Structured Questions and Answers from The Tempest Act 2 Scene 1 by William Shakespeare
Questions Answers from Passages of The Tempest Act 2 Scene 1
Passages from The Tempest Act 2 Scene 1
1. Gonzalo :
(To Alonso) Beseech you, sir, be merry. You have cause---
(To Alonso) Beseech you, sir, be merry. You have cause---
So have we all of joy, for our escape
Is much beyond our loss. Our hint of woe
Is common: every day some sailor's wife,
The masters of some merchant, and the merchant
Have just our theme of woe; but for the miracle----
I mean our preservation-few in millions
Can speak like us. Then wisely, good sir, weigh
Our sorrow with our comfort.
1. To whom are these words addressed? Who else is present here?
Answer
These words are addressed to Alonso, the King of Naples. Sebastian, Antonio, Adrian, and other nobles are present there.
These words are addressed to Alonso, the King of Naples. Sebastian, Antonio, Adrian, and other nobles are present there.
2. In what context is Gonzalo speaking this?
Answer
All the people have been shipwrecked and Alonso especially is in a depressed state as his son Ferdinand is missing. He had jumped into the sea and so Alonso is in a terrible state. Gonzalo wants to comfort Alonso by making him see the positive side of things.
All the people have been shipwrecked and Alonso especially is in a depressed state as his son Ferdinand is missing. He had jumped into the sea and so Alonso is in a terrible state. Gonzalo wants to comfort Alonso by making him see the positive side of things.
3. Bring out the meaning of the extract.
Answer
Gonzalo says that they have cause to be cheerful, for the fact that they have escaped from sure death, is above all losses. What they are feeling is common to sailors' wives, merchants, and masters of ships. Few people can speak of such a miraculous escape that they have had. So Alonso needs to see the positive side and not think only about grief.
Gonzalo says that they have cause to be cheerful, for the fact that they have escaped from sure death, is above all losses. What they are feeling is common to sailors' wives, merchants, and masters of ships. Few people can speak of such a miraculous escape that they have had. So Alonso needs to see the positive side and not think only about grief.
4. How do others react to his words?
Answer
Alonso is not in a mood to listen to such words of comfort and requests him to say no more, whereas others make fun of him saying his consolation is as unpalatable as 'cold porridge'. They also say Gonzalo cannot stop speaking even if the others are not inclined to listen to him.
Alonso is not in a mood to listen to such words of comfort and requests him to say no more, whereas others make fun of him saying his consolation is as unpalatable as 'cold porridge'. They also say Gonzalo cannot stop speaking even if the others are not inclined to listen to him.
5. What opinion have you formed about Gonzalo?
Answer
Gonzalo is a kind-hearted person and is loyal and sincere to Alonso. He wants to divert the depressive thoughts Alonso is having and tries to make the king see the brighter side of things. He maintains the balance of mind even when faced with certain death as he believes in God. Of all the king's companions, he is the only one who cares for the king.
Gonzalo is a kind-hearted person and is loyal and sincere to Alonso. He wants to divert the depressive thoughts Alonso is having and tries to make the king see the brighter side of things. He maintains the balance of mind even when faced with certain death as he believes in God. Of all the king's companions, he is the only one who cares for the king.
6. Give the meanings of the words as they are used in the context of the passage:
hint; woe; weigh
Answer
Hint - circumstance, occasion
Hint - circumstance, occasion
Woe - great sorrow, misery
Weigh - balance
2. Alonso: You cram these words into mine ears against
The stomach of my sense. Would I had never
Married my daughter there, for coming thence
My son is lost, and, in my rate, she too,
Who is so far from Italy remov'd
I ne'er again shall see her. Othou mine heir
Of Naples and of Milan, what strange fish
Hath made his meal on thee?
1. To whom are these words addressed? What does Alonzo mean when he says
"Against the stomach of my sense"?
Answer
These words are addressed to Gonzalo. By saying the above statement Alonzo means that the sense of Gonzalo's words does not agree with Alonso's inclination and he does not want to hear them.
These words are addressed to Gonzalo. By saying the above statement Alonzo means that the sense of Gonzalo's words does not agree with Alonso's inclination and he does not want to hear them.
