Act II
1. Who is Sebastian related to? Who is Antonio?
Sebastian is Viola’s twin brother. Antonio is a sea captain and friend to Sebastian.
2. What makes Viola think that Olivia has fallen in love with her?
Alone on stage Viola reflects on what has happened. Since she certainly left no ring with Olivia she fears that her outside appearance has ‘charm’d’ the countess – recalling how Olivia spoke in fits and starts and appeared distracted. All evidence points Viola to the conclusion that Olivia has fallen in love with ‘Cesario’ – Viola recognizes the trick (Olivia sending Malvolio with the ring) to lure her back to the Countess’ court.
3. Draw the love triangle expressed by Viola – which is a summary of the plot so far (II.ii.33-37). Viola doesn’t know how to ‘untie’ this matter – predict how this problem might be resolved by the end of the play.
Love Triangle
Orsino >>>> Olivia >>>> Cesario (Viola) >>>> Orsino
Predictions
You need to write your opinions and ideas on how this love triangle might be resolved.
4. What is ‘comical’ about the following characters? (Particularly think about what kind of language they use and different types of comedy – witty/clever comments, silly behaviour, nonsense, etc).
- Clown (Feste): is employed by Olivia to provide music and witty comment for entertainment. Although he often sounds nonsensical, his comments are often insightful and critical of the other characters.
- Sir Toby: is often drunk, carefree and self-indulgent – although he is fairly intelligent as he is able to manipulate Sir Andrew for his own gain. He loves to scheme a practical joke and is often irresponsible. Even his name Sir Toby Belch is humourous and gives us the impression he is large and jolly.
5. Briefly explain the plan described by Maria to trick Malvolio. Why do Sir Toby, Sir Andrew and Maria want to fool Malvolio and embarrass him?
Maria reveals she will forge a love letter in Olivia’s handwriting and this letter will contain an admiring description of Malvolio. Malvolio will find it and foolishly believe Olivia is in love with him. Maria knows she can accomplish the trick and suggests that the two knights spy on Malvolio ‘where he shall find the letter’ to watch how he interprets it. Sir Toby and Sir Andrew are pleased to do this and think Maria’s idea is very clever.
6. How does scene four provide a contrast to scene three? (Think about the characters involved, their dialogue, music and atmosphere).
Scene four provides a strong contrast to the preceding one – the change of mood is established by music. The rowdy songs sung late at night by the Clown, Sir Toby and Sir Andrew, contrast with the song the Clown sings to Orsino in scene four. The conversation between Orsino and Viola is serious compared to the bawdy jokes and tones of the knights.
7. What is Feste’s song in scene four about? How does it reflect the dialogue between Orsino and Viola.
Feste’s song is about unrequited love and reflects the emotional situation between Orsino and Viola – each loves a person who does not love them back.
8. Draw a diagram or sketch showing how II.v would be set up and where the characters would be positioned on stage (letter, box-tree, Sir Toby, Sir Andrew and Malvolio).
Your diagram would show Sir Toby, Sir Andrew and Fabian hiding behind a hedge or tree spying on Malvolio reading the letter he thinks is from Olivia.
9. Why do you think the letter asks Malvolio to dress in yellow stockings and cross-garters?
Maria writes that Malvolio should dress in yellow stockings and cross-garters to show his sign of love for Olivia. But we know that the real reason she asked to wear these would be to make him look silly and foolish – these obviously weren’t considered fashionable or tasteful in Elizabethan times.
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