Plot
Why does Viola disguise herself as Cesario?
She is shipwrecked in Illyria and believes her brother, Sebastian, is dead. She disguises herself as a man to serve Duke Orsino safely.
Who is Olivia mourning at the start of the play?
Her brother.
What type of play is Twelfth Night?
A comedy.
What does “thou” mean in Shakespearean English?
You
Who wrote Twelfth Night?
William Shakespeare.
What task does Orsino give Cesario (Viola) in Act 1?
To deliver love messages to Olivia and convince her to love Orsino.
What kind of character is Sir Toby Belch, and how does he influence the plot?
Sir Toby is a mischievous and drunk nobleman who manipulates Sir Andrew and plays a major role in Malvolio’s humiliation.
The audience knows Viola is disguised as Cesario, but the characters do not. What literary device is this?
Dramatic irony.
What does “anon” mean?
Sometime soon or in a moment.
What is the name of the town where Twelfth Night takes place?
Illyria
What trick do Maria, Sir Toby, and the others play on Malvolio before Act 3, Scene 4?
Maria forges a letter, pretending to be Olivia, telling Malvolio to act strangely (smiling, wearing yellow stockings, and being rude) to win Olivia’s favor.
How does Malvolio misinterpret Olivia’s kindness?
He believes she is in love with him, when in reality, she is just being polite.
What is an example of mistaken identity in Act 3?
Antonio mistakes Cesario for Sebastian and expects loyalty from him.
In Act 2, Scene 4, Orsino says:
"There is no woman’s sides / Can bide the beating of so strong a passion."
What does this line mean?
Orsino is claiming that women cannot love as deeply as men.
How does Twelfth Night reflect themes of love and foolishness?
Characters fall in love foolishly, misunderstand feelings, and are tricked into ridiculous situations, showing how love can make people act irrationally.
In Act 2, Antonio decides to follow Sebastian to Illyria even though it is dangerous for him. Why?
Antonio cares deeply for Sebastian, possibly as a friend or something more, and risks his safety because he is wanted by Orsino’s forces.
How does Feste, the fool, prove himself to be wiser than the other characters?
He sees through the disguises, plays with language, and makes clever observations about human nature that reveal deeper truths.
Feste frequently uses wordplay and clever remarks to mock other characters. What literary device is this?
Verbal irony.
What does Viola mean when she says, "Disguise, I see thou art a wickedness"?
She realizes that disguising herself as Cesario has caused confusion and trouble.
What is the significance of music in Twelfth Night, and how does it reflect Orsino’s emotions?
Music symbolizes love and longing. Orsino begins the play with “If music be the food of love, play on,” showing that he believes music can either fuel or cure his obsessive love for Olivia.
What does Sir Toby convince Sir Andrew to do in Act 3?
Challenge Cesario (Viola) to a duel to impress Olivia.
Who does Antonio mistake for Sebastian in Act 3, and what does he do?
Antonio mistakes Cesario (Viola) for Sebastian and tries to defend him in a duel, leading to his arrest.
What literary device is used in the title Twelfth Night, or What You Will?
Wordplay (the subtitle suggests themes of identity and disguise, letting people be what they will).
What does Sir Toby mean when he says, "Dost thou think, because thou art virtuous, there shall be no more cakes and ale?"
He mocks Malvolio, implying that fun and enjoyment should not stop just because Malvolio is strict and serious.
What holiday does Twelfth Night get its name from?
The twelfth night after Christmas (Epiphany), a time of celebration and role reversals.