LIT4 - Tempest - Prospero - quote bank

Question 1

How is Prospero presented throughout the play?

Answer 1

-the former Duke of Milan, now exiled on the island with his daughter, is portrayed as a powerful character, who uses magical powers with the aid of the spirit Ariel to rule the island he once invaded

-Prospero’s function is to explore colonialist attitudes throughout the play - he controls Caliban harshly, not having a single good word to say to his slave. This shows how he could be seen as a colonialist exploiter

-on the contrary, Prospero’s true intentions are far from this - he is presented as a benevolent ruler of the island, and cares deeply for his daughter, Miranda

Question 2

What 3 scenes are good to explore Prospero’s character?

Answer 2

A1S2 - first appearance with Caliban

A4S1 - expresses his paternal love for his daughter, and warns Ferdinand

A5S1 - relinquishes his magical powers, reconciles with enemies, and gives epilogue

Question 3

What 4 quotes from A1S2 are good for talking about Prospero’s attitude towards Caliban?

Answer 3

-Caliban, my slave, who never yields us kind answer
-thou poisonous slave, got by the devil himself
-I have…lodged thee in mine own cell, till thou didst seek to violate the honour of my child
-if thou neglect’st or dost unwillingly what I command, I’ll…make thee roar, that beasts shall tremble at thy din

Question 4

Give some quotes from A4S1 that are good for Prospero:

Answer 4

-If I have too austerely punished you, your compensation makes amends, for I have given you a third of mine own life
-thou shalt find she will outstrip all praise and make it halt behind her
-as my gift, and thine own acquisition worthily purchased, take my daughter
-if thou dost break her virgin-knot…sour-eyed disdain and discord shall bestrew the union of your bed with weeds so loathly that you shall hate it both

Question 5

Name some quotes from A5S1 that show Prospero’s character:

Answer 5

-I have hope to see the nuptial of these our dear-beloved solemnised, and thence retire me to my Milan
-My Ariel, chick…to the elements be free, and fare thou well
-what strength I have’s mine own - which is most faint
-release me from my bands with the help of your good hands…or else my project fails, which was to please
-let your indulgence set me free