TWO SHAKESPEAREAN COMEDIES

Te a c h e r s Material

C O N T E N T S

To the Teacher ..................................................................................................................... 3

Before Reading: Twelfth Night ............................................................................................ 6 Before Reading: Much Ado About Nothing.......................................................................... 7 After Reading: Extra Challenges.......................................................................................... 8 Worksheet 1: Twelfth Night .................................................................................................. 9 Answers to Worksheet 1 .................................................................................................... 10 Worksheet 2: Much Ado About Nothing ............................................................................. 11 Answers to Worksheet 2 ................................................................................................... 12 Final Test .............................................................................................................................. 13 Answers to Final Test ......................................................................................................... 14 Answers to Questions in the Reader ................................................................................. 15

Before using the following teachers material, we recommend that you read the Burlington Reader Series general information leaflet.

Copyright 1998 Burlington Books

Two Shakespearean Comedies

TO THE TEACHER
TWELFTH NIGHT LIST
OF

MAIN CHARACTERS

Orsino: the Duke of Illyria; marries Viola at the end. Viola: a young noblewoman, disguised as Cesario; serves Orsino and falls in love with him. Olivia: a noblewoman; refuses Orsinos advances; falls in love with Cesario/Viola; marries Sebastian. Sebastian: Violas twin brother; rescued from a shipwreck by Antonio; marries Olivia at the end.

P L O T S U M M A RY
Viola is rescued from a shipwreck off the coast of Illyria. She believes that Sebastian may have drowned and decides to hide her identity, pretending to be Cesario. She goes to work for Duke Orsino as his servant, and becomes his confidant. However, she cannot tell the Duke of her love for him. The Duke attempts to court Olivia, but she falls in love with Cesario when he brings her the Dukes message. Meanwhile, Sebastian is rescued from the shipwreck by Antonio and also finds himself in Illyria, thinking that his twin has drowned. He separates from Antonio, who later sees Cesario about to fight a duel. Thinking that Cesario is Sebastian and that he is in danger, Antonio runs to protect him, but is arrested as an enemy of the Duke. Cesario denies knowing the baffled Antonio. In the meantime, Sebastian meets Olivia, who takes him for Cesario. They fall in love and agree to marry. The situation is resolved when, by chance, the twins find each other. Orsino realises that Cesario is actually Viola and asks her to marry him. Everyone celebrates except Olivias steward Malvolio, who was tricked into thinking that Olivia loved him and has made a fool of himself.

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING LIST

OF

MAIN CHARACTERS

Don Pedro: a noble and victorious prince who has just returned with his men from a war. Don John: the villain; Don Pedros illegitimate, envious and bitter brother. Claudio: Don Pedros lieutenant; madly in love with Hero. Benedick: a confirmed bachelor; continually fights with Beatrice; but eventually falls in love with her. Hero: helps to make Beatrice fall in love with Benedick; falsely accused of being unfaithful to Claudio. Beatrice: Heros cousin; eventually falls in love with Benedick.

P L O T S U M M A RY
After the war, Don Pedro arrives in Messina with his men. Everyone is relaxed and romance is in the air. However, Benedick and Beatrice engage in a war of wits and words. Claudio immediately falls in love with Hero, and Don Pedro offers to help win her heart. At a costume party, Don Pedro arranges Claudios wedding to Hero and also decides to make Benedick and Beatrice fall in love. However, the bitter Don John and his follower Borachio plot to ruin Claudios wedding. According to plan, Beatrice and Benedick overhear how each really loves the other and then their love grows. Claudio, having seen Heros unfaithfulness, insults her at their wedding. She faints and he believes that she has died. He realises what he has lost. Benedick declares his love to Beatrice, who demands that he avenge Heros death. Borachio is captured and confesses. Leonato, Heros father, then orders Claudio to admit Heros innocence and to marry his brothers daughter, who is really Hero in disguise. Immediately before they are married, Hero reveals herself and then Benedick and Beatrice agree to wed.
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Two Shakespearean Comedies

