Act 4! Lots of action. Lots and lots of action. We're almost to the end of the play, so find me some lines that hint at the resolutions that are about to come. You need only find two.
Excellent job today. When someone asked me about class, I couldn't help but sing your praises not only for your amazing performances but also for those moments of sheer and utter chaos. Thanks for your hard work, and for the singing and wackiness.
The last lines of Act 4 Scene 2 hint at Malvolio's destiny when Feste leaves him with a song that ends in the words "Adieu, goodman devil!" In the culmination of the song about Malvolio's craziness, rather than anyone helping him or reaching out to him to free him from his imprisonment, he is abandoned even by the fool. I think that this means he will never be welcomed with love by anyone, or at least not in the last Act of the play. Emotionally he will always be in the dark room in which he is trapped.
The last lines of Act 4 Scene 3 then hint at Olivia and Sebastian's future. In Sebastian's words "I'll follow this good man, and go with you, and having sworn truth, ever will be true." he promises his faith to Olivia, and in her following words "Then lead the way, good father, and heavens so shine, that they may fairly note this act of mine!" she also commits herself to him and prays for good fortune. While these lines make me believe initially, and most probably since the play is almost done, that the two will live 'happily ever after', their relationship is quite awkward since she thinks she is marrying Cesario, who is also Sebastian's long lost sister. The unraveling of this twisted complication will surely be humorous, but regardless, I think in the end Olivia and Sebastian will ultimately end up together.
Lines 54-58 of Act 4, Scene 1 are particularly interesting to me. Sebastian says: "What relish is in this? How runs the stream? Or am I mad, or else this is a dream: Let fancy still my sense in Lethe steep; If it be thus to dream, still let me sleep!" This section falls right after Sebastian encounters Olivia and immediately, he reveals his thoughts on the situation. Even before Act 4, Scene 3, we know Sebastian will be, or at least wants to be with Olivia, despite barely knowing her.
In Act 4, Scene 2, line 83 is a great example of foreshadowing. Malvolio says, "Fool, there was never man so notoriously abused!" I believe this is a reference to how the audience, and perhaps even the characters in the play will think of or see Malvolio later. Throughout this scene, he is seen being taunted and laughed at, and I think this will garner an incredible amount of pity from both the audience and the characters at the end of the play.
One line I thought was very important in Scene 3 is Sebastian's "Where's Antonio then? I could not find him at the Elephant." This hints that something has happened to Antonio, and the fact that Sebastian mentions is means that it might come into play later in the play.
The other part I found striking was Olivia's speech at the end of the act. Her and Sebastian's marriage, and Sebastian and Viola's similarity in looks will surely lead to some wacky hijinks.
My first idea (4.1.54-58) was taken by Ross. It is another silly situation of instant love at first sight. Sebastian is also very clear he finds the situation odd (since he refers to being mad) but that if it is his imagination or a dream he hopes it is true, and that he can be Olivia's.
*SPOILER* In Act 4, Scene 2, Lines 63-68, Sir Toby alludes to his blossoming relationship with Maria. He speaks of being too in trouble with Olivia to "pursue with any safety this sport." Though the sport could be the attack on Malvolio, it can also refer to his pursuit of Maria. (Especially since it ends with Sir Toby summoning Maria to his chamber...)
Right after this Feste sings a little song, and his line "She [Olivia] loves another" obviously speaks to Olivia NOT loving Malvolio. However, I also see "another" alluding to the added twist of Sebastian instead of Viola in the love plot.
I, like Amalie was struck by Sebastian's line: "wheres Antonio then?" because it reminded me that Antonia was still out there, and most likely going to make another entrance. If Antonio is in love with Sebastian, there might be a big conflict when he finds Sebastian with a women. His reaction when he reappears may finally explain their unclear relationship.
Throughout Olivia's time with Sebastian she is dramatically proclaiming her love for him. The way their relationship is built up so much will make it even more uncomfortable when Olivia discovers her new lover is not who she thinks he is. Though she may choose to stay with him anyway, there will have to be some confusion when she realizes first, that she is not with the "man" she fell in love with, and second that the "man" she fell in love with is a woman. But, I agree with Grace that they will ultimately end up together. This means, that with Olivia completely unavailable, Orsino may finally be able to give up his obsession with her and focus it on someone else. With Sebastian in Illyria, Viola's secret will be out soon so that someone will probably be her.