2. What does Alonso mean by the first three lines?
Answer
Alonso means that he is forced to listen to Gonzalo's words just as cramming food into the stomach when one does not feel like having any.
Alonso means that he is forced to listen to Gonzalo's words just as cramming food into the stomach when one does not feel like having any.
3. What are the two factors troubling Alonso?
Answer
Alonso has got his daughter married in Tunis, and the likelihood of seeing her again is almost nil due to the distance. He thinks he has lost his son and will not be seeing him again. These are the twin sorrows troubling Alonso.
Alonso has got his daughter married in Tunis, and the likelihood of seeing her again is almost nil due to the distance. He thinks he has lost his son and will not be seeing him again. These are the twin sorrows troubling Alonso.
4. What does the speaker mean by the last three lines?
Answer
The speaker worries that what strange fish has eaten his son who was drowned in the sea and who was the future heir of the throne of Naples and the dukedom of Milan.
The speaker worries that what strange fish has eaten his son who was drowned in the sea and who was the future heir of the throne of Naples and the dukedom of Milan.
5. How does Francisco comfort him?
Answer
Francisco comforts him by saying that he had seen Ferdinand swim with strong strokes, riding on the top of the waves. So, there is a strong possibility that he has safely reached the shores of the island.
Francisco comforts him by saying that he had seen Ferdinand swim with strong strokes, riding on the top of the waves. So, there is a strong possibility that he has safely reached the shores of the island.
6. Give the meanings of the words as they are used in the context of the passage:
cram; stomach; rate
Answer
Cram - stuff
Cram - stuff
Stomach - desire
Rate - estimation, view
3. Francisco: Sir, he may live.
I saw him beat the surges under him
And ride upon their backs; he trod the water,
Whose enmity he flung aside, and breasted
The surge most swoll'n that met him; his bold head
'Bove the contentious waves he kept, and oard
Himself with his good arms in lusty stroke
To th' shore, that o'er his wave-worn basis bow'd,
As stooping to relieve him. I not doubt
He came alive to land.
1. Who is the 'he' referred to? Who is Francisco?
Answer
'He' is referred to Ferdinand, the lost son of Alonso. Francisco is one of the nobles accompanying Alonso.
'He' is referred to Ferdinand, the lost son of Alonso. Francisco is one of the nobles accompanying Alonso.
2. What does he say about the 'he'?
Answer
Francisco says that he saw Ferdinand swim strongly over the waves, all the time keeping his head above them. Seeing the way he dealt with waves, he is sure that Ferdinand must have reached shore easily.
Francisco says that he saw Ferdinand swim strongly over the waves, all the time keeping his head above them. Seeing the way he dealt with waves, he is sure that Ferdinand must have reached shore easily.
3. How does Sebastian criticize Alonso soon after this?
Answer
Sebastian criticizes his brother for having got his daughter married to a Tunisian, far away instead of a European Prince. He says Alonso himself is responsible for his grief.
Sebastian criticizes his brother for having got his daughter married to a Tunisian, far away instead of a European Prince. He says Alonso himself is responsible for his grief.
4. What is Gonzalo's opinion about Sebastian's words?
Answer
Gonzalo says Sebastian may be telling the truth but his words lack kindness. At this point in time, it is like rubbing the sore instead of plastering it. In other words, he is aggravating the agony instead of healing it.
Gonzalo says Sebastian may be telling the truth but his words lack kindness. At this point in time, it is like rubbing the sore instead of plastering it. In other words, he is aggravating the agony instead of healing it.
5. Give the meanings of the words as they are used in the context of the passage:
surges; contentious; lusty
Answer
Surges - waves
Surges - waves
Contentious - angry, violent
Lusty - powerful
4. Gonzalo: Had I plantation of this isle, my lord--
Antonio: He'd sow't with nettle-seed.
Sebastian: Or docks, or mallows.
Gonzalo: ---And were the king on't, what would I do?
Sebastian: Scape being drunk, for want of wine.
Gonzalo: l'th' commonwealth I would be contraries
Execute all things, ...
1. Explain what Gonzalo means by "Had I plantation of this isle"? Whom does he address as "my lord"?
Answer
Gonzalo means to say that if he would be the king of this island he would do many things. Alonso, the king of Naples, is addressed as “my lord".