ABOUT

THE

AUTHOR

Unfortunately, no authoritative account of William Shakespeares life exists. His birthdate is believed to be April 23rd, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England, and records exist of his baptism there on April 24th. He was the eldest son of John Shakespeare, a merchant. As the eldest son, he should have eventually taken over his fathers shop. However, according to one account, due to a change for the worse in his fathers financial situation, young William was apprenticed to a butcher. Another account states that he became a schoolmaster. At the age of 18, he married Anne Hathaway, the daughter of a local farmer, who became the mother of his three children. Shakespeare is believed to have arrived in London in 1588. It seems that he moved away from Stratford-upon-Avon because he had been caught poaching in a deer park belonging to a local Justice of the Peace. By 1592, Shakespeare had attained success both as an actor and a playwright. In Elizabethan London, if you were talented, writing plays was a good way to make a living. Shakespeare was truly gifted. He wrote easily and with great speed, rarely crossing anything out. He made a number of financially advantageous arrangements that permitted him to share in the profits of his theatre company, the Chamberlains Men (later called the Kings Men) and the theatres they owned (the Globe and the Blackfriars). Shakespeares company performed in the courts of both Queen Elizabeth I and King James I more frequently than that of any other contemporary dramatist. After 1608, Shakespeares dramatic production diminished. It seems that he entered a period of semiretirement in Stratford-upon-Avon. He established his family in a house called New Place and became a prominent local citizen. Shakespeare died on April 23rd, 1616 and was buried in Stratford Church. It is interesting to note that he died on the same date as another literary genius, Miguel de Cervantes.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Elizabethan Theatre: Shakespeare, like many other Elizabethan playwrights, didnt invent new plots. He took his inspiration from existing stories, popular pamphlets or historical accounts. Shakespeare wrote for a variety of people aristocrats, sailors and soldiers on leave, apprentices, wits, wealthy ladies, students, etc. all of whom made up an ordinary Elizabethan audience who had a variety of interests and likes. He had to provide action and violence for some, moral subtlety for others, deep thoughts and witty remarks for the more scholarly, and comic situations for all. His plays usually combined several plots, covered great expanses of time and space, and mixed royalty with common characters and even criminals. He combined music, dance and spectacle with plenty of violence, battles and blood. At this time, plays were presented during the warmer months in circular, open-air theatres. The stage was a platform that extended into the pit (a standing-room area for the lower-class spectators). Some of the spectators would actually sit on the stage during the performance. The scenery was minimal, consisting of little more than a few props. No attempt was made to dress the actors in period costumes except in plays that took place in ancient Rome, for which they wore togas. The spoken word was the true protagonist of Shakespeares dramas. Another interesting fact about Elizabethan theatre is that because it was considered immoral for women to become actresses, all the female roles were played by adolescent boys. It was a specialised style of performing that required a great amount of dedication and study. Many of these boys became stars in their own right. Shakespeares plays usually lasted between three and four hours. The audience would bring food, and would eat and drink during the performances. It was not uncommon for members of the audience to leave the theatre during the performance and re-enter a short time later. This is probably one of the reasons why so many of Shakespeares characters often repeat or summarise what has occurred earlier in the play.

Two Shakespearean Comedies

Shakespeares writings have been divided into four periods. Twelfth Night and Much Ado About Nothing were written in his second period (1595-1600) and are classified as happy comedies. Shakespeares comedies of this period show his genius for combining various dramatic actions into a unified plot. In the happy comedies, relationships are more deeply explored than in Shakespeares earlier comedies. Lovers are young and witty. Shakespeare uses his craft to bring people together. Much attention is paid to the courting of lovers which concludes in marriage. The happy comedies end with almost all characters being happy, but all are tinged with a certain sadness. Villains receive their just deserts and outsiders, such as Malvolio in Twelfth Night, remain outsiders at the end. In comparison to Shakespeares earlier comedies, the comedies written in the second period are more intellectual and have multiple plots. Few of Shakespeares plays were published during his lifetime and those that were published were not supervised by him. Heminge and Condell, two actors who are considered to have been close friends of Shakespeare, published 36 of his plays in 1622. This alone can be considered a highly prolific literary output without taking into account two more plays which were probably the result of a collaborative effort between Shakespeare and John Fletcher Henry VIII and The Two Noble Kinsmen and, of course, his poetry, most notably his sonnets. Twelfth Night or What You Will was probably first performed in 1600. It was first published in 1623. The comedy is partly based on a story in Farewell to the Military Profession, a collection of stories written by the English author Barnabe Riche. Twelfth Night was probably first performed on the festival of Epiphany or Twelfth Night. Much Ado About Nothing was probably first performed in 1599 and published in 1600. It is partly based on Orlando Furioso, an epic poem written by Ludovico Ariosto, and on a story in Novelle, written by Matteo Bandello. Witty debates between lovers had become familiar to Elizabethan audiences through the comedies of John Lyly. Elizabethan England: The clearest indication of the influence and domination that Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603) had over England is the fact that this period is known by her name. She succeeded in ending the political intrigues and instability that had marked the previous three reigns. During her reign, Elizabeth restored popular confidence in the monarchy and inspired a new sense of optimism in the country. Inflation fell to normal levels and confidence in English currency was restored. The government encouraged foreign trade, which quickly became a highly profitable enterprise. In 1588 the English, under the command of Sir Francis Drake, defeated the Spanish Armada. England became a great maritime power and began to take Spains place as the great coloniser of the New World. Throughout Elizabeths reign, her monarchical duties were her primary concern. Their importance was greater than any personal considerations, including marriage. Parliament repeatedly requested that Elizabeth marry in order to guarantee an heir to the throne. Her answer was always the same. She intended to live and die a virgin and thus, she became known as the Virgin Queen. Elizabeths popularity decreased towards the end of her reign. Her advisors during this period were considerably less capable than her earlier ones. This led to weaker and less popular policies. The woman who oversaw the beginning of what would become modern England died in London on March 23rd, 1603.

