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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. Where is the old hermit from that Feste cites in Act IV Scene II?

2. What does Sebastian call the jester in Act IV Scene I?

3. In Act III Scene I, Olivia says “how much the better to fall before the lion than the” what?

4. What word used in Act III Scene IV means boldness or determination in facing great danger, especially in battle?

5. What adjective from Act IV Scene III means held in high religious regard?

Short Essay Questions

1. What leads to Viola’s discovery that her brother is alive in Act III Scene IV?

2. What is humiliating about Malvolio’s situation in Act IV Scene II?

3. Describe the character of Feste in the play. What is Feste’s role in Olivia’s household?

4. What leads to Antonio’s feelings of betrayal in Act III Scene IV?

5. What character flaw might be blamed for Malvolio’s circumstances in Act IV?

6. What do Sir Toby Belch and Fabian convince Sir Andrew Aguecheek to do in Act III Scene II? Who interrupts them?

7. How does Feste illustrate the theme of disguise in Act IV Scene II?

8. Is Malvolio’s treatment in Act IV is justified? Why or why not?

9. How does Antonio help Sebastian in Act III Scene III?

10. What is the significance of Antonio’s status within Illyria? What led to this status?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Define and discuss “asides” in drama and literature. What is the purpose of asides? How do they serve to inform the audience of a character’s motivations? What are examples of asides used in Twelfth Night? How do these examples serve to inform the audience?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Viola’s reaction upon being brought the ring by Malvolio in Act II Scene II. What does the ring signify to Viola? What does it signify to Olivia? How does Viola feel about the confusion caused by her disguise?

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