Act 1 Scene 4

Question 1

QUOTES
“Cesario,
Thou know’st no less…”

Answer 1

“Cesario,
Thou know’st no less but all: I have unclasped
To thee the book even of my secret soul.”

Question 2

QUOTES

“Diana’s lip…”

Answer 2

“Diana’s lip

Is nor more smooth and rubious”

Question 3

QUOTES

“thy small pipe…”

Answer 3

“thy small pipe
Is as the maiden’s organ, shrill and sound,
And all is semblative a woman’s part.”

Question 4

What does this scene contribute to the play?

Answer 4

Play moves forward and develops in complexity

It establishes the basis of the comic mistakes and confusion to come.

Question 5

How does Shakespeare begin to present Cesario and Orsino’s relationship?

Answer 5

They have formed a trusting attachment =

Shakespeare shows the companionship that their ultimate marriage will be founded on

Question 6

What is the effect of Shakespeare choosing not to show us the early scenes of Orsino and Cesario’s relationship?

Answer 6

Shakespeare presents it to us as quickly, but solidily began

Question 7

Give 4 ways Shakespeare includes dramatic irony in this scene.

Answer 7

1. Valentines opening words to Viola: “you are no stranger” when Viola is most definitely a stranger to all
2. Orsino: “thou know’st no less but all” unaware that Viola knows more than he realises
3. Orsino’s speech on femininity get ironically close to the truth and also establishes the gender confusion that is important to the plots comic complications
4. Orsino promises Cesario his shared fortunes if Viola is successful in gaining Olivia for him. This is exactly what Viola wants but by marrying him instead

Question 8

How does Orsino’s language change?

Answer 8

Orsino says a simple admission of his intimacy with Viola/Cesario.
This is in sharp contrast to the elevated diction of his professions of love for Olivia in first scenes.

Question 9

Summarise the events of Scene 4.

Answer 9

• Valentine divulges that Cesario is already in Orsino’s confidence
• Orsino’s intimacy with new servant is obvious when he dismisses other servants but Cesario
• Orsino notices Cesario’s feminine looks
• Orsino despatches Viola/Cesario to Olivia to woo her in his place, promising her great fortune
• Viola;s final aside reveals she is in love with Orsino