The Tempest Questions on Prospero
The Tempest
The Tempest as a play within a play and an example of metatheatre
The Tempest is considered a play within a play and an example of metatheatre because it features a self-referential structure where characters are aware of their roles in a story. Prospero, the main...
The Tempest
The comedic elements in The Tempest
The comedic elements in The Tempest include the humorous interactions between the characters Trinculo, Stephano, and Caliban. Their drunken antics, misunderstandings, and plans to overthrow Prospero...
The Tempest
Prospero and Ariel's Relationship in The Tempest
In The Tempest, Prospero and Ariel's relationship is complex, reflecting a master-servant dynamic rooted in gratitude and obligation. Prospero freed Ariel from imprisonment by the witch Sycorax,...
The Tempest
Exploration and resolution of conflicts in The Tempest
In The Tempest, conflicts are explored through themes of power, betrayal, and forgiveness. Prospero's struggle to reclaim his dukedom and seek revenge on his usurping brother, Antonio, is central....
The Tempest
What is the significance of the chess game in The Tempest?
The chess game in The Tempest signifies several key elements. It reveals to Alonso that his son Ferdinand is alive and in love with Miranda, who reciprocates his feelings. Additionally, the scene...
The Tempest
The circumstances leading to Prospero's exile in The Tempest
Prospero's exile in The Tempest was caused by his brother Antonio's betrayal. Antonio usurped Prospero's position as Duke of Milan, forcing Prospero and his daughter, Miranda, to flee. They ended up...
The Tempest
Describe the hardships and joys of characters in The Tempest on the deserted island.
In The Tempest, Prospero's hardship is losing his kingdom and being isolated, but he finds joy in ruling the island, practicing magic, and his relationship with Miranda. Miranda's hardship is...
The Tempest
How does Shakespeare explore betrayal in The Tempest?
Shakespeare explores betrayal in The Tempest through various characters and plot events. Prospero is betrayed by his brother Antonio, leading him to seek revenge and reclaim his dukedom. Caliban...
The Tempest
How does Prospero's character in The Tempest differ as a duke, father, and magician?
Prospero's character in "The Tempest" varies significantly across his roles as duke, father, and magician. As Duke of Milan, he neglects his duties for his studies, leading to his downfall. As a...
The Tempest
Why does Prospero reply "Tis new to thee" to Miranda's comment about mankind in The Tempest?
Prospero's reply "'Tis new to thee" reflects Miranda's youthful naivety and limited experience with humanity. She marvels at the "goodly creatures," contrasting them with the only other "shapes"...
The Tempest
What events prompt Prospero to share his past with Miranda?
Prospero shares his past with Miranda after she witnesses the shipwreck caused by his magic and urges him to ensure no harm comes to the crew. This prompts Miranda to inquire about Prospero's...
The Tempest
How does The Tempest display elements of Romanticism and Realism?
The Tempest displays elements of Romanticism through its use of the supernatural, particularly Prospero's magic and Ariel's enchantments, which drive the plot. Realism is evident in the psychological...
The Tempest
Who is the owner of the island in The Tempest?
Prospero believes that he owns the island in The Tempest. However, there's a moral basis for saying that it rightfully belongs to Caliban because he lived on the island before Prospero arrived.
The Tempest
How is The Tempest relevant to modern life?
The Tempest remains relevant to modern life through its exploration of themes like colonialism, power struggles, revenge, and love. Prospero's control over Caliban mirrors colonial dynamics, while...
The Tempest
Prospero's Renunciation of Magic in The Tempest
In The Tempest, Prospero decides to renounce his magical powers as his plans come to fruition, including reconciling with his brother and ensuring his daughter Miranda's future. Recognizing that his...
The Tempest
In The Tempest, which characters are overpunished or underpunished?
In The Tempest one could argue that a character who's punished too harshly would be Caliban. He's treated like a slave by Prospero despite the fact that it's his, island. Caliban has misbehaved, but...
The Tempest
What did Prospero do with his magical books and wand in The Tempest?
In The Tempest, Prospero relinquishes his magical powers by breaking his staff and burying it deep underground. He also plans to drown his books of magic in the ocean, symbolizing his decision to...
