The Tempest Test

Blank Verse

(natural speech) verse without rhyme, that uses iambic pentameter. High-ranking/ aristocrats speak using blank verses.

Which among the reasons Antonio suggests killing Alonso in Act II of The Tempest?

1. Antonio lacks the conscience that would make him hesitate to commit a murder. 2. Antonio is tired of paying tributes to Alonso and knows he will not have to pay them to Sebastian.

In Act IV of The Tempest, what tricks does Ariel say he played on Stephano, Trinculo, and Caliban?

1. He played music that charmed and confused them into following its sound. 2. He lured them into a pool of dirty water and left them there helpless.

Alonso speaks in blank verse throughout Act II, Scene i, of The Tempest, while Sebastian, Antonio, and the others speak many of their lines in prose. Which statements best describe the effect of Shakespeare's choice to have Alonso speak in blank verse?

1. It shows that Alonso grieves more than the others for Ferdinand's supposed death. 2. It reminds the audience that Alonso is the highest-ranking character in the group.

In Act V of The Tempest, Ariel sings a song in short rhymed couplets. Which of the following best describes the effect of Shakespeare's choice to write the song in rhymed couplets?

1. The rhymes help characterize Ariel as lively and light-hearted. 2. The rhymes make the song stand out from the surrounding blank verse.

which events does Prospero bring about or plan to bring about?

1. To free Ariel permanently from his service 2. To achieve revenge against his brother Antonio 3. To arrange a marriage between Ferdinand and Miranda

What are Prospero's purposes in staging the pageant for Ferdinand and Miranda in Act IV of The Tempest?

1. To underscore his warning that they must remain chaste until they are married 2. to celebrate and bless Ferdinand and Miranda's love and upcoming marriage

In Act III of The Tempest, what temptations cause Stephano to accept Caliban's suggestion that Stephano murder Prospero?

1. rule of the island 2. marriage with Miranda

Iamb

A metric foot, or unit, that consists of one unstressed syllable followed by one stressed syllable. Example: A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse.

Subplots

A minor story that complicates the plot.

What describes an industrious manner of carrying out a task?

A person works hard at the task until it is completed.

In the following speech from Act V of The Tempest, Prospero comes face-to-face with Alonso and his friends for the first time. Which best explains the meaning of what Prospero says in this speech? Prospero. . . .The charm dissolves apace; And as the morning steals upon the night, Melting the darkness, so their rising senses Begin to chase the ignorant fumes that mantle Their clearer reason. . . .

Alonso and the others begin to awaken and shake off the spell Prospero cast on them.

In Act II, Scene i, of The Tempest, Antonio says to Sebastian, "O, that you bore the mind that I do!" Which describes the difference in "mind," or personality, between the two characters as they appear in this scene?

Antonio is ambitious and acts on his ambition. Sebastian is ambitious but must be egged on to take action.

How does Antonio respond when Prospero accuses him in Act V of The Tempest?

Antonio says nothing.

When Prospero says in Act I of The Tempest that he has more commands for Ariel, Ariel protests as follows: Ariel- Remember, I have done thee worthy service, Told thee no lies, made thee no mistakings, served Without or grudge or grumblings. Thou didst promise To bate me a full year. What does Ariel's speech imply about the relationship between him and Prospero?

Ariel believes he can rely on Prospero's sense of justice.

In The Tempest, Act III, Scene ii, Caliban, Stephano, and Trinculo discuss their plans. Ariel, hiding nearby, repeatedly interrupts Caliban, saying, "Thou liest." Caliban and Stephano believe it is Trinculo speaking. Which is the most reasonable conclusion to draw about Ariel's motive for breaking into the conversation?

Ariel resents hearing Prospero mocked and insulted.

In Act II of The Tempest, how does Antonio persuade Sebastian that if they kill Alonso, Sebastian can become King of Naples?

By arguing that Alonso's daughter is too far from Naples to interfere

In Act IV of The Tempest, the spirit playing Iris says that Cupid "has broke his arrows, / Swears he will shoot no more, but play with sparrows / And be a boy right out." Which of the following most clearly explains what Iris means?