Two Shakespearean Comedies

BEFORE READING
TWELFTH NIGHT SUGGESTIONS
FOR

LEAD-IN ACTIVITIES

In pairs, students ask and answer the following questions. Alternatively, you can ask the questions and elicit the answers from the whole class. 1. Have you got a brother or sister who looks like you? Do you think you could make people believe that you were your brother or sister? 2. What situation can you think of when pretending to be your brother/sister could be interesting or useful? 3. Have you ever been alone in a foreign country? When? What happened? How did you feel? 4. Do you think it is easier or more difficult for a woman to start a new life in a foreign country with no family and friends than it is for a man? 5. Do you think it was easy for a woman to travel on her own in the past? Have things changed? 6. What would you do first if you had to settle in a foreign country without any family or friends? What would you do after that? As you work on the questions below with the class, write the underlined words on the blackboard. (Some suggested answers are provided in italics.) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Do you remember any famous shipwrecks? (Considering the popularity of the film Titanic, the students will probably know about that shipwreck.) When and where did the Titanic sink? (It sank on its first voyage in 1912 in the North Atlantic.) Why did the Titanic sink? (It hit an iceberg.) Did many people survive? How many people were rescued? (No, only approximately 700 people survived; about 1500 people died.) Why did so many people die? How did they die? (There were not enough lifeboats; they drowned; they died of the cold and exhaustion, etc.)

K E Y V O C A B U L A RY
Add brother, in mourning, drown and bachelor to the list of words already on the blackboard. Tell your students that all these words appear in Act I (pages 8-9). Elicit meanings of new words or get students to look them up in the dictionary. Make sure they know their meanings. Then form students into groups and get them to predict what happens in Act I using all the vocabulary on the blackboard. You can also give them the names of the main characters: Viola, Sebastian, Orsino, Olivia. Then have the groups share their predictions. When students read Act I, they can compare their own stories to Shakespeares. (Summary of Act I: Violas ship sank off the coast of Illyria, but she was rescued from the shipwreck and taken ashore by a kind sea captain. She believes that her brother Sebastian may have drowned. So, alone in this foreign country, she decides to hide her identity. She pretends to be Cesario and becomes a servant to Duke Orsino, a bachelor. Orsino is in love with Olivia, who has been in mourning since the death of her father and brother.) See the Burlington Reader Series general information leaflet, pages 8-11, for more Before Reading activities.