Gonzalo means to say that if he would be the king of this island he would do many things. Alonso, the king of Naples, is addressed as “my lord".
2. Mention four things which Gonzalo says he will have in his "commonwealth".
Answer
In his commonwealth Gonzalo would:
In his commonwealth Gonzalo would:
(a) Have no Magistrates.
(b) No occupation.
(c) No learning or studying.
(d) No servants and no employers.
3. Who are Antonio and Sebastian? What kind of attitude do they have towards Gonzalo?
Answer
Antonio is the brother of Prospero and had earlier usurped the dukedom of Milan. Sebastian is the brother of the king of Naples, Alonso. They are making fun of Gonzalo.
Antonio is the brother of Prospero and had earlier usurped the dukedom of Milan. Sebastian is the brother of the king of Naples, Alonso. They are making fun of Gonzalo.
4. Give one remark made earlier by Sebastian which shows his cold attitude.
Answer
"Twas what a sweet Marriage", was the end remarks made earlier by Sebastian to Alonso. He spoke in an ironical manner and blamed Alonso for whatever happened to them.
"Twas what a sweet Marriage", was the end remarks made earlier by Sebastian to Alonso. He spoke in an ironical manner and blamed Alonso for whatever happened to them.
5. What is Gonzalo's motive in talking about a commonwealth? Which characteristics of his stand out in this scene?
Answer
Gonzalo's motive in talking about commonwealth is just to muse his master Alonso who is sorry and sad to have lost his son in the storm. In this scene, Gonzalo's characteristics like loyalty and sincerity stand out.
Gonzalo's motive in talking about commonwealth is just to muse his master Alonso who is sorry and sad to have lost his son in the storm. In this scene, Gonzalo's characteristics like loyalty and sincerity stand out.
5. Gonzalo: I'th' commonwealth I would by contraries
Execute all things, for no kind of traffic
Would I admit; no name of magistrate;
Letters should not be known; riches, poverty,
And use of service, none; contract, succession,
Bourn, bound of land, tilth, vineyard, none;
No use of metal, corn, or wine, or oil;
No occupation, all men idle, all,
And women too, but innocent and pure;
No sovereignty---
1. What is Gonzalo's ideal vision of Commonwealth as expressed in these lines?
Answer
Gonzalo says that he will not allow any trade, no magistrates and no education. There will be no riches, no property, no one serving others. There will be no laws or agreements, no restrictions, boundaries, or cultivation. There will be no kind of agriculture or labor. Men would be idle and the women too would be innocent and pure. There would be no king.
Gonzalo says that he will not allow any trade, no magistrates and no education. There will be no riches, no property, no one serving others. There will be no laws or agreements, no restrictions, boundaries, or cultivation. There will be no kind of agriculture or labor. Men would be idle and the women too would be innocent and pure. There would be no king.
2. What is the humor in this vision?
Answer
Gonzalo said in the beginning of his speech that he will rule his commonwealth and later he says that there will be no kingship. Moreover, such a situation will not be realistic; it can exist only in the imagination of a child.
Gonzalo said in the beginning of his speech that he will rule his commonwealth and later he says that there will be no kingship. Moreover, such a situation will not be realistic; it can exist only in the imagination of a child.
3. What other things will they have in the Commonwealth?
Answer
Gonzalo further says that all ordinary process of production would be made without the sweat or oil of man. The country will be without crime or weapons. Nature would produce all things in plenty to feed innocent people.
Gonzalo further says that all ordinary process of production would be made without the sweat or oil of man. The country will be without crime or weapons. Nature would produce all things in plenty to feed innocent people.
4. What is his real intention in speaking all this?
Answer
Gonzalo' real intention is to lighten the heavy atmosphere. He wants all of them to laugh.
Gonzalo' real intention is to lighten the heavy atmosphere. He wants all of them to laugh.
5. What ultimately comes as a comfort to all of them?
Ans. Ariel comes to put them to sleep with his magical song which even puts Alonso to sleep. However, Antonio and Sebastian are left awake.