The Tempest
What is the history of Miranda and Prospero in The Tempest and how did they end up on the island?
Prospero and Miranda ended up on the island after Prospero, once the Duke of Milan, was usurped by his brother Antonio with the help of the King of Naples. Unable to kill Prospero due to his...
The Tempest
How is masculinity presented in The Tempest?
Shakespeare's play "The Tempest" is an exploration of the themes of power and control. Prospero, the exiled duke of Milan and master magician, controls the island on which most of the action in the...
The Tempest
What does Prospero say in the epilogue of The Tempest?
In the epilogue, Prospero addresses the audience directly, acknowledging his magical powers have ended and asking for their applause and praise to "set him free." This breaks the fourth wall,...
The Tempest
In The Tempest, what are Prospero's strengths and weaknesses?
In The Tempest, Prospero's strengths include his powerful magic and deep love for his daughter, Miranda. His weaknesses are his hubris and drive for power and revenge, which lead him to treat others...
The Tempest
What symbols best represent each character in The Tempest?
To find a symbol for each character, think of their dominant trait and what object might represent it. For example, Prospero's dominant trait is his authority over the island, so you might represent...
The Tempest
How would you describe the trust Prospero had for Antonio in The Tempest?
Prospero's trust in Antonio was profound and ultimately led to his downfall. As Duke of Milan, Prospero entrusted Antonio with significant responsibilities, which led Antonio to believe he should be...
The Tempest
How is Prospero an unsuccessful and deceiving father in Shakespeare's The Tempest?
Prospero is deceitful in his behavior towards Miranda, even hiding her origins from her until he is about to manipulate her into a marriage that will serve his own purposes. However, given Prospero's...
The Tempest
What does Prospero request at the end of The Tempest?
At the end of Shakespeare's play The Tempest, Prospero asks the audience for applause to carry him home to Milan and for prayers that God may forgive his sins.
The Tempest
Who are the three groups Prospero divides the shipwrecked people into in "The Tempest"? How does the island...
Prospero divides the people shipwrecked on the island into three groups.
The Tempest
Why is Prospero pleased to see Miranda and Ferdinand growing close?
Prospero is pleased to see Miranda and Ferdinand grow close because their union aligns with his plans. Ferdinand, being the son of the King of Naples, offers a political alliance that can help...
The Tempest
Is Prospero justified in creating circumstances that evoke Alonso's Act 5 wish?
Prospero is justified in creating circumstances that evoke Alonso's Act 5 wish, as Alonso was complicit in Antonio's plot to usurp Prospero's throne, which endangered Prospero and Miranda's lives....
The Tempest
How is Prospero a "Renaissance Man" in The Tempest?
Prospero in The Tempest exemplifies a "Renaissance Man" by embodying diverse knowledge and skills, akin to figures like Leonardo Da Vinci. As both a statesman and a magician, he deftly manipulates...
The Tempest
What does Prospero say about his love for study and books in The Tempest?
Prospero values his books highly, initially prioritizing them over his duties, which contributed to his downfall as Duke of Milan. His love for books is so profound that Gonzalo ensured Prospero...
The Tempest
Prospero as a symbolic representation of the playwright in The Tempest
Prospero symbolizes the playwright in The Tempest by controlling the narrative and orchestrating events on the island, much like a playwright directs a play. His manipulation of other characters and...
The Tempest
What are some significant quotes between Prospero and Caliban in The Tempest?
Significant quotes between Prospero and Caliban in "The Tempest" highlight their complex relationship. Prospero accuses Caliban's lineage of being evil, while Caliban recalls Prospero's initial...
The Tempest
How does Prospero's attitude towards Caliban change from Act 1, Scene 2 to Act 5, Scene 1?
Prospero's attitude towards Caliban shifts from intense loathing in Act 1, Scene 2, where he threatens him with physical torment, to a more conciliatory tone in Act 5, Scene 1. Initially, Prospero...
The Tempest
What happened to Alonso's and the other ships in "The Tempest"?
In "The Tempest," Alonso's and the other ships initially appear to be destroyed in the storm conjured by Prospero. Miranda believes the ship has been dashed to pieces. However, by the play's end,...
The Tempest
In The Tempest, why is Prospero angry at Miranda for helping Ferdinand with the logs?
