The Tempest

Drama | William Shakespeare
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Brief Questions in The Tempest

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.

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William Shakespeare
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