The Tempest: Act III

DIRECTIONS: Thoroughly answer the following questions. Write your answers so that it is not necessary to refer back to the question. Parenthetically document where you find your answers.

Example: Act III, scene 2 lines 11-14 = (3.2.11-14)

Suggestions: To do this, you could write your answers in complete sentences on a separate sheet of paper. You can access this guide on Edline under "Assignments" and type answers directly beneath each question. Finally, you could also print out your own copy with space if you desire to have your questions and answers on the same document.

Scene 1

The opening of Act III, Scene 1 is a purposeful repetition of the opening and stage directions of the previous scene with Caliban (Act II, Scene 2). Compare Ferdinand and Caliban. Include their labors, their language, their imprisonment, and their relationships with Miranda and Prospero.

Their labors are to bring logs to Prospero. Both Ferdinand and Caliban are servants to Prospero. Both desire Miranda and both have chores, however they look at them differently. Ferdinand embraces the chores since its a way for him to be with her. Caliban on the other hand hates them and constantly complains. Ferdinand is more civilized than Caliban. Caliban is the "rightful" prince of the island and Ferdinand is the price of Naples. (3.1.1-14)

Paraphrase the following lines:

FERDINAND: "I am, in my condition,

A prince, Miranda; I do think, a king

(I would not so), and would no more endure

This wooden slavery than to suffer

The fleshfly blow my mouth. Hear my soul speak!

The very instant that I saw you, did

My heart fly to your service; there resides,

To make me slave to it; and for your sake

Am I this patient log-man" (59-67).

I am a price possibly king, and i would never endure this labor this "wooden slavery" but the very instant i saw you my heart was yours, only for you do i put up with this, only for you will i be a "log-man"

What pledge do Ferdinand and Miranda make to each other?

Marrige(3.1.83-90)

Why is Prospero present (yet unseen) in Scene 1? Explain Prospero's purpose in this scene.

He is watching quietly to see how devoted Ferdinand truly is to his daughter Miranda. While not being seen Prospero can see the "real" Ferdinand . (3.1.74-76)

Scene 2

In line 27, who is Caliban's "lord"? Why?

Stephano is Caliban's "lord" because he gave him liquor and is "nice" to him. (3.2.35)

Identify the various names that Stephano bestows on Caliban. What does the variety of terms indicate?

The names given to Caliban by Stephano are "Servant monster" "man-monster" "Monsieur Monster" "Mooncalf" and "ignorant monster". These names indicate that Caliban looks like a "monster" it emphasizes his deformity. It also shows how drunk Stephano is. (3.2.2-23)

Explain how this scene is a parody of a previous one. Be specific.

This scene is a parody of the scene when Sebastian and Antonio were planing on killing Alonzo. (3.2.37-137)

Caliban mentions Prospero's books several times beginning with line 80. Why is Caliban so insistent about