STUDY QUESTIONS By EMMA D. SANFORD GENERAL 1. What is the condition of the text, from a literary standpoint? 2. Give one authority for the date of composition. 3. What is the English title of the two Italian plays from which Shakespeare may have derived his plot? Mention another more probable source. 4. Give the usual interpretation of the title of the play. Mention other Shakespearean plays which contain the element of disguise. ACT I 5. In the opening lines of the play, what key is given to that artistic feature on which this play depends, for its charm? 6. What is the quibble intended on "hunting" the "hart"? 7. Explain the simile, "like Arion on the dolphin's back" (scene ii). 8. Why did Viola take service under the Duke, although she appears to have some means of her own? 9. Note Viola's claim to musical accomplishments (see Question 5 for its application). 10. Comment on the conversational merits of Sir Toby, Maria and Aguecheek; how do they differ from that of such characters as Viola, Olivia and the Duke? 11. What new element is introduced to the play's action in scene iii? 12. What speech, by the Duke, indicates that he has no confidence in his own ability to woo Olivia (scene iv)? 13. In the closing lines of scene iv, what does Viola confess? 14. In scene v, give a reason for the importance of the Clown, as a character of the play. 15. What idea does Olivia furnish as to Malvolio's disposition? 16. How does scene v give Viola an opportunity to give vent to her natural disposition? 17. Why does Olivia give Viola a chance to return? Has the Duke's messenger furthered, or injured his suit, and why? 18. Recall another play where Shakespeare makes a woman fall in love with another woman disguised as a man. What is the dramatic inference? ACT II 19. Does scene i furnish us with any new addition to the plot? 20. What trick does Olivia play upon Viola (scene ii)? 21. Are the songs, snatches of which are sung by the Clown and Sir Toby, inventions or songs of the period? 22. Explain "three souls out of one weaver" (scene iii). 23. What joke does Maria plan to play on Malvolio? Why does she dislike him? 24. In scene iv, is Viola purposely endeavoring to discourage the Duke in his suit to Olivia? 25. Explain the reference by Malvolio to "yellow stockings" (scene v). 26. In the letter read aloud by Malvolio, select an epigram which has been very commonly quoted in literature. 27. What mental quality is absolutely lacking in Malvolio? АСТ III 28. How do Viola's comments on the wisdom of a fool seem particularly appropriate to this play? 29. How does the episode of the ring furnish the theme for the second interview between Olivia and Viola? 30. After having refused the Duke's suit, why does Olivia hold forth a hope to Viola that he may yet win her? 31. What reason does Sir Andrew give for his despair at winning Olivia for a wife; how does this furnish an occasion for a future comic episode? 32. Explain "if thou thou'st him" (scene ii). 33. Is there any trace of satire in placing Malvolio in such a ridiculous situation? 34. What interesting situations arouse the reader to great expectations, at the close of scene ii? 35. Why is the plot complicated by the arrival of Sebastian? 36. How do Maria and the two knights continue to make sport of Malvolio? 37. What challenge does Sir Andrew make Viola (scene iv)? 38. How does Sir Toby hope to prevent a genuine duel? 39. Has Olivia given much proof of a sincere grief for the loss of her brother? Why? 40. Why does Sir Andrew gather courage to fight Viola, after trying to buy her off? 41. What does the resemblance of Viola to her brother prepare us for (scene iv)? ACT IV 42. Note Sebastian's generosity to the Clown, and that of his sister toward the Captain; what does this argue? 43. Who interrupts the encounter between Sir Toby and Sebastian? 44. Why does Olivia invite Sebastian to her house? 45. Explain the Clown's jest at Malvolio and the soul of his grandmother. 46. In scene ii, what double rôle does the Clown assume? 47. Why does Sir Toby lose interest in the sport at Malvolio? 48. Give a reason for Sebastian's pleasure in his marriage to Olivia, in spite of the fact that he feels confident that there is something unnatural in the situation. ACT V 49. Why is the character of Antonio a necessary one in the last Act? 50. Does Orsino know of Olivia's marriage when he accuses Viola of having played him false? 51. What dramatic episode serves as an entrance for Sebastian? : 52. Is it a strong, or a weak, point in that Olivia makes no comment when she learns that she has married an utter stranger? Are we to conclude that she was crazed by love, during the entire play? 53. How is Malvolio's plight recalled to Olivia? 54. What courtesy does Olivia extend to the Duke and Viola? 55. Whom did Sir Toby marry? Why? 56. Is it possible that Shakespeare invented the character of Malvolio as a warning to people not to take themselves so seriously? Granted this, what is sure to be the result? 57. Why is the Clown's song an appropriate ending to this play? |