Twelfth Night: Social Hierarchy and Self-Knowledge

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What is the primary theme of Twelfth Night?

Social hierarchy and class distinction

Deception and disguise as a means to achieve goals

The power of desire and its effects on people (correct)

Self-discovery and the journey to true love

Why does Olivia refuse to see Orsino?

She is too busy to entertain visitors

She is mourning her brother's death and has sworn to stay isolated for seven years (correct)

She is already in love with Cesario

She finds Orsino's emissary annoying

What role does Viola play in the story of Twelfth Night?

She is Orsino's secret admirer

She is an emissary for Orsino

She brings change and self-awareness to the other characters (correct)

She serves as a foil to Olivia's character

What is the true nature of Malvolio's character?

A pompous and arrogant jerk Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Feste the Fool in the play?

He has the last word in the play, ending with a bittersweet song Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of Orsino's love for Olivia?

He is more in love with the idea of pining for her Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of desire on the characters in Twelfth Night?

It reveals their true nature and forces them to gain self-knowledge Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of Olivia's vow to mourn her brother's death for seven years?

She abandons her vow when she falls in love with Cesario Signup and view all the answers

What prompts Orsino to realize he loves Viola?

Discovering that Viola is a woman Signup and view all the answers

Why does Olivia initially welcome Cesario as her new husband?

She mistakenly thinks Cesario is Sebastian Signup and view all the answers

What does Sir Toby begin to think about the prank on Malvolio?

It is too harsh and decides to tone it down Signup and view all the answers

Which character disguises themselves as 'Sir Topas'?

Feste Signup and view all the answers

What leads Malvolio to act foolishly?

The prospect of Olivia's favor Signup and view all the answers

How does the play explore the power dynamics of social hierarchy?

Through Malvolio's attempt to elevate his status Signup and view all the answers

What concept overrides conventions of class, religion, and gender in Twelfth Night?

Desire Signup and view all the answers

What ultimately happens to Malvolio at the end of the play?

He is released but remains embittered Signup and view all the answers

What character trait of Viola helps propel the story forward?

Purposefulness Signup and view all the answers

Which theme is highlighted by the interactions between Orsino, Cesario, and Olivia?

Love and desire transcending gender Signup and view all the answers

Why does Olivia fall in love with Cesario?

Cesario's resemblance to a woman Signup and view all the answers

What complicates the plot to the point that Viola feels helpless?

Viola's disguise as Cesario Signup and view all the answers

What increases the dramatic tension in Act II, scene one?

Sebastian's announced plan to go to Duke Orsino's court Signup and view all the answers

Why might Sebastian's misunderstanding with the characters he meets in Illyria be significant?

It shows how deception and disguise can lead to confusion. Signup and view all the answers

How does Sebastian respond upon arriving in Illyria?

He lashes out against Sir Andrew and Sir Toby. Signup and view all the answers

What does the audience understand that adds tension to the plot as Sebastian plans to go to Duke Orsino’s court?

That the reunion of siblings is inevitable Signup and view all the answers