I've read and seen this play performed live but for some reason I had a really hard time finding questions to ask. I hope these are okay.
1. I’m assuming that Viola’s disguise is some kind of important literary element. I’m just not sure of what it is. Would you call it symbolism, a theme, a metaphor, or a motif?
2. I don’t really understand why Olivia has sworn not to see another man again for seven years. I suppose it is to move the plot forward, but isn’t there a better way she can grieve for her brother than locking herself up for seven years? Or is it some kind of Italian tradition?
3. Are there possible symbols and motifs this early in the play?
4. Does Sir Toby’s drunkenness have any more meaning than simply being funny?
5. Shakespeare uses clothing in his plays a lot to point something out to the audience. Is it the same in this play?
6. So far, love has only caused the characters of this play pain. What is Shakespeare saying about love here?
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To answer your questions as best I can...
ReplyDelete1) Like we talked about today in class it was just a way for the man playing the women to be a man again. Shakespeare uses this plot device in several of his other plays. Its really not that signifigant. Although it plays an interesting role becuase this play does bring up the issue of Homosexuality and is something that almost all the characters fall into knowingly or not.
2)It's not a Italian tradition, but there is a line that points out that Olivia's father died briefly before her brother. I think she mourning for both them therefore doing the act for a long period of time.
3)Ommmmgggg so many symbols and motifs right in the title. Right in the first scene Obessesion, love, mistaken identity ect. All of these are constant without.
4)Sir Toby's Drunkeness is for comic relief. Sir Andrew and him are the comic relief of the show. Feste has the deeper role, even though he is the "fool" he is smarter then all of them.
5) ermmm yess??? I don't know how to answer this lol.
6)Shakespeare is saying what he is always saying about love. For example you have characters like Count Orsino who is in love with being in love, so therefore he pursues Olivia. Love makes the story interesting, love is something everyone is interested in hearing a story about. And the more strange and outlandish it is, the better!
annddd to be specific for #4 the line where we find out about her father is Act I.ii.37. also on in scene V line 30 Feste proves his intelligence and we become aware of how he plays games with everyone.
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