| tempest_revision.docx |
| tempest-studyguide.pdf |
| study_pack_-_the_tempest.doc |
Act One
Scene 1
1. In the storm, what is the particular danger to the ship?
2. Why do Alonso and Antonio want to speak to the ship's master?
3. What does the boatswain try to do to save the ship?
4. Why do Sebastian and Antonio speak so aggressively to the boatswain?
5. What is Gonzalo's attitude to what is going on?
6. What seems to be the fate of the ship and those on board at the end of the scene?
Scene 2
Closer Study
Scene 1
1. In the storm, what is the particular danger to the ship?
2. Why do Alonso and Antonio want to speak to the ship's master?
3. What does the boatswain try to do to save the ship?
4. Why do Sebastian and Antonio speak so aggressively to the boatswain?
5. What is Gonzalo's attitude to what is going on?
6. What seems to be the fate of the ship and those on board at the end of the scene?
Scene 2
- What is Miranda's concern at the beginning of the scene?
- Why does Prospero take off his magician's gown?
- How does Prospero explain his assertion that everyone on the ship is safe?
- How old was Miranda when her father was deposed as Duke of Milan?
- How much does she claim to remember?
- Why did Prospero leave so much power in his brother's hands?
- What made Antonio conspire with the King of Naples?
- Why did Antonio not simply have Miranda and Prospero killed?
- What role did Gonzalo have and how did he show compassion?
- Ariel is an unwilling but obedient servant to Prospero. Why?
- Why is Caliban's resentment to serve Prospero so strong?
- Why do Prospero and Miranda use such viscious name calling when speaking to Caliban?
- How is it that Ferdinand and Miranda fall in love so instantly?
- What makes Prospers turn agains Ferdinand?
Closer Study
- Prospero is absolute ruler on the island - in many ways more powerful than he was in Milan. In what ways does he 'manage' Ariel, Caliban and Miranda?
- Why does Prospero choose this moment, after twelve years of silence, to unburden himself of the story of his and Miranda's past?
- Prospero's special knoweldge of books and magic has given him power. Why has Caliban's special knowledge about the island not done the same for him? How has he reacted to the loss of his secrets
- Do you think Prospers has used his power well, or can you find aspects to criticise?