Cupid, the god of desire and attraction, promises not to shoot the lovers with his arrows.

Read the following speech from Act IV of The Tempest: Ferdinand: As I hope For quiet days, fair issue and long life, With such love as 'tis now, . . . . . . shall never melt Mine honor into lust, to take away The edge of that day's celebration When I shall think or Phoebus' steeds are foundered Or Night kept chained below. Which of the following best explains Ferdinand's meaning?

Ferdinand promises not to give in to temptation before he is married.

A Shakespearean romance typically features an unrealistic plot. Which aspects of the plot that unfolds in Act I of The Tempest can best be described as unrealistic?

Ferdinand suggests marriage the moment he sees Miranda.

In Act V of The Tempest, to which of the ship's passengers does Prospero show the greatest kindness, and why?

Gonzalo, because he gave Prospero and Miranda supplies when they were exiled

In Act III of The Tempest, how does Alonso react when Ariel accusation accuses him of wrongdoing against Prospero?

He admits his guilt and expresses remorse.

What agreement does Prospero make with Miranda and Ferdinand at the start of Act IV of The Tempest?

He agrees to let them get married.

In Act V of The Tempest, Prospero tells Antonio and Sebastian that he "will tell no tales" about their plot to murder Alonso. Given Prospero's words and actions throughout Act V, which is the most reasonable inference about why he decides to keep silent?

He believes it is nobler to forgive them than it would be to condemn them.

In Act II of The Tempest, when Stephano stumbles across Caliban and thinks he has found an exotic monster, he says the following: Stephano. . . . If I can recover him, and keep him tame, and get to Naples with him, he's a present for any emperor. . . . If I can recover him and keep him tame, I will not take too much for him. He shall pay for him that hath him, and that soundly. What do Stephano's words and thoughts indicate about his character?

He can make the most of a chance opportunity.

What news does the Boatswain bring when he appears before Prospero in Act V of The Tempest?

He has found that the ship is undamaged.

Read the following speech from Act II of The Tempest. Trinculo. By this good light, this is a very shallow monster! I afeard of him? A very weak monster! The Man i' th' Moon! A most poor credulous monster! Well drawn, monster, in good sooth! Which statement best describes Trinculo's opinion of Caliban, as expressed in this speech?

He is disrespectful of Caliban.

Read the following speech by Caliban from Act II of The Tempest. Caliban: I prithee let me bring thee where crabs grow; And I with my long nails will dig thee pignuts, Show thee a jay's nest, and instruct thee how To snare the nimble marmoset. I'll bring thee To clust'ring filberts, and sometimes I'll get thee Young scamels from the rock. Wilt thou go with me? What do Caliban's words and style of speaking indicate about his character?

He is vividly alive to the natural world around him.

What does Caliban most likely mean when he tells Miranda, "You taught me language, and my profit on't / Is, I know how to curse"?

He means that Miranda has harmed him because she has shown him there is a wider world beyond his reach.

What realization does Caliban come to by the end of Act V of The Tempest?

He realizes that Stephano is a drunken fool.

What does Prospero do to punish Trinculo, Stephano, and Caliban at the end of Act IV of The Tempest?

He sends dogs and goblins to chase and torment them.

In Act II of The Tempest, how does Ariel prevent Alonso's assassination?

He wakes Alonso and Gonzalo by murmuring a warning of danger.

According to Act II of The Tempest, which best describes the society that Gonzalo would like to create on the island?

He would create a utopia of social and economic equality.

How does the epilogue found in Act V of The Tempest differ from a typical epilogue?

In a typical epilogue, the speaker comments on the conflict and resolution; in The Tempest, the speaker makes an appeal to the audience.

If Keisha is invulnerable, which of the following must be true?

Keisha cannot be harmed

Which situations from Shakespearean plays is the best example of vigilance?

Marcellus and Bernardo keep watch from the battlements of Elsinore at night.

Part A: Which describes one key aspect of Ariel's character as Shakespeare presents him in Act V of The Tempest? Part B: Which supports the answer to Part A?

Part A: Ariel understands and shares in the suffering of others. Part B: Ariel is touched by Gonzalo's misery and shares that Prospero would feel emotional at the sight of it as well.