Two Shakespearean Comedies

BEFORE READING
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING SUGGESTIONS
FOR

LEAD-IN ACTIVITIES

Students can be asked the following questions in pairs, groups or as a whole class. (Some suggested answers are provided in italics.) 1. Do you feel and act differently when you are on holiday? If so, how? (more relaxed, happier, more interested in people and their feelings, willing to make new friends, more likely to enjoy oneself, etc.) 2. Imagine a group of young men and women spending a few weeks on holiday together. What is likely to happen? (have fun, friendship, romance, etc.) 3. Tell the class they are going to read a comedy in which some of the male characters have just returned from winning a war. Get them to study the clues in the list of characters in the book (page 43) and to answer the following questions: a. Can you guess which of these characters are likely to fall in love with each other? (hopefully theyll mention the young lords, as well as Hero and Beatrice; perhaps some of the servants too) b. Does any of the characters look like a possible villain? Which one? Why? (if they mention Don John and his illegitimate origin, a brief discussion could follow about how peoples origins may determine their lives and destinies) c. What might the friars role be? (marry the young couples) 4. Look at page 47. Study the picture and the caption. a. Scan the previous page to identify the names of the two characters in the picture. Who says the words of the caption? What answer is he/she given? (Beatrice is speaking to Benedick. Benedick answers, "I pray you never change your opinion. This will assure that no man will ever be condemned to your company.") b. What kind of relationship is there between Beatrice and Benedick? (both are witty and nasty to the other; they sound as if they could be angry lovers) c. Have you ever met a couple who behaved like this? What happened? 7. Do you know the meaning of "ado"? (archaic for "fuss" or "trouble") 8. What does "Much Ado About Nothing" mean? (a lot of fuss or trouble over something unimportant) 9. Can you guess what sort of play you are going to read? Based on all the previous clues, predict an outline of the plot in 50-75 words.

K E Y V O C A B U L A RY
1. Copy the table below onto the blackboard, leaving out the adjectives and adverbs. Ask students to fill in the adjective and adverb for each noun, using their dictionaries if necessary. An example or two can be written on the blackboard. Nouns constancy courage vanity safety equality innocence affection pleasure Adjectives constant courageous vain safe equal innocent affectionate pleasant Adverbs constantly courageously vainly safely equally innocently affectionately pleasantly

2. Tell students to scan pages 44 and 45 to find which of the words above are used and underline them. See the Burlington Reader Series general information leaflet, pages 8-11, for more Before Reading activities.
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Two Shakespearean Comedies

AFTER READING: EXTRA CHALLENGES

TWELFTH NIGHT MAKE YOUR STUDENTS THINK
Here are some points that more advanced students can be asked to consider after reading the book. 1. How would you describe Violas personality and character? Does she show initiative, intelligence, selfcontrol, endurance, tact, loyalty? Support your answer with evidence from the text. 2. Is looking like a person from the opposite sex just a matter of wearing a disguise? Explain your answer. 3. Having one character mistaken for another is a common way of creating misunderstandings and humorous situations in literature. Can you think of other plays, films, novels, etc. where humour is based on mistaken identities? Explain your answer. (Examples: Mrs Doubtfire / The Birdcage)

DRAMA ACTIVITIES

AND

PROJECT SUGGESTIONS

1. Group work: Choose a scene you would like to act out. Design the sets and costumes, as well as an advertising poster for that scene. Learn your parts and perform the scene. 2. It is a tradition that the best man makes a short speech at the wedding party. Imagine that Sir Toby is Orsino and Violas best man and Antonio is best man for Sebastian and Olivia. Write and give their speeches. 3. Role play: (Can also be done for Much Ado About Nothing) Work in two groups: journalists and characters. Each student in the second group chooses a character from the play. The journalist prepares a list of interesting questions to ask the character about his/her past, his/her plans for the future, hobbies etc. The character prepares answers to the above questions. After preparation, conduct the interview.

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING MAKE YOUR STUDENTS THINK

Here are some points that more advanced students can be asked to consider after reading the book. 1. Describe Benedicks and Beatrices personalities. Would the trap their friends set work in real life? 2. Why are the circumstances and setting of the play ideal for love? Can you think of a similar set of circumstances and setting that you and your friends could find yourselves in nowadays? Explain. 3. Do you feel any sympathy for Don John? Explain.

