THE TEMPEST: ACT ONE

1. THE TEMPEST: ACT ONE

2. ACT ONE QUIZ- OHHH YEAAA!!!!! • What is the name of the King of Naples’ brother? • What name or description does Prospero give his magic? • What title did Prospero have before he was forced onto the island? • What was the name of the character that usurped his position and forced him onto the island? • Why did put Prospero on a boat instead of killing him? • What is the name of Prospero’s spirit-like servant that helped cause the boat crash? • What does this spirit-like servant ask in return for his hard work? • What is the name of the witch that imprisoned the spirit servant? • Who is the only character on the island that was born there? • What does Caliban mean when he tells Prospero “Which first was mine own king; and here you sty me in this hard rock, whiles you keep from me the rest o’ the island”? • Prospero points out that he was not always angry with Caliban. What action changed their relationship? • What does Caliban claim is the only profit to learning language? • What is the name of Caliban’s god? • What title does Ferdinand hold? • Why does Prospero imprison Ferdinand?

3. Scene 1 • The Tempest • Storms are archetypical symbols of confusion, struggle, and passion • This storm is all three • The confusion and fear of the sailors • The character traits that emerges during a struggle • Representation of Prospero’s anger • This storm guides the boat into Prospero’s staging area for his master plan of justice and vengeance • Fitting that the area is an isolated island

4. Islands • This is the third story we have read where an inescapable event has caused people to arrive on island where their character is tested. • Note how the story’s meaning will change based upon who is in control of the island • The leader of an island in literature is essentially the god of the island- it is impossible to escape their power and they set the values and standards of the island • Zaroff- builds an island based around hunting, placing himself inside a large manor • Jack- builds a society around warriors, develops castle defense and promotes hunting with harsh discipline • Prospero-???

5. Thematic Significance • To early audiences the beginning of the play would have been quite suspenseful • It would affect them much like the crash in Cast Away affects modern viewers. • Shakespeare used this powerful opening as an attention grabber for the audience, a powerful display of light and sound.

6. The Test of Character • Note the different reactions of the three guests on the boat as they imagine the boat crashing • Sebastian- the brother of the king- curses the sailors, advises everyone to abandon the king • Antonio- Prospero’s brother who stole his title- curses the sailors, gives up to drown with the king • Gonzalo- wise advisor to the king- asks how he can help, believing they are going to survive

7. Act 1: Scene 2 • The beginning is set in Prospero’s cave or “cell”

8. Miranda • Miranda is a gentle soul • “O I have suffered with those I saw suffer.” • She pleads for the life of the sailors

9. Prospero • Prospero is careful to tell Miranda that she does not know who he is much less who she is. • “I have done nothing but in care of thee.” • Odd that hurting others is in his plan • Is he just or vengeful? Can they be the same thing? • Refers to both his magic and his daughter as “my Art.” • “And to my state grew stranger, being transported and rapt in secret studies.” – Similar to Aylmer of “The Birthmark” What separates them?

10. Ariel • Spiritual servant of Prospero- foil to Caliban, the earthly servant of Prospero • Prisoner to Sycorax before Prospero- knows servitude • Loyal servant • Desires only his liberty • Prospero roars down his request on the grounds he is ungrateful

11. Caliban • The only character in the play who was born on the island- considered the focus of colonial impulse • “Was once my own king”- abhors his servitude to a new master • Prospero points out that he gladly taught Caliban until he trying to rape his daughter • Civilization vs. Savagery • “I know how to curse” corruption of knowledge by an unworthy student • Considered evil for his appearance

12. Love Connection • Prospero picks out a man for his daughter • I must uneasy make, lest too light the winning • Make the prize light • Very slight mention of the affair • Morality determined by looks • “There’s nothing ill that dwell in such a temple” vs. “Tis a villain I do not love to look on.” • “To most of the men this is a Caliban • And they to him are angels.” • “I have no ambition to see a goodlier man”

13. The Question of Identity • “art ignorant what thou art; not knowing of whence I am” • Prospero tells Miranda that she does not know the truth about him or herself • Fitting to “not know who you are” in a story line featuring a young girl discovering herself in the wake of young love • She asks Prospero to “tell me what I am,” which is of course fitting that he not only tells her her story, but brings a man to the island that is suitable for her temperament and station.

14. Knowledge and Language • Miranda explains that she tried to teach Caliban language before he tried to rape her. • “Took pains to make thee speak, taught thee each hour one thing or other; when thou dist not, savage, know thine own meaning… I endowed thy purposes with words that made them known.” • “But thy vile race, though thou dist learn had in’t which good natures could not abide to be with” • “You taught me language; and my profit on’t is I know how to curse.” • Is Caliban natural evil the detriment to his knowledge?

15. Character Foils • Ariel vs. Caliban • Prospero vs. Antonio • Miranda vs. Caliban • Ferdinand vs. All other male suitors

16. Interpretations • As one of Shakespeare’s final plays, the play focuses on Shakespeare’s commentary on creating new worlds through his “Art” and the trials that entails. • Explains why Prospero’s magic only works on the island • A more modern translation is the play is a commentary on the implicit evils of European colonialism. • The play serves as commentary on the proper form of political behavior and the place of nature within that framework. • The question one must ask themselves throughout the play is who is evil and who is the good guy?