The Tempest" by Shakespeare

Act I, Scene 1:

1. What exactly are the Boatswain and the crew trying to do in the first part of this scene?

The Boatswain and the crew are trying to

2. What is the "social storm" which occurs in the opening scene?

The "social storm" that occurs in the opening scene is

3. Why is Gonzalo sure the Boatswain will not die by drowning?

Gonzalo is sure that the Boatswain will not die by drowning because

Act I, Scene 2:

4. What is Miranda's reaction when she sees the ship run aground? What does this tell us about her character?

5. Why hasn't Prospero told Miranda where they came from before this time?

6. What are the three things associated with Prospero's magical power?

7. Explain what is meant by "the paradox of the romances" exemplified by Miranda's question at line 60 that begins, "What foul play....."

8. Why would many in Shakespeare's audience find Prospero at least in part responsible for his own overthrow as the Duke?

9. Why didn't Alonso and Antonio simply murder Prospero and Miranda after they were captured?

10. What natural phenomenon did Ariel imitate to terrify the passengers on the ship?

11. How many different groups of castaways has Ariel dispersed around the island? Why?

12. Ariel is associated with which two of the four basic elements? What is Ariel's gender?

13. Although associated with Bermuda, where is Prospero's island in the play?

14. Who is Sycorax and why did she lock Ariel in a tree for 12 years?

15. Despite his bluster and crankiness, why will Prospero not put Ariel in an oak tree?

16. What are the arguments for giving Miranda's speech condemning Caliban at line 351 -- 362 to Prospero? What are the arguments for Miranda saying the lines?

17. Who is the most eloquent character in the play? Why did Shakespeare give this character such memorable lines?

18. What's unusual about the lines of the second song Ariel sings to Ferdinand?

19. Upon first seeing each other, Ferdinand and Miranda both mistake the other for what?

20. What three questions does Ferdinand ask when he first speaks to Miranda?

21. Why does Prospero deliberately separate and threaten Miranda and Ferdinand?