QUESTIONS

1. Why is The Tempest considered a romantic comedy? Fully explain your answer.

2. Examine the devices by which Shakespeare has achieved unity of construction in The Tempest?

3. Since Prospero is the protagonist and central figure of The Tempest, trace the influence exercised by him on the other characters and on the action of the play.

4. Miranda is referred to during the place as an almost perfect being. Explain why.

5. Contrast Caliban to Ariel and then to Stephano.

6. Explain how the forgiveness / reconciliation theme is developed in The Tempest.

7. Explain how magic and music are repeatedly used in the plot, giving specific examples.

8. In The Tempest there are comic elements, serious elements, and supernatural elements. Explain how each of them is used, giving specific examples.

9. Compare and contrast the character of Ferdinand and Antonio.

10. Explain Gonzalo's role in the play.

11. Why is the marriage between Miranda and Ferdinand considered to be a perfect match? Why is their marriage vitally important to the play?

12. Who are "the three men of sin" in The Tempest? What are the dramatic roles assigned to them? Compare and contrast them to the three comic characters of Trinculo, Stephano, and Caliban.

13. Explain the enchanted nature of the island.

14. What features of the Masque and Antimasque do you find in The Tempest.

15. Explain the Epilogue and its dramatic significance

16. Explain the great significance of the opening scene in The Tempest. What would be lost if it were omitted?

17. Discuss power struggles and authority in the play.

18. Prospero's lengthy exposition in the second scene of the play has been criticized as a crude technique for giving necessary information to the audience. Can you suggest any means of defending its effectiveness?

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