Which set of lines from act I, scene V, of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night is a plea to Olivia to come out of mourning, get married,

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Which set of lines from act I, scene V, of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night is a plea to Olivia to come out of mourning, get married,

and have children? VIOLA: 'Tis beauty truly blent, whose red and white Nature's own sweet and cunning hand laid on: Lady, you are the cruel'st she alive, If you will lead these graces to the grave, And leave the world no copy. … I see you what you are: you are too proud; But, if you were the devil, you are fair. My lord and master loves you. O, such love Could be but recompens'd though you were crown'd The nonpareil of beauty!

English

1 answer:

Bond [7.5K] · Answer 1 · 2026-04-05T22:16:15+03:00

The correct choice is set number 1:

"VIOLA: 'Tis beauty truly blended, with red and white

Crafted by nature’s own sweet and cunning hand.

Lady, you are the most cruel one alive

If you permit these graces to fade away

And leave the world without a replica."

In this, Viola implores Olivia by expressing how unkind it would be to allow her beauty to die out without passing it on to future generations. Hence, Viola encourages Olivia to marry and bear children, ideally with her lord and master.