Part A: Caliban: I prithee, let me bring thee where crabs grow; And I with my long nails will dig thee pignuts, Show thee a jay's nest and instruct thee how To snare the nimble marmoset. I'll bring thee To clust'ring filberts, and sometimes I'll get thee Young scamels from the rock. Wilt thou go with me? Stephano: I prithee now, lead the way without any more talking. Trinculo, the King and all our company else being drowned, we will inherit here. Here, bear my bottle. Fellow Trinculo, we'll fill him by and by again. Which is the most reasonable comparison to be made about Caliban and Stephano from their dialogue? Part B: Which best supports the answer to Part A?

Part A: Caliban is of higher social rank than Stephano. Part B: Caliban speaks in blank verse. Stephano speaks in prose.

Part A: Aristocrats and commoners mix freely in Act I of The Tempest, both on the island and on board ship. Which describes the relations between the high-ranking aristocrats and the lower-ranking commoners? Part B: Which line of dialogue from the play best supports the answer to Part A?

Part A: Commoners speak their minds freely to aristocrats as if equals. Part B: Boatswain. . . . Hence! What cares these roarers for the name of king? To cabin! Silence! Trouble us not!

Part A: Which best describes the lesson Prospero learns during the course of The Tempest, as demonstrated by his words and actions in Act V? Part B: Which dialogue from Act V best supports the answer to Part A?

Part A: He learns to forgive old injuries and to put the past behind him. Part B: Prospero. . . . Welcome, sir; / This cell's my court. Here have I few attendants / And subjects none abroad. . . .

Part A: Which best describes Ferdinand's attitude as he hauls wood on Prospero's orders in Act III of The Tempest? Part B: Which lines of dialogue from the play best supports the answer to Part A?

Part A: He makes the best of the situation. Part B: Ferdinand. . . . This my mean task / Would be as heavy to me as odious, but / The mistress which I serve . . . / . . . makes my labors pleasures....

Part A: Which describes the subplot of The Tempest that involves Prospero and Ariel? Part B: Which of the following lines from the play supports the answer to Part A?

Part A: Prospero confides his story and his plans to Ariel. Ariel helps Prospero carry out his plans. Part B: Ariel. . . . But remember / (For that's my business to you) that you three / From Milan did supplant good Prospero / . . . for which foul deed / The pow'rs delaying, not forgetting, have / Incensed the seas and shores, yea, all the creatures, / Against your peace. . . .

Part A: Which of the following best describes Miranda's character in Act III of The Tempest? Part B: Which quotes from the play best supports the answer to Part A?

Part A: She is so much in love that she forgets Prospero's demands. Part B: Miranda. . . . But I prattle / Something too wildly, and my father's precepts / I therein do forget.

Part A: As The Tempest comes to an end in Act V, which best describes the resolution of the story for those characters who have planned and/or carried out evil deeds? Part B: Which of the following choices best supports the answer to Part A?

Part A: The evil characters are forgiven for the wrongs they have done. Part B: Prospero pardons Alonso and the others for conspiring to drive him out of Milan.

Part A: Prospero: Our revels now are ended. These our actors, As I foretold you, were all spirits and Are melted into air, into thin air; And, like the baseless fabric of this vision, The cloud-capped towers, the gorgeous palaces, The solemn temples, the great globe itself, Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve, And, like this insubstantial pageant faded, Leave not a rack behind. We are such stuff As dreams are made on, and our little life Is rounded with a sleep. Which best explains the way Shakespeare uses this monologue as part of the dramatic structure of the play? Part B: Which supports the answer to Part A?

Part A: The monologue reminds the audience that the story they are watching isn't real. Part B: Prospero refers several times in the monologue to dreams, visions, and impermanence.

Part A: What describes Trinculo and Stephano's personalities as Shakespeare presents them in Act IV of The Tempest? Part B: What supports the answer to Part A?

Part A: They are mostly interested in pleasure. Part B: They care more about wine and clothes than about their conspiracy.

Part A: According to Act II of The Tempest, which explains why Prospero, through Ariel, prevents the murders of Alonso and Gonzalo? Part B: Which best supports the answer to Part A?

