Redemption

Question 1

“with the…

Answer 1

Prospero’s final epilogue asks, through validation from the audience, to be set free “with the help of [the audience’s] good hands”, to which the audience instinctively grants due to the nature of theatre.
- Breaks 4th wall of theatre

Question 2

“Your charm…

Answer 2

Shakespeare’s construction of Prospero’s external validations is undeserving as it is Ariel who reminds Prospero “Your charm so strongly work ‘em that if you now beheld them, your affections would become tender”.

• Evokes sense of pathos and realisation
• Suggests only through external validation from others will allow Prospero to be “set free” and will he forgive himself

Question 3

“How selfish… “the…

Answer 3

Atwood presents a resonating concept, as a sense of restoration of order is conveyed, once Felix realises “how selfish he has been!” and that “the rarer action is in virtue [than in] vengeance”, as Atwood intertextually evokes the process of Felix’s self-redemption upon his recent vengeful behaviours.
- Restores justice as Felix goes on to free Miranda

Question 4

“Go, sirrah…

Answer 4

“Go, sirrah, to my cell. Take with you your companions”

- Connotations associated with “cell” suggest that Caliban isn’t entirely set free