The Tempest: Act 4

How are these services similar, and how are they different?

Both magical acts are to protect Miranda and Prospero. But one act is with kindness and the other is not.

To whom is Prospero referring when he says, "We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep"? Explain.

Prospero seems to be speaking to all of us. He compares life to a dream and seems to be reminding Miranda and Ferdinand, as well as the audience "that like the revels mortal life is short and can end quickly."

At what point and in what ways does this emphasis change?

Prospero seems to shift and become more somber as he tells Ferdinand that "the revels have ended and everything has melted into thin air."

Prospero's speech(lines 146-163) is one of Shakespeare's most famous monologues. Which details indicate that Prospero's first intention was to reassure Ferdinand?

Prospero tells Ferdinand that, "though he looks troubled, he should be cheerful"

Soliloquy

A lengthy speech in which a character (ALONE on stage) express his/her true thoughts or feelings

What services does Ariel perform for Prospero?

Ariel performs magical acts: 1) He calls mythical creatures to bless Ferdinand and Miranda. 2) He also calls spirits to become dogs to chase away Caliban, Trinculo, and Stephano.

What does Caliban understand or feel about Prospero that Stephano and Trinculo do not?

Caliban understands Prospero's power and the others don't understand because they haven't been around [Prospero] him.

How does the behavior of the three characters in Prospero's cell emphasize these differences? Explain.

Caliban urges the others to be quiet and he urges them to kill Prospero BEFORE taking Prospero's things.

Examples of motifs in "The Tempest"

Deception and Magic

Explain these motifs: deception and magic

Deception and magic are just one of the central motifs of the play. There is repetition of language and imagery related to the two motifs. Magic is used almost all the time when it comes to Prospero. Deception is used within some of Prospero's magic when he turns invisible and disguises spirits..etc.

Author's Style: "This is strange: your father's in some passion that works him strongly."

Ferdinand implies that Prospero is under some sort of magic that is affecting him deeply.

In what ways does Ariel's role also lend itself to the use of asides? Explain.

In order to honor Prospero's wishes Ariel performs magic. He makes asides to the audience as clues to what will happen.

How does this shift seem to affect Prospero? Explain.

Prospero appears troubled and excuses himself to return to his cell.

Which of Prospero's words and actions are motivated mainly by his sense of responsibility as Miranda's father? Explain.

Prospero does not want Ferdinand to take Miranda to bed until they are married(Ferdinand cannot take her virginity away) and Prospero wants the spirits to bless their marriage.

Author's Style: "All thy vexations were but my trials of thy love, and thou hast strangely stood the test"

Prospero implies that the vexations he was under were magic, but even so he passed the test.

How does Prospero's role throughout the play make asides a natural choice for his character?

Prospero plots often in the play and makes asides to the audience about his intentions.

Author's Style: "If he awake, from toe to crown he'll fill our skins with pinches, make us strange stuff.

Prospero would use his magic to punish [Caliban, Stephano, & Trinculo] them.

Motifs

Recurring patterns of imagery, symbols, and language

Aside

a brief remark, often addressed to the audience and meant to be kept from the other characters

Monologue

a lengthy speech by one character delivered to other characters who are on stage

Industrious

hard-working

Incite

to strongly encourage

Opportune

very favorable