illyria.
What does Olivia confess to Cesario in Act Three?
Olivia confesses her love for Cesario (Viola in disguise)
How does Sebastian react when Sir Andrew strikes him?
Sebastian fights back, unlike Cesario (Viola), who would have been reluctant or unable to defend herself.
What happens when Viola and Sebastian are finally seen together?
Their identical appearance is explained, and the confusion caused by mistaken identity is resolved. The other characters realize Cesario is actually Viola, and Sebastian is her twin brother.
What plan does Viola come up with after she is shipwrecked?
Viola decides to disguise herself as a young man named Cesario and enter Duke Orsino’s service.
Why does Malvolio follow Olivia’s instructions to return the ring to Cesario?
Malvolio follows Olivia’s instructions out of loyalty and also possibly because he is self-important and enjoys carrying out what he believes are prestigious duties.
What does Sir Andrew decide to do after witnessing Olivia’s behavior toward Cesario?
Sir Andrew decides to leave because he believes Olivia prefers Cesario over him.
What does Sebastian’s willingness to marry Olivia suggest about his character?
It suggests that Sebastian is impulsive and open to unexpected opportunities, possibly overwhelmed by Olivia’s beauty and generosity.
What does Orsino decide to do after learning Viola’s true identity and loyalty?
Orsino declares his love for Viola and says he will marry her.
Why does Viola choose to disguise herself as a man instead of revealing her true identity?
Viola believes that disguising herself as a man will provide her with more safety and opportunities in Illyria, especially since she is alone in a strange land.
What does Viola realize about Olivia’s feelings when Malvolio gives her the ring?
Viola realizes that Olivia has fallen in love with Cesario, unaware that Cesario is actually Viola in disguise.
Why is Cesario (Viola) reluctant to fight Sir Andrew?
Cesario is reluctant because she is actually Viola and not skilled in fighting, and the challenge is based on misunderstandings and deception.
How does the audience’s knowledge of Viola and Sebastian enhance the dramatic irony in this act?
The audience knows that Viola and Sebastian are twins, and that Olivia thinks Sebastian is Cesario, creating dramatic irony as the characters remain unaware of the mix-up.
What happens to Malvolio at the end of the play?
When the prank is finally revealed, Malvolio is furious and storms off, vowing revenge on everyone who wronged him. Unlike most of the other characters, who end the play in love or reconciliation, Malvolio does not get a happy ending
What does Duke Orsino’s behavior suggest about his views on love and women?
Orsino's overly romantic and idealistic views suggest he sees love as dramatic and consuming, and he objectifies Olivia by idolizing her rather than understanding her as a person.
How does Act Two deepen the theme of mistaken identity?
Act Two intensifies the mistaken identity theme as Olivia’s affection for Cesario grows, while Viola is trapped in her disguise. Meanwhile, Sebastian’s arrival sets up future confusion as he looks identical to Cesario.
What does Act Three reveal about Olivia’s impulsiveness in love?
Olivia’s willingness to declare her love and even propose to Cesario shows that she acts on emotion rather than reason, highlighting her impulsiveness and contributing to the theme of irrational love.
Do you think Olivia is being foolish or brave in proposing to someone she barely knows? Why or why not?
She’s foolish for acting on emotion without knowing the real identity of "Cesario.
It is a bold move driven by genuine feelings.
Do you think Orsino truly loves Viola, or is he simply transferring his affections from Olivia? Defend your answer.
Some may argue Orsino truly loves Viola for her loyalty and intelligence, while others might believe he shifts his affection too quickly, suggesting his love is more about fantasy than deep connection.
How does the use of disguise in Act One set the stage for future complications in the play?
Viola’s disguise as Cesario introduces dramatic irony and sets up a love triangle, as Orsino sends her to woo Olivia on his behalf, which leads to Olivia falling for Cesario, unaware of Viola’s true identity. This sets the stage for confusion and mistaken identities later in the play.
Do you think Viola made the right decision to continue her disguise after discovering Olivia’s feelings? Why or why not?
Possible answer: She should reveal herself to prevent further complications, while others may say she is right to maintain the disguise for safety and loyalty to Orsino.
How does the comic subplot with Sir Toby, Sir Andrew, and Maria contrast with the main plot of love and mistaken identity?
The comic subplot adds humor and mischief, providing a contrast to the emotional tension in the main plot. It reflects themes of deception and foolishness but in a more lighthearted, exaggerated way.
How does the mistaken identity theme in Act Four reflect on the nature of love in the play?
It highlights that love in the play is often irrational, based on appearances and misunderstandings. It questions whether love can truly be deep if it’s directed at the wrong person.
How effectively does Shakespeare resolve the play’s conflicts and themes in Act Five?
Many would say Shakespeare resolves the conflicts neatly—identities are clarified, lovers are united, and misunderstandings are cleared. However, some critics point out that Malvolio’s subplot ends on a darker note, suggesting that not all resolutions are entirely satisfying.