Part A: because Alonso and Gonzalo are important to the success of his own plans Part B: Ariel. My master through his art foresees the danger / . . . and sends me forth / (For else his project dies) to keep them living.

Part A: Why does Caliban obey Prospero's orders in Act I of The Tempest? Part B: Which lines from the play best support the answer to Part A?

Part A: because Caliban knows that Prospero can use magic to force obedience Part B: Caliban. . . . His art is of such pow'r / It would control my dam's god, Setebos, / And make a vassal of him.

Part A: Read the following excerpt from Act I of The Tempest. [Enter Alonso, Sebastian, Antonio, Ferdinand, Gonzalo, and others.] Alonso: Good boatswain, have care. Where's the master? Play the men. Boatswain: I pray now, keep below. Antonio: Where is the master, bos'n? Boatswain: Do you not hear him? You mar our labor. Keep your cabins; you do assist the storm. Gonzalo: Nay, good, be patient. Boatswain: When the sea is. Hence! What cares these roarers for the name of king? To cabin! Silence! Trouble us not! Gonzalo: Good, yet remember whom thou hast aboard. Boatswain: None that I more love than myself. You are a councilor; if you can command these elements to silence and work the peace of the present, we will not hand a rope more. Use your authority. If you cannot, give thanks you have lived so long, and make yourself ready in your cabin for the mischance of the hour, if it so hap. Cheerly, good hearts! Out of our way, I say. Which feature of a Shakespearean romance is best illustrated by this excerpt? Part B: Which words from the lines from the play best support the answer to Part A?

Part A: characters representing a variety of social levels Part B: Where's the master, bos'n; councilor; authority

Part A: Which characterizes Miranda as Shakespeare presents her? Part B: Which lines of dialogue from the play best supports the answer to Part A?

Part A: kind and compassionate Part B: Miranda. . . . Oh, I have suffered / With those that I saw suffer! A brave vessel / . . . Dashed all to pieces!

Part A: Which describes how Ariel feels, given his words and actions up to the end of Act IV of The Tempest? Part B: Which of the following choices best supports the answer to Part A?

Part A: loyalty to Prospero Part B: Ariel uses his own judgment to protect Prospero rather than merely doing what Prospero tells him.

Part A: Which best describes Stephano as Shakespeare presents him in Act II, Scene ii, of The Tempest? Part B: Which of the following lines of dialogue from the play best supports the answer to Part A?

Part A: practical and capable Part B: I escaped upon a butt of sack ... by this bottle which I made of the bark of a tree with mine own hands since I was cast ashore.

The main plot of The Tempest involves Prospero's determination to exact revenge from Alonso, Antonio, and Sebastian. How do Prospero's actions in the Ferdinand-Miranda subplot relate to the main plot?

Prospero fosters Alonso's belief that Ferdinand is dead by keeping Ferdinand hidden.

What causes Antonio and the other passengers to desert their ship?

Prospero uses magic to create a storm and make the passengers believe the ship is breaking up.

What does Caliban identify as the source of Prospero's power in Act III of The Tempest?

Prospero's library of books

As the story of The Tempest comes to its resolution in Act V, which of these major characters seems most likely to feel sorrow at the way things work out?

Prospero, because he loses Miranda and Ariel, the two people whom he loves most

Prospero: [Aside] I had forgot that foul conspiracy Of the beast Caliban and his confederates Against my life. The minute of their plot Is almost come. [To the Spirits] Well done! Avoid! No more! Ferdinand: This is strange: your father's in some passion That works him strongly. Miranda: Never till this day Saw I him touched with anger so distempered. Which best explains the way Shakespeare uses this aside as part of the dramatic structure of Act IV?

The aside allows Prospero to share something with the audience that he withholds from Ferdinand and Miranda.

Read the following speech from Act III of The Tempest: Caliban. Be not afeard; the isle is full of noises, Sounds and sweet airs that give delight and hurt not. Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments Will hum about mine ears; and sometime voices That, if I then had waked after long sleep, Will make me sleep again: and then, in dreaming, The clouds methought would open and show riches Ready to drop upon me, that, when I waked, I cried to dream again. How do Caliban's language and style in this speech most likely affect the impression he has made on the audience up to this point?

