Twelfth Night Class X|

Twelfth Night

1. Why and how did Viola become Cesario?

Or, Why did Viola disguise herself as a young man and who helped her in this plan?

Or, Why was Viola eager to serve the Duke?

Ans. Viola is the only character in ‘Twelfth Night’ who assumes a disguise and her disguise affects all the other characters and the whole tale profoundly.

    Soon after being rescued by the captain from perishing in the sea, two thoughts came to Viola’s mind – about her brother and her settling down in Illyria. This was resolved by the captain. After getting captain’s information about the land, the Duke and Olivia, she wished at first to serve Olivia. But knowing Olivia was inaccessible, she determined to serve the Duke, Orsino as a boy-page. She heard the name of Orsino from her father and hearing that he was still bachelor, decided to win his heart. But at the Duke’s bachelor court a maiden had no place. So she, with the help of the captain, disguised herself as a boy and was named Cesario.

2. Compare and contrast between Viola and Olivia.

Ans. Two women characters in ‘Twelfth Night’ -- Viola and Olivia --- offer interesting points of comparison and contrast. Both Viola and Olivia belong to high and noble families and both possess exceptional beauty. Both have romantic temperaments; fall in love at first sight. The love of both is intense, deep and passionate. Both are witty women and have, in fact, fertile and ready wit.

A striking contrast between them is in their way of expressing their feelings of love. Olivia’s love is too passionate to become absolutely uncontrollable. But Viola is capable of controlling her passion and giving only a modest expression to it. Her passion comes through her words even though her words do not convey the same intensity of feeling which Olivia’s words do.

4. Sketch the character of Viola.

Ans. Viola is the real heroine of the tale. We think of her adventures, love, modesty, her beauty and patience when the tale is mentioned. The other characters derive what interest they possess chiefly from their connection with Viola. References to Viola’s personal appearance are numerous. Self-forgetfulness is one of her most beautiful and she can forget her own great love for the Duke in pity for his hopeless passion for Olivia.  For purity and self-sacrificing devotion, she might serve as a model to all the lovers. Had she been a man she would have known how to move heaven and earth to win her end. Her determination and wit are also praiseworthy.

Lastly, her assumption of disguise is the motive-spring of the plot and our sympathies are mainly centred upon her.

5. Write a note on mistaken identities.

Ans. Mistaken identity is a favourite device in Shakespearean comedies. ‘Twelfth Night’ is set into motion by Viola’s successful disguise as Cesario. Through her close contact with Orsino, she is given the opportunity to fall in love with him. As a result of serving his requests, she comes into contact with Olivia and becomes the object of her love. Thus the love triangle, the central part of the tale, is a direct result of mistaken identity. Antonio and Olivia’s suitor also fall in Viola’s disguise.  Arrival of Sebastian in Illyria, makes the plot more complex. Mistaken identity complicates matters and then resolves it. Had Viola not been mistaken for a boy, the tale would not be completed.