Something that I found interesting was right at the beginning of Act 4, when Sebastian encounters Feste, Toby and Andrew. They mistake him for his sister because of his appearance, and yet there is a glaring difference between the twins that should be evident to the audience. While Viola jousts verbally with Feste and the knuckleheads, Sebastian is more than willing to fight it out, and not willing at all to put up with their tom-foolery. This is intriguing, because it plays right into gender stereotypes, despite the whole play being about mixing up genders. Hmmmm
I also agree with Ross' statement that the interactions with Malvolio in this scene set up the audience to feel awful about how they wanted Malvolio to be taunted. I find it interesting however, that it is Feste that seems to take the joke too far. It is as if he came into the prank late, but got so caught up in it that he can't, or won't stop. This goes against his role up to this point in the play, which was to quietly poke fun at people and then blend back into the scenery. Especially, if we assume that he is Shakespeare writing himself into the play, it makes one wonder why he goes so over the top with his meanness.
4.1.28-31 “Nay, let him alone, I’ll go another way to work with him. I’ll have an action of battery against him, if there be any Law in Illyria; though I struck him first, yet it’s no matter For that”
I generally just love the opening of Act 4. It gives the audience the comedic payoff they’ve been waiting for since they learned Viola and Sebastian were twins. Sebastian is absolutely confused by how all of these strange people are treating them, when they mistake him for Cesario. When I read this line, I though it was a perfect example of Sir Andrew. He believes he is completely capable of taking on Sebastian, when we know that, at heart, he’s only a coward. Although Shakespeare stops the action with Olivia’s entrance, I would have loved to witness the following duel.
4.3.9-15 “For though my soul disputes well with my sense That this may be some error, but no madness, Yet doth this accident and flood of fortune So far exceed all instance, all discourse, That I am ready to distrust mine eyes, And wrangle with my reason that persuades me To any other trust but that I am mad.”
I like this monologue of Sebastian’s a lot because it shows how happy he is to have Olivia. Even though his first introduction to the Countess’s court is a bit iffy, he has fallen in love with her, and is afraid that his luck is so great that it cannot be true. This is a very common feeling of love: the doubt that it could ever be so wonderful. I hope that when Olivia discovers his true identity that her feelings will be unchanged, because it is obvious that Sebastian really wants the opposite.”
What initially caught me attention was how, during Act IV, Scene 1, Sebastian and Sir Toby almost end up killing each other. Sebastian, after being taunted by Sir Toby reply with, "I will be free from thee. What wouldst thou now? If thou darest tempt me further, draw thy sword." If Toby had retorted one more time, and had Olivia not walked in, there could have been a serious showdown. This could have resulted in the death of either characters which would have altered the play completely. Its interesting to note how, one little thing, could completely alter the course of a play.
To me the back and forth commentary between Feste and Malvolio really caught me attention because of Malvolio standing out to me as angry and synical. Mid way through this dialect Molvolio says, "I say, this house is as dark as ignorance, though ignorance were as dark as hell..." This quote alone isn't as important to me as his general tone of this conversation. Malvolio, due to his depression and anger about the unreturned affection from Olivia, speaks and constantly references darkness, depression, and the devil. His darkness is quite startling and this attitude, in my opinion, is not close to his true self.
I liked Micheal's point and agree with it completely. I think that Sir Toby and crew should of recognized the difference immediately even though Sebastian and Viola have the same appearance. I think the fight scene between Sebastian and Sir Toby and crew tell us of the conflict that may erupt with when both Sebastian and Viola are in the scene together! (SPOILER)
I think that the joke played against Malvolio shows Feste's growth as a character and Malvolio's power loss. I think Feste grows from a neutral character to one that sticks to one group. I agree with Micheal's point again talking about how Feste came in too late and got into the joke too far. Malvolio for this matter has lost all power. Once a man of high status is now the joke of the house. I believe this signifies or tells that Malvolio is going to end up going crazy or just non-existent
Eric Slamovich This is what I think the resolution will be after reading Act 4, Scene 3, lines 22-33. Warning, I only know of what has been assigned for the readings so far. These lines will lead to a wedding between Olivia and Sebastian, however, Viola will arive on the scene and all emotions will be let loose. Viola will be in tears when she sees her brother who she thought was dead, and Olivia will be baffled because she realizes that there are two Cesarios. However, truthfully I think Sebastian will end up with Olivia because these lines really suprised me that Sebastian would fall in love for a woman so quickly. Most people don't fall in love this quickly unless they know they have deep feelings for the person, and I think as soon as Sebastian met eyes with Olivia, they were destined to become husband and wife. This is my opinion, once again, not knowing the conclusion of the Twelfth Night.