The audience realizes that Caliban is a complex character who can be lyrical and sensitive as well as earthy and brutish.

Prospero: I'll deliver all; And promise you calm seas, auspicious gales And sail so expeditious that shall catch Your royal fleet far off. [Aside to Ariel] My Ariel, chick, That is thy charge. Then to the elements Be free, and fare thou well! [To the others] Please you, draw near. [Exit all.] Epilogue Prospero: Now my charms are all o'erthrown, And what strength I have's mine own, Which is most faint. Now, 'tis true, I must be here confined by you, Or sent to Naples. Let me not, . . . But release me from my bands With the help of your good hands. Which best describes the contrast between the blank verse Prospero speaks throughout the play, and the rhymed couplets in which he speaks the epilogue?

The blank verse sounds more like natural English speech than the rhymed couplets.

A Shakespearean romance typically features dark themes with hints of violence. Which best describes a dark and violent theme Shakespeare introduces in Act I of The Tempest?

The danger of uncontrolled passions

Which of the following best describes a person who feels penitent?

The person feels sorry for doing wrong.

Read the following exchange of dialogue from Act II of The Tempest. Gonzalo: But the rarity of it is—which is indeed almost beyond credit— Sebastian: As many vouched rarities are. Gonzalo: That our garments, being, as they were, drenched in the sea, hold, notwithstanding, their freshness and glosses, being rather new-dyed than stained with salt water. Antonio: If but one of his pockets could speak, would it not say he lies? Sebastian: Ay, or very falsely pocket up his report. Which best describes the effect of Shakespeare's choice to have these aristocratic characters speak in prose instead of in blank verse?

The prose allows the dialogue to be more casual and funny.

When Prospero and Miranda were first cast away, who helped them and how?

The royal counselor, Gonzalo, by stowing food, water, garments, and books aboard their small boat

Prospero: A devil, a born devil, on whose nature Nurture can never stick; on whom my pains, Humanely taken, all, all lost, quite lost! And as with age his body uglier grows, So his mind cankers. I will plague them all, Even to roaring. Which best explains the way Shakespeare uses this soliloquy as part of the dramatic structure of Act IV?

The soliloquy draws the audience in to share Prospero's thoughts.

What do Ferdinand and Miranda agree to do at the end of Act III, Scene i, of The Tempest?

They agree to marry as soon as possible.

What happens when Trinculo, Stephano, and Caliban are brought before the company in Act V of The Tempest?

They are given a scolding.

Read the following exchange of dialogue from Act II of The Tempest, which occurs as Gonzalo tries to comfort Alonso for Ferdinand's supposed death. Gonzalo. . . . Then wisely, good sir, weigh Our sorrow with our comfort. Alonso: Prithee, peace. Sebastian: [Aside to Antonio] He receives comfort like cold porridge. Antonio: [Aside to Sebastian] The visitor will not give him o'er so. Sebastian: Look, he's winding up the watch of his wit; by and by it will strike. What impression do Antonio and Sebastian make on the audience through their diction in this scene?

They make a bad impression because they mock Gonzalo for being kind.

What happens when Stephano and Trinculo approach Prospero's cell in Act IV of The Tempest?

They stop and eagerly take gaudy clothing Prospero has put there as bait.

If you rectify a situation, which of the following must happen?

You correct a problem.

What is a motif?

an element, such as a symbol or word, that is repeated often in a piece of literature

Read the following three excerpts from Act IV of The Tempest. Ferdinand: This is a most majestic vision, and Harmoniously charmingly. May I be bold To think these spirits? Prospero: Spirits, which by mine art I have from their confines called.... Prospero: These our actors, As I foretold you, were all spirits and Are melted into air, into thin air; And, like the baseless fabric of this vision, The cloud-capped towers, the gorgeous palaces, The solemn temples, the great globe itself, Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve.... [A noise of hunters heard. Enter divers Spirits, in shape of dogs and hounds ... ] What is a common motif in these three excerpts?

appearances that do not reflect reality

Which of the following pairs of words, taken from lines from Act V of The Tempest, is an example of a full rhyme?