DRAMA ACTIVITIES

AND

PROJECT SUGGESTIONS

1. How would a modern journalist write an article for an English tabloid about any of the different episodes in this comedy? Invent some possible headlines. How would a serious newspaper like The Times report the same event? (Can also be done for Twelfth Night) 2. Do some research about Shakespeare and his comedies in particular. Prepare a short lecture to give to your class. (Can also be done for Twelfth Night) 3. Imagine Benedick and Beatrice 15 years later. What will their lives be like? Will they be together? Will they have any children? Will they have changed much? Will they still be trying to outwit one another sometimes? Use future tenses. 4. Write the letters Beatrice and Benedick could have written to tell their parents about their marriage. Some of the above activities and projects can be used for both plays. See the notes in the text. See the Burlington Reader Series general information leaflet, pages 13-15, for more After Reading activities.
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Two Shakespearean Comedies

WORKSHEET 1
TWELFTH NIGHT
A. Correct the underlined errors. 1. Malvolio is Olivias uncle. .................... 2. Sir Toby is Olivias steward. .................... 3. Sebastian is Violas friend. .................... B. Choose the right meaning of the words in bold. 1. "He starts arguments and is such a coward that he wont face his enemies when the arguments become too intense." a) plot, account of the main events in a story b) disagreements, quarrels 2. "Olivia paused for a moment, smiled and removed her veil." a) took off b) stirred, moved round 3. "It is above what my current fortunes reflect. I am a noble." a) normal, ordinary b) of the present time 4. "Gentlemen, do you realise how late it is?" a) know, be aware of b) do, carry out a task or a plan take parcels, letters, etc. to houses 4. Cesario is Orsinos twin brother. .................... 5. Antonio is Sebastians servant. ....................

5. "You dont really intend to deliver that note, do you?" a) reach a decision b)

Why do we call these words "false friends"? Can you think of other false friends? C. Fill in the blanks with words from Exercise B. Be careful with grammar (verb tenses, singular/plural, etc.). 1. Nobody .................... that Cesario was a woman (Viola) till she told them. 2. Orsino asked Cesario to .................... his messages to Olivia. 3. Violas .................... life as a servant didnt correspond with her noble origin. 4. Sir Andrew Aguecheek was a foolish knight who liked starting .................... . 5. Viola never .................... her disguise; she always wore mens clothes. D. What had already happened before Olivia told Malvolio that the letter wasnt hers? Number these statements in the correct order. .... a. .... b. .... c. After reading the letter, Malvolio had put on yellow stockings. Maria and Sir Toby had decided to lock Malvolio in one of the cells in the basement. Malvolio had found the letter on the ground.

.... d. Malvolio had asked Olivia why she had treated him so badly after he had followed her instructions. .... e. .... f. Maria had written a letter which would make Malvolio think that Olivia loved him. Olivia had noticed Malvolios strange behaviour and had told Maria to take care of him.

E. Complete the passage using the Third Conditional form of the verb. If Viola and Sebastians ship hadnt been wrecked, nobody (1) ........................................ (rescue) them. Viola (2) ........................................ (behave) like a young manservant and she (3) ........................................ (fall) in love with the Duke. Sebastian (4) ........................................ (meet) Olivia. Nobody (5) ........................................ (mistake) one for the other. So Twelfth Night (6) ........................................ (be) completely different.

Worksheet 1 : Twelfth Night

ANSWERS
A. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. B. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. steward uncle twin / brother / twin brother servant friend b a b a b

English words that look like Spanish words but have a different meaning in English are called "false friends". Some false friends are: actually, eventually, sympathetic, miserable, advise, exit, success. C. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. D. a. b. c. d. e. f. E. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. realised deliver current arguments removed 3 5 2 6 1 4 would have rescued wouldnt have behaved wouldnt have fallen wouldnt have met would have mistaken would have been

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Two Shakespearean Comedies

WORKSHEET 2
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
A. Fill in the blanks with the suitable noun, adjective or adverb. Nouns courtesy disdain .......................... .......................... .......................... .......................... .......................... disgrace Adjectives .......................... .......................... fortunate sincere beautiful .......................... happy .......................... Adverbs .......................... .......................... .......................... .......................... .......................... honestly .......................... ..........................

B. Fill in the blanks with the name of the right character. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. .......................... fell in love with .......................... when he returned from the war. .......................... was ..........................s only child and so his only heir. .......................... was ..........................s uncle and everybodys host. .......................... and .......................... pretended that Margaret was .......................... that night. ..........................s opinion of love and marriage changed completely when he fell in love. .......................... and his men were Leonatos guests.

