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WAEC SSCE - Literature In English - 1999 (Objective)

Question 1 Report

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE: Twelfth Night
Read the extract below and answer the question

I have said too much unto a heart of stone,
And laid my honour too unchary on 't;
There's something in me that reproves my fault,
But such a headstrong potent fault it is
That it but mocks reproof.
(Acts iii, Scene 4)

The ''Headstrong potent fault'' is
Answer Details
The "headstrong potent fault" referred to in this passage is the speaker's strong and uncontrollable feelings of love for someone who does not feel the same way. They regret having expressed their feelings because the object of their affection is unresponsive and indifferent, leading them to feel foolish and regretful. Despite recognizing their fault in being too open with someone who doesn't care, they feel powerless to change their feelings, and so their love "mocks reproof." Therefore, falling in love is the option that best fits the description of the "headstrong potent fault" in this passage.
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