6. Give the meanings of the words as they are used in the context of the passage:
commonwealth; traffic; letter
Answer
Commonwealth -nation, community
Commonwealth -nation, community
Traffic - trade, business
Letter - academic education, sophisticated learning
6. Sebastian: What a strange drowsiness posseses them!
Antonio: It is the quality o'th' climate
Sebastian: Why?
Doth it not then bur eyelids sink ? I find not
Myself dispos'd to sleep.
Antonio: Nor I: my spirits are nimble.
They fell together all, as by consent;
They dropp'd, as by a thunder-stroke. What might.
Worthy Sebastian ? O what might-? no more :-
Any yet methinks I see it in thy face
What thou should'st be. Th' occasion speaks thee, and
My strong imagination sees a crown
Dropping upon thy head.
1. Why did such a 'strange drowsiness' possess them? Who is referred to as "them"? Where are "they"?
Answer
Ariel's magical music causes strange drowsiness on them. "Them refers to Alonso, Gonzalo, Adrian, and Francisco. They are in another part of the island.
Ariel's magical music causes strange drowsiness on them. "Them refers to Alonso, Gonzalo, Adrian, and Francisco. They are in another part of the island.
2. Who is Antonio? How was he responsible for Prospero's present condition?
Answer
Antonio is Prospero's younger brother and the usurping Duke of Milan. Antonio conspired with Alonso, the King of Naples, to overthrow Prospero. He put Prospero and Miranda on a flimsy to perish in the open sea and declared himself the Duke of Milan.
Antonio is Prospero's younger brother and the usurping Duke of Milan. Antonio conspired with Alonso, the King of Naples, to overthrow Prospero. He put Prospero and Miranda on a flimsy to perish in the open sea and declared himself the Duke of Milan.
3. Explain: "Th' occasion speaks thee".
Answer
The phrase means that this is the apt hour for him to act.
The phrase means that this is the apt hour for him to act.
4. What does Antonio ultimately convince Sebastian to do? What role does Antonio himself intend to play?
Answer
Antonio finally convinces Sebastian to kill Alonso and Gonzalo and become the King of Naples. Antonio himself intends to kill Alonso.
Antonio finally convinces Sebastian to kill Alonso and Gonzalo and become the King of Naples. Antonio himself intends to kill Alonso.
5. How are Antonio and Sebastian prevented from doing what they had planned?
Answer
Ariel at that moment sings in Gonzalo's ear and awakens him, thus preventing Antonio and Sebastian from doing what they had planned.
Ariel at that moment sings in Gonzalo's ear and awakens him, thus preventing Antonio and Sebastian from doing what they had planned.
7. Antonio: O!
If you but knew how you the purpose cherish
Whiles thus you mock it, how in stripping it
You more invest it-ebbing men, indeed,
Most often do so near the bottom run
By their own fear or sloth.
Sebastian: Prithee, say on.
The setting of thine eye and cheek proclaim
A matter from thee, and a birth, indeed,
Which throes thee much to yield.
1. To whom are these words addressed? Why are they awake?
Answer
These words are addressed to Sebastian, brother of Alonso. Ariel puts all others to sleep but Antonio and Sebastian are left awake so that they could discuss their secret thoughts.
These words are addressed to Sebastian, brother of Alonso. Ariel puts all others to sleep but Antonio and Sebastian are left awake so that they could discuss their secret thoughts.
2. Which "purpose" does Antonio refer to? Where are Antonio and Sebastian at the present moment?
Answer
Here, the desire of Sebastian is referred to by Antonio who wants to be the King of Naples. Antonio and Sebastian are presently on another part of the island.
Here, the desire of Sebastian is referred to by Antonio who wants to be the King of Naples. Antonio and Sebastian are presently on another part of the island.
3. How had Antonio mocked the "purpose" he cherished? What is implied by "stripping it" and "invest it"?
Answer
By pretending as if he were talking in his sleep. Antonio mocked the "purpose" he cherished. The two phrases mean that the more you put it off, the greater the importance you give to it.
By pretending as if he were talking in his sleep. Antonio mocked the "purpose" he cherished. The two phrases mean that the more you put it off, the greater the importance you give to it.
