Twelfth Night
William Shakespeare
Question: What happened to the ship of Viola and Sabastian? How were they saved?
Answer: Sabastian and Viola were identical twins brother and sister. They were on a voyage together when a violent storm struck them. The ship hit a rock and split into pieces. It took place on the coast of Illyria. They got separated from each other by the shipwreck. The captain of the ship along with Viola and a few sailors were saved and they safely landed on the shore.
But instead of being happy to survive, she began to lament for her brother, because she was sure that her brother must have died by drowning. The captain tried to console her that he had seen her brother catching hold of a strong mast and was borne up above the water. This news consoled Viola.
On the other hand, Sabastian, too, survived the peril. When the ship split, he fastened himself to a strong mast. This help him to stay afloat on the waves for a long time. Later another ship captain called Antonio, lifted him up into his ship. Antonio not only saved Sabastian when he was almost dying out of exhaustion, but also gave him a sincere friendly protection. He felt an attachment for the young man first sight. Thus Viola and Sebastian remained alive.
Question: Who was Olivia? What saddened her? Why did she not allow any visitors?
Ans: Olivia was an extremely beautiful and virtuous daughter of a count who had died a year ago. The Duke of Illyria, Orsino, loved her madly.
The sudden death of Olivia’s brother deeply saddened her.
Olivia’s father had died a year ago. He had left Olivia in the change of her brother. He had also died within a short time. After her brother’s sudden death left her shocked and pained. So she gave up the sight and company of men. That is why Olivia did not allow any visitor.
Question: Why did Duke Orsino send Viola to Olivia? What was Olivia’s reply?
Ans: Duke Orsino loved Olivia madly. He had continually tried to express his love to her but Olivia rejected his offers and forbade him to visit her. So the Duke gave the change Cesario (Viola) of carrying his love massage to Olivia because the Duke hoped that Cesario’s (Viola) appearance and his grace of speech would make a positive impression on Olivia.
When Olivia heard that a messenger from the Duke named Cesario had come to meet her, there was a sudden change in Olivia. She became to see the young page and liked to talk with him. Cesario’s manners and practical attitude towards life charmed Olivia. Cesario reported Olivia the love-sick condition of the Duke. But Olivia denied Duke’s love and said that he should send no massenger except Cesario.
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