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Exploring 'The Tempest' Characters

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Shazil Ejaz
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
33 views4 pages

Exploring 'The Tempest' Characters

Uploaded by

Shazil Ejaz
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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 Who are the two main characters that live on the island, and what is their relationship?

The two main characters are Prospero and Miranda. Prospero is Miranda's father.

 What magical power does Prospero have, and how does he use it on the island?
Prospero has the power of magic. He uses it to control the weather, summon spirits like Ariel, and manipulate
events on the island to achieve his goals, such as creating the storm and testing Ferdinand.

 Who is Ariel, and what is his relationship with Caliban? Why does Ariel torment Caliban?
Ariel is a spirit of the island, once trapped by Sycorax, but now serving Prospero. Caliban is a creature who
was the son of Sycorax. Ariel torments Caliban because he is resentful of Caliban’s treatment of him and
enjoys having power over him.

 What is the significance of the storm created by Prospero? How does it help him achieve his goal?
The storm symbolizes chaos and the start of a new phase in Prospero's life. It brings his enemies to the island
so he can confront them and reclaim his dukedom. It also sets the stage for reconciliation and justice.

 What was the role of the character Gonzalo in Prospero’s story? Why was he important?
Gonzalo is a kind and loyal counselor. He helped Prospero and Miranda escape from Milan by giving them
provisions and a ship, which is why Prospero feels gratitude toward him.

 What does Miranda initially think of Ferdinand when she sees him for the first time? How does this
reaction show her innocence?
Miranda thinks Ferdinand is a god when she first sees him because she has never seen any men other than her
father and Caliban. This shows her innocence and naivety, as she is unaware of the world outside her island.

 Why does Prospero put Ferdinand through a test after he meets Miranda? What does this show about
Prospero’s character?
Prospero tests Ferdinand to see if he truly loves Miranda and if his intentions are pure. This shows that
Prospero is protective and cautious about his daughter’s safety and happiness.

 In your own words, what does the line "Full fathom five thy father lies" mean? What is Ariel trying to tell
Ferdinand with this song?
The line means "your father lies five fathoms (a deep measurement) beneath the sea". Ariel is telling
Ferdinand that his father, Alonso, is dead or lost at sea, but it’s part of the magical play Ariel is creating to
distract Ferdinand.

 What are the differences between Caliban and Ariel? How does their behavior reflect their
personalities?
Ariel is a spirit who is loyal and obedient to Prospero, while Caliban is a creature who is rebellious and bitter.
Ariel is more refined, while Caliban is more animalistic and hostile. Their behavior shows their different
temperaments—Ariel seeks freedom through service, while Caliban is resentful and angry about his situation.

 How does Prospero feel about his daughter, Miranda? What actions show that he cares for her deeply?
Prospero cares deeply for Miranda and wants to protect her. He arranges her marriage to Ferdinand, tests his
love for her, and tries to ensure that she will have a happy future. His actions show that he is protective and
loving.

 What do you think the storm symbolizes in the story? Why does Prospero create it?
The storm symbolizes disorder and catalyst for change. Prospero creates it to bring his enemies to the island,
so he can confront them, seek revenge, and eventually restore justice.

 Why is Miranda confused about her past, and what does Prospero reveal to her about their history?
Miranda is confused because she has spent most of her life isolated on the island. Prospero reveals that they
were once duke and daughter in Milan and were exiled by her uncle Antonio, which explains why they ended
up on the island.

 In the story, when Caliban is tormented by Ariel, why do you think Ariel enjoys this? What might this say
about Ariel’s character?
Ariel enjoys tormenting Caliban because it gives him a sense of power and revenge for how Caliban treated
him in the past. This shows that Ariel can be vengeful and enjoys having control over others.

 What is the meaning of the word "captivating" as used in the text? Can you think of a situation where
something might be captivating in your life?
"Captivating" means something that holds your attention completely. A captivating experience could be
something like watching a fascinating movie or listening to a great story.

 What does the term “witch-crafts” mean in the context of Sycorax’s story? How does this connect to her
character and actions on the island?
“Witch-crafts” refers to magical or sorcery practices. In the context of Sycorax’s story, it connects to her being
a witch who used dark magic and cursed the island, leaving Ariel trapped in a tree.

 How does the relationship between Prospero and his brother Antonio affect the story? What lessons
about trust and betrayal can we learn from their relationship?
The relationship between Prospero and Antonio is one of betrayal, as Antonio overthrew Prospero and took
his dukedom. This leads to the theme of justice and shows how betrayal can have serious consequences.

 Why does Miranda ask if Ferdinand is a spirit when she sees him? What does this show about her
understanding of the world?
Miranda asks if Ferdinand is a spirit because she has never seen any men other than her father and Caliban.
This shows her limited understanding of the world, as she’s grown up in isolation.

 What does the line "he is somewhat altered by grief, or you might call him a handsome person" suggest
about Ferdinand’s emotions?
The line suggests that Ferdinand is sad or grieving, possibly because he believes his father is dead, but still has
an attractive or handsome appearance.

