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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. Sir Toby Belch asks Sir Andrew Aguecheek in Act II Scene III, “Does not our life consist of” what?

2. Olivia’s lips are compared to those of whom from Roman mythology in Act I Scene IV?

3. When given money to sing a song for Sir Toby Belch, the jester asks if he would like a love-song or what in Act II Scene III?

4. What is the court jester’s response when Olivia asks him in Act I Scene V, “What’s a drunken man like, fool?”

5. For whom is Olivia observing a period of mourning in Act I?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What incident leads the merrymakers in the play to plot revenge on Malvolio in Act II Scene III?

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

5. What is an “aside”? Give an example of an aside in Act I.

6. Where is Viola when she is first introduced in Act I Scene II? What has just taken place?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Define, discuss, and analyze the subplot which develops in Act II Scene III. How does this subplot relate to the main plot of the narrative? What is the purpose of a subplot? How common were the use of subplots within Shakespeare’s works?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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