assaults / faults

Why have Prospero and Miranda turned against Caliban?

because Caliban attacked Miranda

Why does Ariel willingly serve Prospero and carry out his commands?

because Prospero rescued him from imprisonment

In Act II of The Tempest, why does Caliban hide under his cloak when Trinculo appears?

because he thinks that Prospero has sent Trinculo to punish him

Which of the following is the best example of treacherous behavior?

betraying someone's trust

Which would you most likely find in a thesaurus entry of synonyms for valiant? Base your answer on the meaning of valiant as it is used in Act III of The Tempest.

brave, courageous

Given your knowledge of suffixes, choose the word that means "full of contempt."

contemptuous

Which is the most likely meaning of opportune in the following sentence? The high temperatures and bright sunshine made it an opportune time to go to the beach.

favorable

Which is the most likely meaning of pardon in the following sentence? Sushila was willing to pardon Pete for being an hour late, especially when he insisted on paying for the pizza.

forgive

The suffix -ous makes a base word or root into an adjective meaning "characterized by" or "full of." Given this information and your knowledge of the Latin root -val-, which is the most likely definition of the word valorous?

full of courage

Given your knowledge of the suffix -ous, identify the best definition of glamorous.

having the quality of glamour

Given your knowledge of the Latin root -pen-, what kind of laws does a penal code most likely contain?

laws dealing with the punishment of crime

Which is the most likely meaning of heir in the following sentence? The only valuable assets I can pass on to my heir are a few modern paintings.

one to whom you leave your property

The Latin root -ord- or -ordin- refers to "order" or "rank in a series." The word subordinate is formed from -ord- and the Latin prefix sub-. Given this information and your knowledge of the Latin prefix sub-, which is the likeliest meaning of subordinate?

one who is lower in rank

Aboveboard is a word that originally came from a sailing term. Using context clues, determine the most likely meaning of aboveboard in the following sentence. To ensure that the deal would be entirely aboveboard, we negotiated in front of witnesses and we made sure to obey all the relevant regulations.

open and honest

The Latin root -press- means "to squeeze, push, or weigh down." The word suppress is formed from -press- and the Latin prefix sub- or sup-. Given this information and your knowledge of Latin prefixes, which is the likeliest meaning of suppress?

push down

What is a person entitled to as a result of succession?

rank or inheritance

Two subplots of The Tempest—the Sebastian-Antonio plot and the Caliban-Stephano-Trinculo plot—involve characters making secret plans. Which describes the central idea Shakespeare addresses in both of these subplots?

resentment against one's superiors or masters

Which group of words best captures the meaning of the Latin root -val-?

strong, worthy, courageous

Imagine a story about a man whose jealousy over his brother's power as king leads to betrayal and murder. Which is a motif in the story?

symbolic dreams representing death or sudden change

Dismantle is a word that originally came from a sailing term. Using context clues, determine the most likely meaning of dismantle in the following sentence. It took the carpenters an entire day to dismantle the risers and reviewing stands they had constructed for the previous day's parade.

take to pieces

Read the following excerpt from the epilogue found in Act V of The Tempest: I must be here confined by you, Or sent to Naples. Let me not, Since I have my dukedom got And pardoned the deceiver, dwell In this bare island by your spell; But release me from my bands With the help of your good hands. Many believe that in the epilogue that ends The Tempest, Prospero symbolizes Shakespeare himself, expressing the wish to retire from the stage. Which of the following best supports this theory?

the fact that Prospero asks the audience to release him

What is the definition of incite?

to encourage strongly

Why does Prospero spy on Ferdinand and Miranda's conversation in Act III of The Tempest?

to find out whether Ferdinand truly loves Miranda

Which of the following best describes what it means to supplant someone?

to replace the person by unethical means

What does it mean to usurp a leadership position?

to seize it illegally or by force

Given your knowledge of the Latin root -pen-, what is the most likely reason a person would be sent to a penitentiary?

to undergo punishment

Which is the best definition of perfidious?

untrustworthy and dishonest

Prose

written or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical structure. Lower-ranking, more joking characters speak using this.