In Act 4 Scene 2, lines 63-68, I was very surprised that Sir Toby abandoned Feste, Maria, and Sir Andrew's plot of creating humiliation upon Malvolio. I never would have thought that Sir Toby would mature and cease playing childish jokes on Malvolio. Like Ten said, maybe Sir Toby is trying to impress Maria by his newborn manhood? Also, I think a lot of Sir Toby's foolish actions were caused by the influence of alcohol, and through these lines I think Shakespeare shows that the addiction to alcohol can be "cured" because by Sir Toby giving up on playing his jokes on Malvolio, he is also giving up on his need for alcohol.
Midway through Act 4 scene one while sir toby sir andrew and sebastian are all talking I feel as if Andrew gives a little away in lines 28-31. In just those few lines it seems as if he is angry, but yet as if he is giving away a little information. As well as as again you see the foolery in Sir Toby and Sir Andrew in which Sebastian is in a state of total confusion. It is a great way to open the act because it is not only hilarious, but also can be thought up as foreshadowing.
The Second part that caught my attention is what Michael and Ross previously talked about, but when Malvolio is talking with Feste he gives a little of himself up to everyone. " I am as well in my wits, fool, as thou art." Malvolio says. I love the way Shakespeare brings out a little information in characters as if it was in the emotion of the play or in the characters, but it surely was intentional. Its as if Malvolio got frustrated and spilled something he wasn't supposed to.
One of the lines that really stood out for me is line 100 by Feste, "Alas, sir, be patient. What say you, sir? I am shent for speaking to you." To me this seemed as the Feste, or Shakespeare, is telling the reader to be patient, and is being scolded for already saying too much. Because this follows a great banter between Feste and Malvolio in which they debate Malvolio's sanity and ultimate demise it is a great example of foreshadowing.
Also, in Sebastians monologue, I thought lines 9-13 are particularly interesting, "For though my soul disputes well with my sense That this may be some error, but no madness, Yet doth this accident and flood of fortune So far exceed all instance, all discourse, That I am ready to distrust mine eyes, And wrangle with my reason that persuades me"
Here Sebastian is saying that even though he knows that something's up, it isn't crazy. Because of the misunderstanding and his good luck he's ready to go forward and ignore his basic warnings and keep taking the good things that happen to him, such as Olivia forcing him into marriage. Were he more suspicious the switch between him and Viola would not be as effective.
It is clear that the whole first scene shows a glimpse of what is to come. This whole act is full of mistakes and confusions so that act five can clear everything and tie it neatly in a bow. The beginning of the act gives the audience exactly what it has been waiting for since the development that Sebastian is in fact alive and on in the same land as his twin sister.
I also agree with Amalie that Olivia's final speech in the act is very telling of what is to come not only for Sebastian and Olivia but for others as well.
Like Grace, I chose Act 4, Scene 2, Lines 121-122 for one of my moments. I agree with her that Malvolio will end up completely alone because even Feste has abandoned him. He has called him the devil and left him to whatever fate may befall him without caring a bit. I also believe that this signifies a change in Feste's character. The moment finally came when he had to choose sides either with Maria, Toby, and Andrew, or with Malvolio. He chose Maria's side, leaving Malvolio to rot in the cell alone, and showing the culmination of Feste's past non-involvement in most of Maria's silly, deceiving plans. He is no longer a bystander and a change like this in a character can only mean that some resolution is near.
Act 4, Scene 1, Lines 58-59, when Sebastian agrees to let Olivia lead him, also showed something to come with Sebastian and Olivia's relationship. She wants him to let her lead him and be "rul'd" by her. Not only is this showing the resolution that they will end up together, but I also think that it hints that their relationship will be a little non-traditional, especially for the age that this is supposed to be set in. Olivia has been a strong and independent woman since the deaths of her brother and father, and I think she wants to keep some of that strength, even if she plans to marry Sebastian and tie herself emotionally to another person. Sebastian agrees to her request, showing that they are both compatible and that they will be very happy together as a couple.
