analyzing one scene from The Tempest, English homework help
SHORT ESSAY : SCENE ANALYSIS
Directions: Write a 500-word essay analyzing one scene from The Tempest. You should focus on one theme, relationship, or angle through which you will understand the scene. Respond to one of the following prompts.
The Tempest opens in the midst of a furious storm conjured up by Prospero. We immediately see the dynamics of class conflict play out when we examine the relationship between the royal party and the ship’s crew. Develop an argument about the dynamics of class and how characters in Scene 1 relate to each other based on their class position. Some question to begin with, though you are free to venture beyond them: what points of antagonism do you find between characters? What do you make of the boatswain’s response to the royal party’s admonishments of the crew? How does class factor into the relationship between Miranda and Ferdinand? How does class structure the relationships between Prospero, Caliban, and Ariel?
Traditionally, Shakespeare uses poetry for noble characters and prose for the lower class. Caliban, however, uses both poetry and prose. Discuss why he shifts between poetry and prose and under what circumstances. What does this reveal about this character? Be sure to draw specific examples and establish the relevance of the piece of dialogue you select your argument.
Analyze the theme of imprisonment in Act 1. What is the function of imprisonment in the play? In what ways does Prospero get to exercise his power with impunity? You may want to consider the exchange between Prospero, Miranda, and Caliban, in particular.
Caliban and Ariel are both enslaved by Prospero; however, there are key differences in their relationships with Prospero. How does Prospero exercise control over them and how would you characterize their responses to him? Write an essay analyzing the similarities and differences in the relationships between them.
Remember that Prospero is ousted from his dukedom by his brother Antonio, who was assisted in this action by the Alonso, the King of Naples. Why does Prospero’s suppose that he has right to the island? How would characterize his relationship to the island’s native inhabitants? How do his removal from this position of power influence inform the position he takes on the island?
Why does Prospero conjure up the storm? Analyze Prospero’s intentions in Act 1.
Analyze Miranda’s relationship to Caliban and compare it to her relationship with her father, Prospero.
When Prospero and Miranda admonish Caliban of being ungrateful and uncivilized, he responds with the following rebuttal: “You taught me language, /and my profit on ’tis I know how to curse. /The red plague rid you / for learning me your language!” Analyze the implications of his response. How does he challenge the charges leveled by Prospero and Miranda against him?
What action does Prospero take against Ferdinand and why? What insights does this give into his relationship with his daughter?
What is the function of magic in the play? Analyze Prospero’s use of magic and how it relates to his authority. Complement/complicate your analysis of Prospero’s manipulation of magic with an analysis of the setting of the island, which Caliban describes in the following terms:
the isle is full of noises,
Sounds and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not.
Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments
Will hum about mine ears, and sometime voices
That, if I then had waked after long sleep,
Will make me sleep again: and then, in dreaming,
The clouds methought would open and show riches
Ready to drop upon me that, when I waked,
I cried to dream again.
1-Pick a scene
2-Act 1
3-Scene 1
4-Pick a theme
5-Analyze scene based on the theme
6-In the work said Write which act did you use and which scene and what lines
