Saturday, June 11, 2011

Act III - Comprehension Questions & Answers

Act III

1. What do you think Cesario (Viola) might mean when she says ‘I am not what I am’ (III.i.133)?

Cesario (Viola) is pointing out the fact that she is not actually the person she is claiming or pretending to be – she is alluding to her disguise as Cesario, a man servant. This is dramatic irony because the audience can fully understand the weight of her comment, whereas Olivia cannot.

2. What literary device is used when Olivia declares her love for Cesario (Viola)? Why do you think Shakespeare chose to use this device (III.i.139-48)? (HINT: Shakespeare used this device in the final two lines of a sonnet. Pay attention to the way the lines are paired).

Rhyming couplets is the literary device used. They establish a simple rhyme scheme, and because the rhyme is so evident and pronounced, it tends to call attention to itself. These lines "snap" as both the rhyme and the idea come to a quick close in two lines. It creates a rhythm and contributes to making these lines of Viola’s soliloquy memorable and distinct from the other speech in the rest of the play.

3. Why does Sir Andrew want to return home?

Because he thinks that Olivia is really not interested in him and he has evidence of her paying attention to Cesario (Viola) – it would be pointless for him to stay and continue his failing pursuit.

4. What comic mischief do Sir Toby and Fabian stir up regarding Sir Andrew and Cesario (Viola)?

Both Sir Toby and Fabian persuade Sir Andrew that Olivia is trying to rouse his jealousy by paying attention to Cesario, and therefore encourage him to fight the so-called objectionable Cesario. While Sir Andrew goes off to write a challenge, Sir Toby gloats over the amusement they are going to derive from a duel between a man of no courage at all and a page who is anything but brave.

5. Had Sir Andrew and Cesario (Viola) actually had an argument?

No, they had not had an argument at all.

6. How does Cesario (Viola) feel about being challenged to a duel?

Very frightened and reluctant, he (she) is certain she has caused no offence to Sir Andrew and really does not want to fight.

7. Why did Antonio give Sebastian money?

Antonio proposes to wait for Sebastian at the inn, and gives his purse to him in case he may want purchase something while he is sight-seeing. Antonio does not go with Sebastian in case someone in the street recognizes him, he is an enemy to Orsino.

8. Why does Cesario (Viola) suddenly think Sebastian might be alive?

Antonio rushes between duel of Sir Andrew and Cesario, because his mistakes Cesario for Sebastian. Antonio, offers to fight in Cesario’s stead, and he (she) proves so eager to grant him that privilege, that Sir Toby interferes, and Antonio, in anger, challenges him.

Toby and Antonio are just crossing swords, when officers enter to arrest him. Turning to Cesario, whom he still thinks is Sebastian, Antonio now demands the return of his money. Cesario is confused and attempts to offer Antonio a reward, but he accuses the Cesario for ingratitude – describing how he saved Sebastian from the jaws of death, and the officers lead him away.

Suddenly Cesario (Viola) sufficiently recovers his senses to wonder whether his brother, whose name has just been uttered, may have been saved by this seaman, and exclaims rejoicing, 'O, if it prove, tempests are kind, and salt waves fresh in love!'

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