C. Complete each of the following sentences so that it means the same as the given sentence. 1. Claudio said that Hero was not pure. He also said that she was not innocent. Claudio said that Hero was neither .................................................................................. 2. Borachio was arrested. Don John was also arrested. Both .................................................................................. 3. They told Claudio that Hero was dead. Claudio .................................................................................. 4. Claudio regretted killing Hero. Claudio wished .................................................................................. 5. Leonato said Antonio had a daughter. She looked like Hero. Leonato said Antonio had a daughter .................................................................................. 6. Benedick said to Don Pedro, "Find a wife!" Benedick told .................................................................................. D. 1. Choose the correct word(s) in each sentence. 2. Number the sentences in the order they happened. .... a. .... b. .... c. .... d. .... e. .... f. .... g. .... h. They planned to stay in Messina for a (month / week / fortnight). At the wedding, Claudio said publicly that Hero (would betray / had betrayed / was going to betray) him and that he wouldnt marry her. Hero agreed (marrying / marry / to marry) Claudio in a weeks time. Claudio fell in love (long after / as soon as / before) he met Hero for the second time. Don Pedro and his men (had just won / hadnt won / just won) a war before they arrived in Messina. One night, in Heros room, (Claudio / Borachio / Leonato) held Margaret in his arms and called her Hero. Leonato, (that / which / who) was a hospitable man, wanted them to stay even longer. Borachio (told / said / was told by) Don John about his plan to spoil Claudios wedding.
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Worksheet 2 : Much Ado About Nothing

ANSWERS
A. Nouns courtesy disdain fortune sincerity beauty honesty happiness disgrace B. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. C. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Adjectives courteous disdainful fortunate sincere beautiful honest happy disgraceful Adverbs courteously disdainfully fortunately sincerely beautifully honestly happily disgracefully

Claudio, Hero Hero, Leonato Leonato, Beatrice Borachio, Don John, Hero Benedick Don Pedro Claudio said that Hero was neither pure nor innocent. Both Borachio and Don John were arrested. Claudio was told that Hero was dead. Claudio wished that he hadnt killed Hero. Leonato said Antonio had a daughter who/that looked like Hero. Benedick told Don Pedro to find a wife. month had betrayed to marry as soon as had just won Borachio who told 2 8 5 4 1 7 3 6

D. 1. a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. 2. a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h.

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Final Test

FINAL TEST
A. Choose the correct answer.
TWELFTH NIGHT

1. After first meeting Olivia, Cesario refused to a. tell Olivia how much Orsino loved her. b. take any money from her. c. return to Orsinos palace. 2. Orsino noticed that Cesario was in love and a. gave him some advice. b. felt jealous and told him off. c. gave him a ring.
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

3. At first Sebastian wished that a. he had been rescued before. b. his father had not been a noble. c. he had drowned with his sister. 4. Antonio was considered an enemy in Illyria because a. he had killed a guard. b. he had called the Duke a fool. c. he had fought against Orsino.

5. Beatrice said that she would rather a. listen to her dog bark than to a man saying he loved her. b. listen to Benedick than to anybody else. c. condemn a man to her company than be alone. 6. At the costume party, Don Pedro a. talked to Don John about family matters. b. danced with and kissed all the ladies. c. pretended to be Claudio and told Hero about his love for her.

7. Benedick said that a. all women were fools. b. he would always be a bachelor. c. married men were like wild bulls. 8. At the costume party, Don John told Claudio that Don Pedro shouldnt marry Hero because a. of her lower social status. b. Benedick loved her. c. Hero was neither pure nor innocent. 40 points (5 points each)

B. Choose the correct words in the following passages.

TWELFTH NIGHT

Fabian and Sir Toby (1. were blocking / had blocked / blocked) Cesarios way when he was leaving Olivias house and (2. told / said / explained) him that Sir Andrew was waiting for him (3. at / in / on) the garden gate to avenge his honour. Cesario tried (4. to avoid / avoid / avoiding) the fight by explaining that he had never meant to offend (5. someone / anyone / somebody).
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

Leonato thought that Benedick and Beatrice (6. would talk / talked / will talk) each other crazy, (7. however / what is more / but) still he helped to carry out Don Pedros plan. When Don Pedro, Leonato and Claudio were sure that Benedick (8. was overhearing / could overhear / had overheard) them, they pretended to gossip about Beatrices feelings (9. for / of / from) Benedick. (10. After / Then / Some time ago) Hero and her servant held a similar conversation for Beatrice to overhear. 30 points (3 points each) C. Choose one topic and write a paragraph. Your paragraph should be at least 80 words long.
TWELFTH NIGHT

