why does viola disguise herself as a man

WebTwelfth Night Study Guide Student Name: The Hilarity of Mistaken Identity When aristocratic-born Viola is shipwrecked off the shores of Illyria, she disguises herself as a man named Cesario to earn a position in Duke Orsinos household. Write down what emotions you think she feels in order, from the top of the speech to the end, next to each line. Antonio found Sebastian and took him into his home. Looking at the following scenes might also help to collect evidence: There are lots of reasons why Cesario might be a more attractive option for Olivia. This activity, exploring Olivia and Violas first meeting in Act 1, can be found on page 10 and takes approximately 20 minutes. for a customized plan. March 3, 2023, SNPLUSROCKS20 He then turns to, of them. What impression does Cesario Viola make on Olivia? We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Thanks for creating a SparkNotes account! WebViola cuts her hair and disguises herself as Cessario in order to serve Duke Orsinio. Orsino is described throughout the play as an attractive, wealthy and decent man, but Olivia is confident in her rejection of him. This is an example of trickery because she disguises herself to trick others into thinking that she is a man. Another reason may be that Viola was feeling left out by her family and friends. O that I served that lady / And might not be delivered to the world, / Till I had made mine own occasion mellow / What my estate is (Viola, 1:2). creating and saving your own notes as you read. This play was written during the Elizabethan period, where woman had more subservient roles. As the events of the play unfold it is important for any actor playing Viola, and anyone writing about the character, to ask: Weve started to think below about some of the reasons Viola disguises herself as 'Cesario'. Act 2 Scene 2: Why do you think Viola lies to Malvolio about the ring? How much do you think Viola might be regretting her disguise at this moment in the play? WebMany characters in Twelfth Night assume disguises, beginning with Viola, who disguises herself as a man in order to serve Orsino, the Duke. While only a minority of them serve in combat roles, nevertheless women in the military play a vital role in defending our nations. You can explore more about the language of love in the Analysing the Language of Love section. Much Ado About Nothing When Cesario is persistent, she agrees to see him, even though she wont meet with anyone else. Instead she falls desperately in love with Orsinos young servant 'Cesario'. When Sir Toby deceives Sir Andrew into believing that Cesario wants to fight with him, Sir Andrew tells Sir Toby to offer Cesario his horse to let the matter slip. Maria makes it clear later in this scene that Olivia hates yellow and cross-gartered is a fashion she detests. To behave as if he were in love with Olivia as the Duke is. Which lines or phrases are most useful in helping you decide? Feste plays with Malvolio by saying that the room is full of windows and misleading him to think that he is still possessed, Some paper and ink to write a letter to Olivia and a light to see. 20% 2- Twelfth Night - Poetry - Lecture: Twelfth Night [2] Asst Act 1 Scene 3: Look through this scene noting what Sir Toby says to Maria about Sir Andrew and what he says to Sir Andrew. He told them to get rid of their swords and he thought it was sebastian. It doesnt matter if you agree or not, as long as you can back it up! WebViola and Sebastians failure to obtain their own desires leaves them with no choice but to help the other achieve those desires. Throughout the play, Viola exhibits strength of character, quick wit, and resourcefulness. The reasons for doing so vary. Why do you think Viola might want to see Olivias face? There are two reasons that Orsino would like to marry Viola. By dressing his protagonist in male garments, Shakespeare creates ongoing sexual confusion with characters, which include Olivia, Viola and Orsino, who create a love triangle between them. Help us by taking a short survey it will only take a few minutes and will help us make the Shakespeare Learning Zone even better for everyone. She is very confused after he was arrested. Sir Toby confesses to Fabian that he has been taking money from Sir Andrew. Which lines or phrases are most useful in helping you decide? Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. In Twelfth Night, Viola dresses as the male Cesario in order to get into the court of Orsino. Antonio asks Cesario to return his money so he can pay the bail fee, but Cesario does not have it because he is not Sebastian. Continue to start your free trial. Orsino and What does Olivia want to do with Sebastian? Maria makes it clear later in this scene that Olivia hates yellow and cross-gartered is a fashion she detests. There is also a suggestion here that she is in a vulnerable position before she can access the family wealth that will give her more independence. She did commend my yellow stockings of late, she did praise my leg being cross-gartered, and in this she manifests herself to my love, and with a kind of injunction drives me to these habits of her liking. (Malvolio, 2:5). WebJust as Violas male disguise enables her to get close to Lady Olivia, dressing as a man allows Viola to experience a great degree of intimacy with Duke Orsino. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. She says that he is acting like a complete fool because he is following what was written in the letter. Sir Andrew is involved in the deception of Malvolio but has no idea he is being deceived himself. As she works by the heartbroken mans side, Viola realizes she is in love with him. Eileen Farrelly is a freelance writer based in Scotland. (one code per order). She delivers the Dukes love letters verbally having memorized them. There is a body of water on the shore of Illyria. In other words, loving the Cesario aspect of the Diana-like Viola represents Orsino's fixation upon himself and consequent hoarding of desire. Act 5 Scene 1: Sir Toby has just a few lines in this act when he enters having been beaten by Sebastian. He had abandoned her when she became pregnant with their child. He tells Sir Toby that he is being rude and that Olivia will ask him to leave the house if his behavior continues. The Napoleonic Wars seemed to appeal to woman, and there are quite a few examples from this period. How does Olivia respond to Malvolios statement about Feste? Do his insults suggest a change of attitude? WebViola is the central character in Shakespeares play, Twelfth Night. What state is Sir Toby in before Cesario enters? The truth was only revealed after her death as her body was prepared for burial. Sir Toby prevents this and makes ready to fight Sebastian. Taking on a male persona was one way to escape the inevitable choice between marriage or the nunnery. This play was written during the Elizabethan period, You may cancel your subscription on your Subscription and Billing page or contact Customer Support at custserv@bn.com. Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. Unfortunately, when she recovered, she found that her male alter ego was wanted for desertion so could not return to duty. It is necessary to be able to observe the competition. Act 3 Scene 1: Look at how Olivia responds to 'Cesario' in this second encounter. Why did Duke Orsino send Viola to Olivia? What does Olivia do after Cesario has left? Who saw Olivia and Cesario in the courtyard and what does this cause him to do? Why do you think Marias letter is so successful? When she promises to pay him well, the captain agrees to help She was commissioned as a Hospital Assistant in the British Army on July 6, 1812, and went on to become a notable army surgeon. Maria cleverly uses this detail to convince Malvolio the letter truly expresses Olivias feelings. What does Olivia do when Cesario delivers the love speech from the Duke? Wed love to know what you think about the Shakespeare Learning Zone. Why is Viola hesitant when shes asked by Orsino to visit Olivia? What does Sir Toby share with Sir Andrew? She wants to be a servant for Olivia and hide from the world and because she needs a source of income. What is Malvolios religion that Maria specifically mentions? A key question in exploring the character of Olivia is: Weve started to think below about some of the reasons for this. Is it how he has always felt? How do you think Sir Toby feels about Sir Andrew at this stage in the play? WebShe disguises herself because it would have been impossible to join the court at that time as an unattached women, or to earn her living and have the freedom to search for her It doesnt matter if you agree or not, as long as you can back it up! How did Antonio show his friendship for Sebastian? Why does Viola conceal her identity? She begins to ask about Cesario as she is now interested, That she is not interested in the Duke, but that Cesario may come back. Malvolio believes Olivia pays more attention to him than she does and has already convinced himself of some affection from her, even before the letter. What does Sir Toby do instead of delivering the letter? What does the Duke ask Antonio and what is his answer? Sebastian sees his sister and questions her and realizes that his sister is alive. That Cesario is in love, which is true because Viola disguised as Cesario is in love with the Duke. Texta AI generated blog ideas | AI generated news | How to Identity Crisis in Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" - Owlcation Instant PDF downloads. What do you think might be Sir Tobys attitude to Sir Andrew based on this first scene between them? Because the Duke thinks thats Cesario is is young, handsome, and beautiful (feminine features) and will impress Olivia with his attractiveness. It is also plausible that since the masculine figures of Viola's life are all gone, she now has to find a way to survive on her own. Please either update your browser to the newest version, or choose an alternative browser visit. She puts on a Free trial is available to new customers only. What is Malvolios position? Did you know you can highlight text to take a note? What does Sir Andrew think of his chances of getting Olivia to love him are and what does he plan to do? Look at the way 'Cesario' speaks to her in their first meeting, for example. She passed easily as a man not just because of her height and build but also because she was happy to join the men in smoking, swearing, gambling, and other unladylike behaviors. Disguised Jeanne Louise Antonini (17711861) was born in Corsica. In Act III of Twelfth Night, The Countess continues to pursue the young woman who she fell in love with despite her own better judgement. You'll also receive an email with the link. More importantly, that is only for a male. WebWhy does Viola disguise herself as a man? Viola moves through a range of emotions in this soliloquy. WebWhy does Viola disguise herself as a man? Sebastian is related to Viola. Without her brother, Viola is alone and unable to sea. WebAlthough Viola initially thought being disguised as a man would make her life easier and help keep her safe, she realizes that the disguise also creates problems for her. Youve successfully purchased a group discount. Help us by taking a short survey it will only take a few minutes and will help us make the Shakespeare Learning Zone even better for everyone. Viola decides to serve Orsino instead, asking the Captain to help disguise her as a young man. He wants to go with Sebastian because the Antonio cares about him. (including. What does Viola reveal after going to deliver the Dukes message? This is their last meeting before Olivia meets Sebastian and mistakes him for 'Cesario' in Act 4 Scene 1. She sends Malvolio to give Cesario a ring that she says he left (Cesario did not leave anything behind) and admits that she is in love with Cesario, Sebastian, Violas twin brother who survived the shipwreck. Act 3 Scene 4: Despite the responses of Olivia and then of Maria, Sir Toby and Fabian, Malvolio never suspects that he has been tricked. There is a wreck on the coast of Illyria and a Captain is on the scene. What is name of the clown in Olivias house? It doesnt matter if you agree or not, as long as you can back it up! Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. In order to survive in this new land, she disguises herself as a man and takes on the name "Cesario." She has fallen in love with Cesario, who is actually Viola, and refused the Dukes proposal because of that. Designed by GonThemes. William Shakespeare and Twelfth Night Background. What has Viola done to be a servant for the Duke? Sir Toby, Sir Andrew, and Fabian(servant). Antonio offered to be Sebastians servant if he wouldnt kill him for his love. What are the signs that the beloved returns Olivias love? Why must Viola disguise herself as a young man in order to What does her soliloquy suggest about how successful her disguise has been and how she feels about it?