 How do you think Miranda's life would have been different if she had grown up with other people
besides her father? Why?
Miranda’s life would likely have been very different if she grew up with others because she would have been
more socially aware and possibly not as naive. She might have learned more about love and relationships
from others, but she also would have missed the close bond with her father.

 If you were Miranda, what would you think of Ferdinand when you saw him for the first time? Why
might you feel the way you do?
If I were Miranda, I might think Ferdinand was magical or heavenly because I’ve never seen anyone like him. I
might feel curious, excited, and perhaps nervous because he is the first young man I’ve met outside my father
and Caliban.

 Why do you think Prospero chose to use magic to control the events on the island? What might he
have hoped to achieve by doing so?

Answer: Prospero uses magic to control events because he wants to regain control of his life and restore
justice. By creating the storm and manipulating his enemies, he forces them to confront their past wrongdoings
and make amends. Magic also symbolizes his intelligence and power, as he uses it to create situations that
allow him to manipulate outcomes in his favor.

 How do you think the characters’ isolation on the island affects their behavior and decisions?

Answer: The characters' isolation on the island leads them to behave in ways that are often extreme or
irrational. For example, Prospero becomes obsessed with revenge, while Caliban becomes bitter and hostile.
The isolation removes outside influences, so they are forced to rely only on themselves, which leads to dramatic
shifts in their personalities and decision-making.

 What does Miranda's reaction to Ferdinand tell us about her character? Why might she fall in love so
quickly?

Answer: Miranda’s reaction to Ferdinand shows that she is innocent, naive, and eager for human connection.
Having lived in isolation for so long, she is unaware of the complexities of relationships and emotions. Her
quick fall in love suggests that she is gullible and idealistic, likely because Ferdinand is the first person she
meets who is her age and shows interest in her.

 Why does Prospero allow Ferdinand to court Miranda, even though he is cautious about their
relationship at first?

Answer: Prospero allows Ferdinand to court Miranda because he recognizes that Ferdinand's love for her is
genuine. Even though he tests Ferdinand, Prospero sees that their love could bring about a positive change
and help restore his dukedom. The relationship symbolizes the idea of forgiveness and renewal, as it can lead
to a harmonious future for both their families.

 How does the character of Caliban contrast with the other characters in the play, and what does this
contrast reveal about human nature?

Answer: Caliban contrasts sharply with other characters like Prospero and Ferdinand. While Prospero and
Ferdinand show qualities like nobility and honor, Caliban is portrayed as primitive, angry, and resentful. This
contrast shows that humans have a range of potential behaviors, influenced by their environment and treatment.
Caliban’s bitterness reveals how abuse and oppression can shape someone’s behavior and make them
resentful.

 What role does forgiveness play in the story, and how does it change the characters’ relationships by
the end of the play?

Answer: Forgiveness plays a crucial role in The Tempest. Prospero forgives his enemies (Antonio, Alonso,
etc.), which allows for reconciliation and the restoration of peace. This act of forgiveness changes the
characters' relationships by fostering a sense of restoration and hope. It symbolizes the idea that healing and
justice can occur through letting go of past wrongs.
 How does the theme of freedom appear in the play, especially in terms of Ariel and Caliban’s
experiences?

Answer: The theme of freedom is central to The Tempest. Ariel seeks freedom from Prospero’s control, having
been imprisoned by Sycorax and then bound by Prospero. Caliban, too, longs for freedom, as he feels oppressed
and enslaved by Prospero. Both characters desire autonomy, but their approaches are different: Ariel seeks
freedom through loyalty and service, while Caliban rebels against his master. The theme of freedom highlights
the conflict between power and control and the desire for liberation.

 How does the play explore the idea of betrayal? How do the characters respond to betrayal, and what
lessons can be learned from their actions?

Answer: Betrayal is a major theme in The Tempest, especially with Prospero’s betrayal by his brother Antonio,
who usurped his dukedom. The characters respond to betrayal in various ways: Prospero seeks revenge, while
others, like Alonso, show remorse and seek forgiveness. The lesson here is that betrayal can cause deep harm
and pain, but forgiveness and reconciliation are possible, offering hope for healing.

 What do you think the ending of the play suggests about the possibility of change and growth in the
characters?

Answer: The ending of The Tempest suggests that change and growth are possible through self-reflection,
forgiveness, and humility. Prospero lets go of his desire for revenge and chooses to forgive, while the
characters who wronged him, like Antonio, seek redemption. The resolution of the play shows that people can
learn from their mistakes, grow emotionally, and achieve personal transformation if they are willing to
change.

 Why do you think Shakespeare chose to have Prospero give up his magic at the end of the play? What
does this act symbolize?

Answer: Prospero’s decision to give up his magic at the end symbolizes his personal growth and his
acceptance of the need to move on from his past. It reflects his realization that revenge and control are no
longer necessary for him to find peace and happiness. Giving up his magic symbolizes a reconciliation with
himself and a return to a more natural state of being, showing that true power lies in forgiveness and
restoration rather than in domination.

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