1. Describe Malvolio. Is he the villain in this comedy? Why or why not? 2. Viola pretends to be a man, Cesario. How does this affect the other characters in the play?
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

3. In your opinion, what is the best episode in the play? Who is your favourite character? Is there a character or an episode you particularly dislike? Explain your answers. 4. What would you do if you found out that a person you disliked was in love with you? Would you react like Beatrice or Benedick? Explain.
TWELFTH NIGHT AND MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

5. All comedies have a happy ending. How could you change the ending of these Shakespearean comedies to turn them into tragedies? 30 points
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Final Test

ANSWERS
A. T W E L F T H N I G H T 1. b 2. a 3. c 4. c

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

5. a

6. c

7. b

8. a

B. T W E L F T H N I G H T 1. blocked 2. told 3. at 4. to avoid 5. anyone

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

6. would talk

7. but

8. could overhear

9. for

10. Then

C. Accept all logical and grammatically correct answers. Possible points for inclusion:
TWELFTH NIGHT

1. Malvolio is self-righteous, vain, arrogant and thinks that everyone else loves him. He is selfimportant, self-opinionated, foolish and gullible. He has got a vivid imagination. He is obedient, following instructions to the letter. He is easily flattered and is also ambitious. He is thick-skinned and persistent. He thinks he is superior to others, and enjoys wielding power over them. He is not easily embarrassed. For the second part of this question, accept all logical and grammatically correct answers. 2. It confuses them: Orsino thinks that Viola is his servant, Cesario, a man; Olivia thinks she is Cesario, a young man with whom she falls in love; Antonio thinks she is Sebastian, whom he saved and to whom he gave his wallet; Sir Andrew and Sir Toby think she is Cesario, a suitor to Olivia; Olivia initially thinks Sebastian is Cesario and marries him; Orsino, realising his love for Viola, marries her.
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

3. Model answer: I think the best episode is when Benedick is being trapped into falling in love with Beatrice. It is funny and also shows that people can change and allow themselves to express their true feelings. My favourite character is Beatrice because she is very witty and has clever responses to whatever Benedick says. I dislike Don John because he is bitter and does not wish others to be happy. I dislike the episode when Margaret is portrayed as Hero being unfaithful because it is a plot to destroy Claudio and Heros happiness. 4. Model answer: I would tell the person how I felt about them. I would do so diplomatically and not in a hurtful manner. No, I would not react like Beatrice or Benedick. I would be direct with the other person, telling them of my feelings, as I would not want to play games with our emotions.
TWELFTH NIGHT AND MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

Possible endings: 5. T W E L F T H N I G H T (1) Viola does not meet her twin brother, is forced to keep her false identity, and is unable to declare her love for Duke Orsino; (2) Cesario is killed in the duel with Sir Andrew and Sir Toby; (3) Malvolio kills Olivia and becomes master of her house.
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

(1) Hero really dies, Don John escapes, Claudio is grief-

stricken and never forgives himself. Benedick and Beatrice do not marry, but continue their verbal war. (2) Benedick kills Claudio. Hero is griefstricken. Benedick then finds out about Don Johns plot, is overcome with remorse and kills himself. Beatrice never finds another love.

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Two Shakespearean Comedies

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS IN THE READER

These answers relate to the questions on pages 80-81 of the reader itself.
TWELFTH NIGHT

