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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. When the jester enters in Act II Scene III Sir Andrew Aguecheek speaks of his discussion of whom from the night before?

2. What does Sir Toby Belch claim Malvolio is when speaking with Maria in Act II Scene III?

3. Sebastian tells his friend and savior that he is bound for whose court in Act II Scene I?

4. Viola states in a soliloquy in Act II Scene II, “Fortune forbid my outside have not” what?

5. Malvolio hands Cesario what object in Act II Scene II?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where are Sebastian and Antonio when they are introduced in Act II Scene I? What are Sebastian’s circumstances in this scene?

2. Describe the character of Malvolio. What is Malvolio’s role in Olivia’s household? How does Olivia feel about him?

3. How does Olivia receive Viola/Cesario when she arrives at Olivia’s house in Act I Scene V?

4. Describe the character of Maria. What is Maria’s role in Olivia’s household?

5. What is Orsino’s station in Illyria? What news does he receive in the beginning of Act I Scene I?

6. How does Olivia feel about Orsino in Act I? How are these feelings illustrated?

7. With whom is Orsino preoccupied in Act I Scene I? How does this preoccupation manifest in his character?

8. What do Orsino and Viola/Cesario discuss in Act II Scene IV?

9. How have Viola’s situation and circumstances changed when she reappears in Act I Scene IV?

10. Describe Antonio’s relationship with Sebastian. How is this relationship illustrated in Act II?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Identity in Twelfth Night

a. Discuss the theme of identity in the play. How is this theme illustrated through symbolism and imagery?

b. Compare Olivia and Viola in the play. How do these characters each use disguise to mask their true identity?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss the characters of Orsino, Valentine, and Curio in the play. What power does Orsino have over Illyria? Who is Orsino’s love interest in the play? What are Orsino’s relationships like with Valentine and Curio?

Essay Topic 3

Define literary allusion and discuss examples of allusion in Twelfth Night. What is Shakespeare alluding to in citing Troilus, Pandarus, and Cressida in Act III Scene I? What Roman and Greek myths are referenced in the play? How well would Shakespeare’s audience have known and understood these literary and mythical allusions?

(see the answer keys)

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