Brief Questions in The Tempest

Answer

Brief Questions in The Tempest

• What is the source of The Tempest?

Ans: The story was inspired by the old German play The Fair Sidea.

• What kind of play is The Tempest?

Ans: The Tempest is a romantic drama in classical form.

• What is special about Prospero’s island?

Ans: The island is full of sweet, magical sounds and music.

• How does Shakespeare create “willing suspension of disbelief”?

Ans: He blends magic with reality and uses music and wonder.

• Why does Miranda offer to carry logs for Ferdinand?

Ans: She wants to help him rest while he works hard.

• Why does Prospero release Ferdinand from his labors?

Ans: He is pleased with Ferdinand’s patience and true love.

• What is a masque?

Ans: A masque is a short play with songs, dance, and poetry.

• Why does Prospero forgive his enemies?

Ans: He learns that forgiveness is greater than revenge.

• What resolution does Prospero make at the end?

Ans: He breaks his magic staff and gives up his powers.

• Who is not forgiven by Prospero?

Ans: Caliban is not forgiven because of his evil nature.

• What is the purpose of the Epilogue in The Tempest?

Ans: Prospero asks the audience for pardon and applause.

• How do we know The Tempest is Shakespeare’s last play?

Ans: Prospero’s farewell reflects Shakespeare’s goodbye to writing and the stage.

• What does the term “Tempest” mean?

Ans: “Tempest” means a violent storm at sea.

• How does Antonio conspire against Prospero?

Ans: Antonio joins Alonso to seize Prospero’s dukedom.

• What is the setting of The Tempest?

Ans: The play is set on a remote, uninhabited island.

• How are Caliban and Ariel different?

Ans: Ariel is light and airy; Caliban is rough and earthly.

• What does Ariel do for Gonzalo?

Ans: He wakes Gonzalo and saves him from being killed.

• What does Prospero tell Miranda about the shipwreck?

Ans: He assures her no one died and reveals her past.

• What is the name of Caliban’s mother?

Ans: Her name is Sycorax.

• Who raises the storm in the sea and how?

Ans: Prospero creates the storm using his magical powers.

• How did Gonzalo help Prospero in his suffering?

Ans: He secretly gave food, clothes, and Prospero’s magic books.

• How does Caliban use the language taught by Prospero?

Ans: He uses it only to curse and insult Prospero.

• Who is Sycorax?

Ans: Sycorax is a wicked witch once ruling the island.

• What request does Miranda make for Ferdinand?

Ans: She begs her father to free Ferdinand from prison.

• Why does Prospero forgive his enemies?

Ans: Ariel’s pity softens his heart, and he chooses mercy.

• What does Prospero plan to do after returning to Milan?

Ans: He plans to rule again and live peacefully there.

• Why does Caliban hate Prospero?

Ans: He hates him for taking control of his island.

• Who is Ariel?

Ans: Ariel is a spirit who faithfully serves Prospero.

• What does Caliban plot to do with Stephano?

Ans: He plots to kill Prospero and make Stephano king.

• Why does Ferdinand agree to do hard labor?

Ans: He works happily out of love for Miranda.

• How does Prospero test Ferdinand’s love?

Ans: He makes Ferdinand perform hard work to prove it.

• What is Ferdinand’s first impression of Miranda?

Ans: He finds her beautiful and falls in love instantly.

• What is Miranda’s first impression of Ferdinand?

Ans: She sees him as noble, handsome, and kind-hearted.

• How does Ariel gain his freedom?

Ans: Prospero rewards him with freedom after loyal service.

• What is the final message of The Tempest?

Ans: Forgiveness, peace, and wisdom are stronger than revenge.