The scene between the Fool (as himself) and Malvolio is quite interesting as it reveals a new part of the plot against Malvolio and leads the audience to begin to side even more with the beliegured Malvolio. First, as Sir Topas, the fool makes Malvolio prehaps fear that he really is mad, in a saddening and not really funny experiance. Than, as himself, the fool eventually relents and decides to give a pen and paper to Malvolio and allow him to try and prove his sanity. This hints at the end of the little drama, and allows a way for the plot against Malvolio to end. Also, as the fool is sometimes Shakespeare putting himself into the play, that scene might have been Shakespeare showing that he is really an alright guy all things concerned.
I agree with the other posts that Olivia's final speech lets the audience know that everything is going to be alright in the end. It sets up the relationship between Sebastian, Olivia, and Viola, and will surely lead to hilarity in the next scenes of the play. Even though it may not be intuitive, nothing is funnier to an audience than a predictable joke that is funny and eventually comes to pass, like people will start laughing at a joke before they can even get to the punch-line.
First, the whirlwind wedding that is set up at the end of Act 4 scene 3 between Sebastian and Olivia is a great plot twist, but also shows the audience how Shakespeare plans to clear up the love triangle. With Olivia married to Sebastian, Viola and Orsino are free to marry each other, which we've been waiting for since Act 1. Yay!
With all that happens/doesn't happen in Act 4, Act 5 is all about big revelations and Malvolio's storyline is definitely one of them. Malvolio's been locked up and is out of the way, but he's also been pushed to the edge and has asked Feste for pen and paper. Considering how important the first letter was in Malvolio's story, the second will probably be no different.
Act four scene one (especially lines 54-57) documents the point in the play where Shakespeare begins to tie the loose ends of the story. Sebastian enters Illyria and immediately encounters Feste and the knuckleheads. They all mistake Sebastian for Cesario and a wild flurry of comedy begins (all the while Sebastian thinking that the town is mad): "I am mad, or else this is a dream...Still, let me sleep" (4.1.54-57). When Sebastian encounters Viola's friends, Shakespeare cleverly signals to the reader that Viola will eventually see her brother , thus ensuring a happy ending.
Act 4 Scene 2 is the funniest scene of the whole play. When Malvolia is locked in the dark room, Maria calls on Feste to quickly act as a priest who will perform an exorcism on the "possessed" Malvolio. Once again, Feste uses his quick wit and humor to play Sir Topas. When I read Feste's lines (24-25) I laughed out loud and was embarrassed when I realized that my entire free block was staring at me. However, I still think that this is the best scene in the play.
18 comments:
The last lines of Act 4 Scene 2 hint at Malvolio's destiny when Feste leaves him with a song that ends in the words "Adieu, goodman devil!" In the culmination of the song about Malvolio's craziness, rather than anyone helping him or reaching out to him to free him from his imprisonment, he is abandoned even by the fool. I think that this means he will never be welcomed with love by anyone, or at least not in the last Act of the play. Emotionally he will always be in the dark room in which he is trapped.
The last lines of Act 4 Scene 3 then hint at Olivia and Sebastian's future. In Sebastian's words "I'll follow this good man, and go with you, and having sworn truth, ever will be true." he promises his faith to Olivia, and in her following words "Then lead the way, good father, and heavens so shine, that they may fairly note this act of mine!" she also commits herself to him and prays for good fortune. While these lines make me believe initially, and most probably since the play is almost done, that the two will live 'happily ever after', their relationship is quite awkward since she thinks she is marrying Cesario, who is also Sebastian's long lost sister. The unraveling of this twisted complication will surely be humorous, but regardless, I think in the end Olivia and Sebastian will ultimately end up together.
Lines 54-58 of Act 4, Scene 1 are particularly interesting to me. Sebastian says:
"What relish is in this? How runs the stream? Or am I mad, or else this is a dream: Let fancy still my sense in Lethe steep; If it be
thus to dream, still let me sleep!"
This section falls right after Sebastian encounters Olivia and immediately, he reveals his thoughts on the situation. Even before Act 4, Scene 3, we know Sebastian will be, or at least wants to be with Olivia, despite barely knowing her.
In Act 4, Scene 2, line 83 is a great example of foreshadowing. Malvolio says, "Fool, there was never man so notoriously abused!" I believe this is a reference to how the audience, and perhaps even the characters in the play will think of or see Malvolio later. Throughout this scene, he is seen being taunted and laughed at, and I think this will garner an incredible amount of pity from both the audience and the characters at the end of the play.
One line I thought was very important in Scene 3 is Sebastian's "Where's Antonio then? I could not find him at the Elephant." This hints that something has happened to Antonio, and the fact that Sebastian mentions is means that it might come into play later in the play.
