STUDY QUESTIONS Twelfth Night
Questions must be answered in complete sentences on a separate sheet of paper.
Act I
1. Why is Duke Orsino unhappy?
2. Why does Olivia refuse Duke Orsino's pleas?
3. When Viola enters in scene ii, what catastrophe has occurred?
4. What does Viola decide to do in Illyria?
5. Whose help does Viola seek to carry out her plan?
6. What does Maria say Olivia thinks of Sir Toby and the friend he has brought to court her?
7. Why is Sir Toby appropriately named?
8. Describe Sir Andrew Aguecheek.
9. What task does Duke Orsino give to Viola who is now in disguise as Cesario?
10. Why is Orsino's request a difficult one for Cesario (Viola) to do?
11. In what way does the clown prove Olivia to be a fool?
12. What is Olivia's first reaction when told that Cesario wanted to speak with her? Why did she change her mind?
13. With whom does Olivia fall in love?
Act II
1. What does Sebastian believe has happened to his sister?
2. How did Antonio show his friendship for Sebastian?
3. What happens to make Cesario suspect that Olivia has fallen in love?
4. Why do Sir Toby, Sir Andrew, Feste and Maria dislike Malvolio?
5. How do Toby, Andrew, Feste, and Maria plan to make a fool of Malvolio?
6. How did Cesario respond when the Duke asked "him" about love? Did the Duke understand Cesario's reply? Why or
why not?
7. Why does Fabian agree to help trick Malvolio?
8. Of what is Malvolio day-dreaming in the garden?
9. Why does Malvolio believe the letter he finds is from Olivia?
10. Why does Malvolio believe he is the recipient of Olivia's love?
11. What commands does the letter give Malvolio?
Act III
1. For what does Olivia plead in her second meeting with Cesario? What is Cesario's response?
2. Why does Sir Andrew challenge Cesario to a duel?
3. What plans do Antonio and Sebastian make upon entering Illyria?
4. Why does Olivia think Malvolio is mad?
5. What do Toby, Maria and Fabian decide to do with Malvolio?
6. What role does Sir Toby play in the proposed duel between Sir Andrew and Cesario?
7. Who appears as Cesario is about to duel? Why does he come forward?
8. What does Viola learn from Antonio's actions?
Act IV
1. Who does Feste find when looking for Cesario?
2. What happens when Andrew sees Sebastian?
3. Describe what happens between Sebastian and Olivia.
4. What disguise does Feste assume? Why?
5. What does Malvolio ask Feste to bring him? Why?
Act V
1. Who does Olivia believe Cesario to be?
2. What is Orsino willing to do once he realizes Olivia loves Cesario?
3. Name at least three characters who see Cesario and believe him to be Sebastian.
4. How does Viola prove to Sebastian that she is his sister?
5. How does Malvolio reclaim his reputation of being "sane"?
6. Who is married?