Prospero appears angry at Miranda for helping Ferdinand with the logs because he wants to test the sincerity of their love. Although he has previously warned Miranda that Ferdinand is a "traitor," he...
The Tempest
Who helped Prospero and Miranda flee Italy?
In The Tempest, Gonzalo helped Prospero and Miranda when they were banished from Italy and set adrift in the ocean. He provided them with food, water, magic books, and other items that increased...
The Tempest
Is what happened to Prospero in The Tempest his own fault?
To answer whether Prospero's fate in The Tempest was or was not his fault, it is important to recall the details of the usurpation and exile. On the one hand, there is little in Prospero's account to...
The Tempest
In Shakespeare's The Tempest, who is more appropriate to deliver lines 351-362, Miranda or Prospero, and what's the...
In general, it's a good idea to stick with the Folio attribution of the speech to Prospero, but one could make a case for either speaker depending on how one wishes to emphasize Miranda's character.
The Tempest
What does the quote "go charge my goblins that they grind their joints" mean in The Tempest?
The quote "go charge my goblins that they grind their joints" from The Tempest refers to Prospero instructing Ariel to send spirits to torment Caliban, Trinculo, and Stefano with painful cramps and...
The Tempest
What are the functions of Prospero's long speeches in Act 1, Scene 2 of The Tempest?
Prospero's long speeches in Act 1, Scene 2 serve primarily to provide narrative exposition, revealing his past and the events leading to his and Miranda's presence on the island. They detail his...
The Tempest
Prospero's reward for Ferdinand's hard labor in The Tempest
Prospero's reward for Ferdinand's hard labor is his daughter, Miranda's hand in marriage. By testing Ferdinand's character and resilience through hard labor, Prospero ensures Ferdinand is worthy of...
The Tempest
What does Ariel reveal about the storm, the ship, the sailors, and the King and his followers in The Tempest?
Ariel reveals to Prospero that he has successfully executed a supernatural storm to shipwreck the vessel carrying the king and Antonio. Ariel reports that all passengers safely reached the island,...
The Tempest
Why was Prospero interested in Ferdinand and Miranda's conversation in The Tempest?
Prospero is interested in Ferdinand and Miranda's conversation to ensure their romantic connection, which he orchestrates as part of his plan for revenge against Ferdinand's father, Alonso. By...
The Tempest
How does Prospero ensure Gonzalo and the King of Naples' safety in The Tempest?
Prospero ensures the safety of Gonzalo and the King of Naples by using Ariel's magic to protect them from Antonio and Sebastian's murderous plots. When Antonio and Sebastian attempt to kill them in...
The Tempest
In The Tempest, what is Prospero's title and how did he lose it?
Prospero's title is the Duke of Milan, which he lost due to his preoccupation with studying magic. In The Tempest, he reveals to his daughter, Miranda, that he entrusted the management of his estate...
The Tempest
How does Prospero bring the mariners to the island in The Tempest?
Prospero brings the mariners to the island by using his magical powers through the spirit Ariel to create a storm, or tempest, that shipwrecks them. In Act I, Scene II of The Tempest, it is revealed...
The Tempest
How does Miranda's view of the courtiers differ from her father's in The Tempest?
Miranda views the courtiers with amazement and delight, seeing them as beautiful and noble due to her innocence and lack of exposure to other humans. In contrast, Prospero, who has experienced...
The Tempest
What is Prospero's warning to Ferdinand at the start of Act 4 in The Tempest?
At the start of Act 4, Prospero warns Ferdinand not to have sex with Miranda before marriage. Prospero is pleased with Ferdinand's conduct and is willing to let them marry, but he cautions that...
The Tempest
Why is Ariel indebted to Prospero?
In The Tempest, Ariel is indebted to Prospero because Prospero used his magic to free Ariel from a cloven pine when he arrived on the island. The witch Sycorax imprisoned Ariel before she died, and...
The Tempest
Who plots to kill Prospero in The Tempest?
Caliban, Stephano, and Trinculo get drunk and plot to kill Prospero in act 3, scene 2, of The Tempest. They plan to kill Prospero in his sleep, steal his magic books, and then make Stephano king in...