Final answer:
The sequence of events in Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night' is arranged from Antonio bringing Sebastian to Illyria, to Olivia preferring Cesario over Orsino, followed by Olivia mistaking Sebastian for Cesario, and culminating in Viola's reunion with her brother.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the correct chronological arrangement of certain events from William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. Here's the correct order based on the narrative of the play:
- Antonio risks danger bringing Sebastian to Illyria: This occurs first as it sets the stage for Sebastian's subsequent adventures.
- Olivia rejects Orsino and prefers Cesario: Viola, disguised as Cesario, catches Olivia's eye, leading to her preference for Cesario over Orsino.
- Olivia mistakes Sebastian for Cesario: A case of mistaken identity, as Olivia confuses Viola's twin brother Sebastian for Cesario.
- Viola is astonished to see her brother: The climax is reached when Viola finally encounters her presumed-dead brother, Sebastian, leading to a resolution of the play's conflicts.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, theater was a thriving form of entertainment, and playwrights like William Shakespeare utilized poetic language to engage audiences with complex, yet relatable narratives such as Twelfth Night. The mastery of Shakespeare's language and storytelling is evident from his ability to weave intricate plots and deliver impactful theatrical pieces.