The other part I found striking was Olivia's speech at the end of the act. Her and Sebastian's marriage, and Sebastian and Viola's similarity in looks will surely lead to some wacky hijinks.
My first idea (4.1.54-58) was taken by Ross. It is another silly situation of instant love at first sight. Sebastian is also very clear he finds the situation odd (since he refers to being mad) but that if it is his imagination or a dream he hopes it is true, and that he can be Olivia's.
*SPOILER*
In Act 4, Scene 2, Lines 63-68, Sir Toby alludes to his blossoming relationship with Maria. He speaks of being too in trouble with Olivia to "pursue with any safety this sport." Though the sport could be the attack on Malvolio, it can also refer to his pursuit of Maria. (Especially since it ends with Sir Toby summoning Maria to his chamber...)
Right after this Feste sings a little song, and his line "She [Olivia] loves another" obviously speaks to Olivia NOT loving Malvolio. However, I also see "another" alluding to the added twist of Sebastian instead of Viola in the love plot.
I, like Amalie was struck by Sebastian's line: "wheres Antonio then?" because it reminded me that Antonia was still out there, and most likely going to make another entrance. If Antonio is in love with Sebastian, there might be a big conflict when he finds Sebastian with a women. His reaction when he reappears may finally explain their unclear relationship.
Throughout Olivia's time with Sebastian she is dramatically proclaiming her love for him. The way their relationship is built up so much will make it even more uncomfortable when Olivia discovers her new lover is not who she thinks he is. Though she may choose to stay with him anyway, there will have to be some confusion when she realizes first, that she is not with the "man" she fell in love with, and second that the "man" she fell in love with is a woman. But, I agree with Grace that they will ultimately end up together. This means, that with Olivia completely unavailable, Orsino may finally be able to give up his obsession with her and focus it on someone else. With Sebastian in Illyria, Viola's secret will be out soon so that someone will probably be her.
Something that I found interesting was right at the beginning of Act 4, when Sebastian encounters Feste, Toby and Andrew. They mistake him for his sister because of his appearance, and yet there is a glaring difference between the twins that should be evident to the audience. While Viola jousts verbally with Feste and the knuckleheads, Sebastian is more than willing to fight it out, and not willing at all to put up with their tom-foolery. This is intriguing, because it plays right into gender stereotypes, despite the whole play being about mixing up genders. Hmmmm
I also agree with Ross' statement that the interactions with Malvolio in this scene set up the audience to feel awful about how they wanted Malvolio to be taunted. I find it interesting however, that it is Feste that seems to take the joke too far. It is as if he came into the prank late, but got so caught up in it that he can't, or won't stop. This goes against his role up to this point in the play, which was to quietly poke fun at people and then blend back into the scenery. Especially, if we assume that he is Shakespeare writing himself into the play, it makes one wonder why he goes so over the top with his meanness.
4.1.28-31
“Nay, let him alone, I’ll go another way to work with him.
I’ll have an action of battery against him, if there be any
Law in Illyria; though I struck him first, yet it’s no matter
For that”
I generally just love the opening of Act 4. It gives the audience the comedic payoff they’ve been waiting for since they learned Viola and Sebastian were twins. Sebastian is absolutely confused by how all of these strange people are treating them, when they mistake him for Cesario. When I read this line, I though it was a perfect example of Sir Andrew. He believes he is completely capable of taking on Sebastian, when we know that, at heart, he’s only a coward. Although Shakespeare stops the action with Olivia’s entrance, I would have loved to witness the following duel.
4.3.9-15
“For though my soul disputes well with my sense
That this may be some error, but no madness,
Yet doth this accident and flood of fortune
So far exceed all instance, all discourse,
That I am ready to distrust mine eyes,
And wrangle with my reason that persuades me
To any other trust but that I am mad.”
I like this monologue of Sebastian’s a lot because it shows how happy he is to have Olivia. Even though his first introduction to the Countess’s court is a bit iffy, he has fallen in love with her, and is afraid that his luck is so great that it cannot be true. This is a very common feeling of love: the doubt that it could ever be so wonderful. I hope that when Olivia discovers his true identity that her feelings will be unchanged, because it is obvious that Sebastian really wants the opposite.”
What initially caught me attention was how, during Act IV, Scene 1, Sebastian and Sir Toby almost end up killing each other. Sebastian, after being taunted by Sir Toby reply with,
"I will be free from thee. What wouldst thou now? If
thou darest tempt me further, draw thy sword."
