Act 1 Scene 2 Flashcards
QUOTES
“Conceal me what I am…”
“Conceal me what I am, and be my aid
For such disguise I shall haply become
The form of my intent.”
How is Viola’s mediating role between Orsino and Olivia subtly established?
Her arrival by water makes two literal images from the previous scene: the sea of love from Orsino and Olivia’s saltwater teats or ‘brine’
How does Shakespeare relate Viola to Olivia?
Viola believe they share the loss of a brother, a sense of emotional identification
How is Viola’s personality shown?
When she says “What country, friends, is this?” it suggests that she is resourceful and thinking of the situation rather than succumbing to fatigue and despair
In what ways does Olivia contrast the initial imagine of Orsino and Olivia?
Viola’s personality differs from the other two.
They are presented a static, passively responding rather than actively instigating.
Could there be a reason as to why Viola adopts male clothing?
as some kind of physical, social or psychological protection
What is significant about the fact that Viola will never been seen a s women until the end of the play?
makes you consider how Viola’s disguise affects the world of Illyria
Summarise the events of Act 1 Scene 2
- Viola has been in a shipwreck and washed up to Illyria with the Captain
- She fears twin Sebastian has died by the Captain reassures her
- The Captain tells Viola of Orsino’s unrequited love for Olivia and of Olivia’s grief for her death brother
- Viola decides to disguise herself as a eunuch and serve Orsino
