In Twelfth Night, which reason is given for Olivia's self-imposed seclusion?

• A. Her fear of crowds
• B. Her desire to retire to a convent
• C. Her plan to marry Sir Toby
• D. Her mourning for her brother

Answer: (D)

Grief and social etiquette drive Olivia’s behavior. In the opening of the play, she has just suffered the death of her brother and chooses to observe a strict period of mourning. That means she withdraws from society, wears mourning attire, and refuses to entertain visitors or enter into new social or romantic engagements. This self-imposed seclusion is not about fear, nor a plan to retire to a convent, and it certainly isn’t a setup to marry someone like Sir Toby. The mourning explains why she isolates herself and initially resists Orsino’s courtiers and any suitors.