Viola's Disguise and Survival in Illyria

In Act 1, Scene 2 of 'Twelfth Night', Viola survives a shipwreck and believes her brother Sebastian is dead. She lands in Illyria and decides to disguise herself as a boy, Cesario, to work for Duke Orsino. Viola's decision is driven by practical needs and emotional ties to her brother. The transcript also explores Olivia's mourning and the gender roles in Shakespeare's era.

What event does Viola survive at the beginning of the scene?

• A storm

• A shipwreck

• A battle

• A fire

Where does Viola find herself after the shipwreck?

• Illyria

• Verona

• Rome

• Athens

Why does Viola want to work for Countess Olivia?

• She wants to help Olivia in her mourning

• She admires Olivia's wealth

• She believes Olivia can help find her brother

• She wants to marry Olivia

What disguise does Viola decide to adopt?

• A merchant

• A boy named Cesario

• A sailor

• A noblewoman

Who does Viola plan to work for after her disguise?

• Her brother Sebastian

• The captain

• Duke Orsino

• Countess Olivia

What does the captain tell Viola about her brother Sebastian?

• He is in Illyria

• He was rescued by another ship

• He might have survived

• He is definitely dead

What additional detail does Viola learn about Olivia's mourning?

• Olivia lost her mother

• Olivia is mourning a lost love

• Olivia lost both her father and brother

• Olivia is mourning her lost kingdom

What does the captain's description of Sebastian suggest?

• He is a strong swimmer

• He is resourceful in danger

• He is afraid of the sea

• He is a skilled sailor

Why does Viola's decision to disguise herself make sense on a practical level?

• It makes her more attractive

• It enables her to get a job in an all-male court

• It helps her find her brother

• It allows her to travel freely

How does Viola's disguise help her emotionally?

• It allows her to forget her brother

• It helps her find new friends

• It makes her feel powerful

• It connects her to her brother's memory