If Toby had retorted one more time, and had Olivia not walked in, there could have been a serious showdown. This could have resulted in the death of either characters which would have altered the play completely. Its interesting to note how, one little thing, could completely alter the course of a play.
To me the back and forth commentary between Feste and Malvolio really caught me attention because of Malvolio standing out to me as angry and synical. Mid way through this dialect Molvolio says,
"I say, this house is as dark as ignorance, though
ignorance were as dark as hell..."
This quote alone isn't as important to me as his general tone of this conversation. Malvolio, due to his depression and anger about the unreturned affection from Olivia, speaks and constantly references darkness, depression, and the devil. His darkness is quite startling and this attitude, in my opinion, is not close to his true self.
I liked Micheal's point and agree with it completely. I think that Sir Toby and crew should of recognized the difference immediately even though Sebastian and Viola have the same appearance. I think the fight scene between Sebastian and Sir Toby and crew tell us of the conflict that may erupt with when both Sebastian and Viola are in the scene together! (SPOILER)
I think that the joke played against Malvolio shows Feste's growth as a character and Malvolio's power loss. I think Feste grows from a neutral character to one that sticks to one group. I agree with Micheal's point again talking about how Feste came in too late and got into the joke too far. Malvolio for this matter has lost all power. Once a man of high status is now the joke of the house. I believe this signifies or tells that Malvolio is going to end up going crazy or just non-existent
Eric Slamovich
This is what I think the resolution will be after reading Act 4, Scene 3, lines 22-33. Warning, I only know of what has been assigned for the readings so far. These lines will lead to a wedding between Olivia and Sebastian, however, Viola will arive on the scene and all emotions will be let loose. Viola will be in tears when she sees her brother who she thought was dead, and Olivia will be baffled because she realizes that there are two Cesarios. However, truthfully I think Sebastian will end up with Olivia because these lines really suprised me that Sebastian would fall in love for a woman so quickly. Most people don't fall in love this quickly unless they know they have deep feelings for the person, and I think as soon as Sebastian met eyes with Olivia, they were destined to become husband and wife. This is my opinion, once again, not knowing the conclusion of the Twelfth Night.
In Act 4 Scene 2, lines 63-68, I was very surprised that Sir Toby abandoned Feste, Maria, and Sir Andrew's plot of creating humiliation upon Malvolio. I never would have thought that Sir Toby would mature and cease playing childish jokes on Malvolio. Like Ten said, maybe Sir Toby is trying to impress Maria by his newborn manhood? Also, I think a lot of Sir Toby's foolish actions were caused by the influence of alcohol, and through these lines I think Shakespeare shows that the addiction to alcohol can be "cured" because by Sir Toby giving up on playing his jokes on Malvolio, he is also giving up on his need for alcohol.
Midway through Act 4 scene one while sir toby sir andrew and sebastian are all talking I feel as if Andrew gives a little away in lines 28-31. In just those few lines it seems as if he is angry, but yet as if he is giving away a little information. As well as as again you see the foolery in Sir Toby and Sir Andrew in which Sebastian is in a state of total confusion. It is a great way to open the act because it is not only hilarious, but also can be thought up as foreshadowing.
The Second part that caught my attention is what Michael and Ross previously talked about, but when Malvolio is talking with Feste he gives a little of himself up to everyone. " I am as well in my wits, fool, as thou art." Malvolio says. I love the way Shakespeare brings out a little information in characters as if it was in the emotion of the play or in the characters, but it surely was intentional. Its as if Malvolio got frustrated and spilled something he wasn't supposed to.
.
One of the lines that really stood out for me is line 100 by Feste, "Alas, sir, be patient. What say you, sir? I am shent for speaking to you." To me this seemed as the Feste, or Shakespeare, is telling the reader to be patient, and is being scolded for already saying too much. Because this follows a great banter between Feste and Malvolio in which they debate Malvolio's sanity and ultimate demise it is a great example of foreshadowing.
Also, in Sebastians monologue, I thought lines 9-13 are particularly interesting,
"For though my soul disputes well with my sense
That this may be some error, but no madness,
Yet doth this accident and flood of fortune
So far exceed all instance, all discourse,
That I am ready to distrust mine eyes,
And wrangle with my reason that persuades me"
Here Sebastian is saying that even though he knows that something's up, it isn't crazy. Because of the misunderstanding and his good luck he's ready to go forward and ignore his basic warnings and keep taking the good things that happen to him, such as Olivia forcing him into marriage. Were he more suspicious the switch between him and Viola would not be as effective.
