After reading Act 1 & 2 of Tempest, give VERY BRIEF answers to each of the following, for Act 1.
ACT I
- Why is it significant that the play begins with a storm at sea?
- Why does Miranda have such immediate empathy for the men in the ship? Since we learn that she has lived on a deserted island with her father since childhood, where would she have learned these ideas of pity and mercy?
- Why is she so merciful towards the shipwreck victims but has only contempt and hatred for Caliban? Where and how would she have gotten her ideas?
- What does it mean that Prospero has to take off his robe, his “magic garment,” before he can tell Miranda about her history?
- Think about how you might tell your own child or a close friend the story of your past. How would you tend to characterize yourself and your actions in your story? What about Prospero’s story? Does he take any responsibility for what happened to him? Should he?
- What crimes does Antonio, Prospero’s brother, commit? What motivates him? For which crimes is he most responsible? How do you judge him?
- In Prospero’s questioning of Ariel, we learn that the storm is part of Prospero’s design. Does he want to punish the conspirators or lead them to repentance?
- Ariel was imprisoned by Sycorax. Why? How does the physical description of Sycorax compare to your impressions of Ariel?
- What connection does Shakespeare establish between outward appearance and inner spirit? Do you think this is true? Why or why not?
- What is your reaction to Prospero’s treatment of Caliban? Does Caliban have a legitimate complaint against Prospero? Why does Prospero keep Caliban as his servant even when he despises him? Why do you think Caliban attempted to “violate the honor” of Miranda? Did he or is this the way his acts were interpreted by Prospero and Miranda?
- Prospero is happy that when Miranda first sees Ferdinand she is immediately captivated by his appearance? Why? What is his plan?
- Ferdinand and Miranda fall in love at first sight; Prospero says, “They have changed eyes.” Why does this seem feasible, given the emotional state of the two young people?
The Tempest, Act 1, scene 1 | The Folger SHAKESPEARE
