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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. What is the name of Olivia’s court jester?

2. Where does Viola say her brother is in Act I Scene II?

3. What word does Maria use in Act II Scene III that means to howl or screech like cats?

4. Who claims not to care “for good life” in Act II Scene III?

5. Who invites Orsino to go hunt in Act I Scene I?

Short Essay Questions

1. What discovery does Viola/Cesario make when Malvolio catches up with her in Act II Scene II?

2. What message and memento does Olivia give to Viola/Cesario at her departure in Act I Scene V?

3. How are Orsino’s feelings about music illustrated in Act I Scene I? How do these feelings change in the course of the scene?

4. Describe the character of Sebastian. Who is Sebastian’s sister? How frequently does Sebastian appear in the play?

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

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

7. What is indicated by Orsino’s use of language in the play?

8. Who originates the idea of the prank on Malvolio in Act II? Why?

9. How are Sir Toby Belch’s feelings for Maria illustrated in the play?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and analyze the setting of Illyria and the attributes of this setting. How populous was Illyria during this time? How were governments set up? Who rules over Illyria in the play? In what season does the play open?

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

Describe and analyze the character of Malvolio in the play. How does Malvolio relate to and contribute to the play’s main themes? What does Malvolio symbolize in the context of the play? How do the other characters relate to Malvolio?

(see the answer keys)

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