Act I 1. At first she wants to serve Olivia. This is not possible and she then plans to serve Orsino. 2. Positive: He speaks four languages. He is very rich. He is friendly. Negative: He is foolish. He is argumentative. He is a coward. He drinks a lot. 3. Orsino sent Cesario to Olivias house to declare his love for her. 4. Olivia initially did not want to see Cesario. She then sees him, but tells him that she does not love Orsino. She then falls in love with Cesario. Act II 1. Sebastian and Viola are twin brother and sister. 2. Sebastian thinks that Viola drowned in the shipwreck. 3. Maria planned to write a letter which would appear to have been written by Olivia. Malvolio would find the letter, from which it would appear that Olivia is in love with him. It would tell him to do things and act in ways that would make a fool of him and annoy Olivia. 4. Viola/Cesario does not want to go to Olivias house again because Olivia is in love with her, as Cesario. She, however, is in love with Orsino but has to court another woman on his behalf. 5. Malvolio showed his love by acting in a superior way, showing authority, wearing yellow stockings and bright colours, and smiling constantly when he was with Olivia. Act III 1. Cesario did not return her love. He said that his heart would never be possessed by a woman. 2. Sir Toby and Fabian advised Sir Andrew to challenge Cesario to a fight in order to gain Olivias heart. 3. Antonio was considered an enemy of Duke Orsino because he had fought against him. 4. Antonio gave Sebastian his wallet with money in it. 5. Sir Toby and Maria wanted to lock Malvolio in one of the cells in the basement. (This was after they had made him look like an insane idiot by getting him to respond to the instructions in the letter which he thought was from Olivia.) 6. Antonio stopped the duel between Sir Andrew and Cesario.
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7. Viola thought that Antonio may have mistaken her for her brother, Sebastian, and that he may still be alive. Act IV 1. Sebastian was passing the front of Olivias house when he became involved in a fight with Sir Andrew and Sir Toby. Olivia intervened and invited Sebastian into her home. 2. He entered the garden of Olivias home and, at first, he was confused. He then fell in love with Olivia and agreed to marry her. 3. Duke Orsino reacted by asking Viola to marry him. 4. The comedy ends with Viola and Orsino preparing to be married and Malvolio being very angry on finding out that he has been made a fool of.
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

Act I 1. Hero is Leonatos daughter. Beatrice is Heros cousin and Leonatos niece. 2. Don John is Don Pedros illegitimate brother. 3. Before the war, Claudio did not take much notice of Hero. On his return, he fell in love with her. 4. Beatrice did not like Benedick. She thought he was vain. She looked down on him. She had very little respect for him. Benedick did not like Beatrice, thinking her disdainful. He did not like her company. They continually engaged in a war of words and wit. 5. Don Pedro decided to intercede with Hero and her father on Claudios behalf. (This was in order to arrange the marriage between Claudio and Hero. Wearing a mask, he would pretend that he was Claudio and declare his love to Hero. Afterwards, as himself, he would talk to Leonato.) 6. Don John felt that Claudio held a position which he (Don John) should have had. Act II 1. Beatrice said that Benedick was a fool who wasnt very talented and who was laughed at because he was a clown. 2. Don John told Claudio that Don Pedro was in love with Hero and planned to marry her. 3. Don Pedro told Claudio the truth. 4. He planned to make Beatrice and Benedick fall in love with each other.

Two Shakespearean Comedies

5. Their plan was that Don John would inform Claudio and Don Pedro that Hero was being unfaithful to Claudio. That night, he would take them to see Borachio and Margaret (dressed as Hero) in each others arms and calling each other Borachio and Hero. Heros unfaithfulness would ruin the wedding. 6. They said that Beatrice was in love with Benedick, but that she would not tell him of her love. (More details of their conversation can be found on pages 60-63.) 7. Benedick was surprised and then decided not to ignore his instincts. He decided to change his ways and respond to Beatrice with love. Act III 1. Beatrice heard them say that Benedick loved her, but that they would not tell her of his love. (More details of their conversation can be found on pages 64-66.) 2. She regretted her character traits and decided to: a. change her ways; b. return Benedicks affection; and c. use her kindness to inspire Benedick to marry her. 3. He became polite to Beatrice. He showed signs of melancholy, wore clean clothes every day, used cologne and washed his face often. 4. Don John told Claudio that Hero was disloyal to him. 5. They arrested Borachio for his involvement in the plot to ruin the wedding of Claudio and Hero.

Act IV 1. Hero fainted because Claudio told her that he could not marry her because of her true character. He thought that she had been unfaithful. 2. The friar made his suggestion because, human nature being what it is, people dont value what they have got until they lose it. Accordingly, he thought that when Claudio discovered that his accusations had caused Heros death, he would wish that he had not made them. The death announcement would also give Leonato time to investigate the truth of the accusations. 3. She asked Benedick to kill Claudio, thereby avenging Heros death. 4. After being arrested, Borachio told Don Pedro about Don Johns villainy. 5. Claudio was to announce to the people of Messina that Hero was innocent. He also had to marry Leonatos niece. Act V 1. Claudio discovers that his bride is really Hero; Beatrice and Benedick agree to marry and Don John is captured.