Question

It is important for Viola/Cesario to see Olivia's face. Why? What does this suggest about Viola and her feelings towards Orsino?

a) Viola wants to assess Olivia's beauty.
b) Viola is curious about Olivia's identity.
c) Viola hopes to make Olivia jealous.
d) Viola is attracted to Olivia.

Answer 1

Viola's need to see Olivia's face in 'Twelfth Night' is due to her role as Orsino's messenger, as she navigates her own love for Orsino while trying to woo Olivia on his behalf.

Step-by-step explanation:

The importance of Viola/Cesario needing to see Olivia's face in Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night' is rooted in Viola's disguised role and her complex feelings towards Orsino. Viola, dressed as Cesario, must assess Olivia for a multitude of reasons, but none of the options provided in the question directly address Viola's predicament in the play. Instead, Viola's need to see Olivia's face stems from her role as a messenger for Orsino, fulfilling her duty to win Olivia's love for him while also harboring her own love for Orsino. This situation leads to a series of comedic and poignant misunderstandings that drive the plot of the play.