It is clear that the whole first scene shows a glimpse of what is to come. This whole act is full of mistakes and confusions so that act five can clear everything and tie it neatly in a bow. The beginning of the act gives the audience exactly what it has been waiting for since the development that Sebastian is in fact alive and on in the same land as his twin sister.
I also agree with Amalie that Olivia's final speech in the act is very telling of what is to come not only for Sebastian and Olivia but for others as well.
Like Grace, I chose Act 4, Scene 2, Lines 121-122 for one of my moments. I agree with her that Malvolio will end up completely alone because even Feste has abandoned him. He has called him the devil and left him to whatever fate may befall him without caring a bit. I also believe that this signifies a change in Feste's character. The moment finally came when he had to choose sides either with Maria, Toby, and Andrew, or with Malvolio. He chose Maria's side, leaving Malvolio to rot in the cell alone, and showing the culmination of Feste's past non-involvement in most of Maria's silly, deceiving plans. He is no longer a bystander and a change like this in a character can only mean that some resolution is near.
Act 4, Scene 1, Lines 58-59, when Sebastian agrees to let Olivia lead him, also showed something to come with Sebastian and Olivia's relationship. She wants him to let her lead him and be "rul'd" by her. Not only is this showing the resolution that they will end up together, but I also think that it hints that their relationship will be a little non-traditional, especially for the age that this is supposed to be set in. Olivia has been a strong and independent woman since the deaths of her brother and father, and I think she wants to keep some of that strength, even if she plans to marry Sebastian and tie herself emotionally to another person. Sebastian agrees to her request, showing that they are both compatible and that they will be very happy together as a couple.
Daniel
The scene between the Fool (as himself) and Malvolio is quite interesting as it reveals a new part of the plot against Malvolio and leads the audience to begin to side even more with the beliegured Malvolio. First, as Sir Topas, the fool makes Malvolio prehaps fear that he really is mad, in a saddening and not really funny experiance. Than, as himself, the fool eventually relents and decides to give a pen and paper to Malvolio and allow him to try and prove his sanity. This hints at the end of the little drama, and allows a way for the plot against Malvolio to end. Also, as the fool is sometimes Shakespeare putting himself into the play, that scene might have been Shakespeare showing that he is really an alright guy all things concerned.
I agree with the other posts that Olivia's final speech lets the audience know that everything is going to be alright in the end. It sets up the relationship between Sebastian, Olivia, and Viola, and will surely lead to hilarity in the next scenes of the play. Even though it may not be intuitive, nothing is funnier to an audience than a predictable joke that is funny and eventually comes to pass, like people will start laughing at a joke before they can even get to the punch-line.
First, the whirlwind wedding that is set up at the end of Act 4 scene 3 between Sebastian and Olivia is a great plot twist, but also shows the audience how Shakespeare plans to clear up the love triangle. With Olivia married to Sebastian, Viola and Orsino are free to marry each other, which we've been waiting for since Act 1. Yay!
With all that happens/doesn't happen in Act 4, Act 5 is all about big revelations and Malvolio's storyline is definitely one of them. Malvolio's been locked up and is out of the way, but he's also been pushed to the edge and has asked Feste for pen and paper. Considering how important the first letter was in Malvolio's story, the second will probably be no different.
Act four scene one (especially lines 54-57) documents the point in the play where Shakespeare begins to tie the loose ends of the story. Sebastian enters Illyria and immediately encounters Feste and the knuckleheads. They all mistake Sebastian for Cesario and a wild flurry of comedy begins (all the while Sebastian thinking that the town is mad): "I am mad, or else this is a dream...Still, let me sleep" (4.1.54-57). When Sebastian encounters Viola's friends, Shakespeare cleverly signals to the reader that Viola will eventually see her brother , thus ensuring a happy ending.
Act 4 Scene 2 is the funniest scene of the whole play. When Malvolia is locked in the dark room, Maria calls on Feste to quickly act as a priest who will perform an exorcism on the "possessed" Malvolio. Once again, Feste uses his quick wit and humor to play Sir Topas. When I read Feste's lines (24-25) I laughed out loud and was embarrassed when I realized that my entire free block was staring at me. However, I still think that this is the best scene in the play.
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