Question

Antonio : O! If you but knew how you the purpose cherish Whiles thus you mock it, how in stripping it You more invest it, ebbing men, indeed, Most often do so near the bottom run By their own fear of sloth.

Sebastian : Prithee, say on. The setting of thine eye and cheek proclaim A matter from thee, and a birth, indeed, Which throes thee much to yield.

(i) Which ‘purpose” does Antonio refer lo? Where are Antonio and Sebastian at the present moment? 

(ii) How had Antonio mocked the “purpose” he cherished? What is implied by “stripping il” and “invest it”? 

(iii) What does Sebastian request Antonio to “say on”? 

(iv) How does Sebastian conclude thai Antonio has much to convey? 

(v) About whom does Antonio speak just after Sebastian ‘,s speech? What is his purpose in talking about him?

Answer 1

(i) Here, the desire of Sebastian is referred to by Antonio who wants to be the King of Naples. Antonio and Sebastian are presently at another part of the island. 

(ii) By pretending as if he was talking in sleep, Antonio mocked the “purpose” he cherished. The two phrases mean that the more you put it off, the greater the importance you give to it. 

(iii) Sebastian requests Antonio to “say on” the desire he had in his heart. 

(iv) By reading the expressions on Antonio’s face, Sebastian concludes that he has much to convey. 

(v) After Sebastian’s speech, Antonio speaks about Francisco’s effort to convince Alonso that Ferdinand was dead fighting against the tempestuous waves.

The purpose in talking about the death of Ferdinand is that Sebastian should think seriously about becoming the King of Naples.