4. Bring out the meaning of the extract.
Answer
Antonio wishes that Sebastian would recognize the deepest desire in his heart, even if he is mocking at it. Even when he seems to conceal it, it becomes more and more evident. People end up at the bottom, either because of laziness or sheer fear, and Sebastian may fail to achieve his ambition because of either of these.
Antonio wishes that Sebastian would recognize the deepest desire in his heart, even if he is mocking at it. Even when he seems to conceal it, it becomes more and more evident. People end up at the bottom, either because of laziness or sheer fear, and Sebastian may fail to achieve his ambition because of either of these.
5. A little earlier, in what way does Antonio try to make the other person speak about his secretly cherished dream?
Answer
Antonio tries to incite Sebastian by referring to the expression on his face. His desire to become king can be clearly seen on his face, and the opportunity to fulfill the ambition that opened itself before him. He further motivates the other by saying that he can visualize a crown dropping on Sebastian.
Antonio tries to incite Sebastian by referring to the expression on his face. His desire to become king can be clearly seen on his face, and the opportunity to fulfill the ambition that opened itself before him. He further motivates the other by saying that he can visualize a crown dropping on Sebastian.
6. How does the other person respond to these words of Antonio?
Answer
The other person that is Sebastian replies that whatever Antonio should continue speaking because he believes that Antonio has something serious in his mind and is having difficulty in saying it.
The other person that is Sebastian replies that whatever Antonio should continue speaking because he believes that Antonio has something serious in his mind and is having difficulty in saying it.
7. What does Sebastian request Antonio to "say on"? How does Sebastian conclude that Antonio has much to convey?
Answer
Sebastian requests Antonio to "say on the desire he had in his heart. By reading the impressions on Antonio's face, Sebastian concludes that he has much to convey.
Sebastian requests Antonio to "say on the desire he had in his heart. By reading the impressions on Antonio's face, Sebastian concludes that he has much to convey.
8. About whom does Antonio speak just after Sebastian's speech? What is his purpose in talking about him?
Answer
After Sebastian's speech, Antonio speaks about Francisco's effort to convince Alonso that Ferdinand was dead fighting against the tempestuous waves.
After Sebastian's speech, Antonio speaks about Francisco's effort to convince Alonso that Ferdinand was dead fighting against the tempestuous waves.
The purpose of talking about the death of Ferdinand is that now that as Ferdinand is no more, Sebastian should think seriously about becoming the King of Naples.
9. What impression have you formed about Antonio so far?
Answer
Antonio is very ambitious and would do anything to fulfill his dream, like cheating his own brother and banishing him and his daughter by allowing them to die in the sea. Here he is trying to brainwash Sebastian to do the same thing by killing his own brother. He seems devoid of any love or loyalty to relative or friend.
Antonio is very ambitious and would do anything to fulfill his dream, like cheating his own brother and banishing him and his daughter by allowing them to die in the sea. Here he is trying to brainwash Sebastian to do the same thing by killing his own brother. He seems devoid of any love or loyalty to relative or friend.
10. Give the meanings of the words as they are used in the context of the passage:
purpose; ebb; sloth
Answer
Purpose - intention, aim
Purpose - intention, aim
Ebb - decline
Sloth - laziness
8. Sebastian: Claribel.
Antonio: She that is queen of Tunis; she that dwells
Ten leagues beyond man's life; she that from Naples
Can have no note unless the sun were post
The man i'th' moon's too slow—till newborn chins
Be rough and razorable; she that from whom
We all were sea-swallow'd, though some cast again
And by that destiny, to perform an act
Whereof what's past is prologue, what to come
In yours and my discharge.
1. Bring out the context of the passage.
Answer
Antonio is trying to encourage Sebastian to make his way to kingship clear. Ferdinand is dead, and Claribel is as good as dead, in Tunis, being far away from Europe, in another continent. Killing Alonso will easily make him the King of Naples and Milan.
Antonio is trying to encourage Sebastian to make his way to kingship clear. Ferdinand is dead, and Claribel is as good as dead, in Tunis, being far away from Europe, in another continent. Killing Alonso will easily make him the King of Naples and Milan.
2. What is said about Claribel in these lines?
Answer
These lines reveal that Claribel is now the Queen of Tunis living so far away that will take a lifetime for a man to reach. She cannot get any information from Naples. By the time information reaches her, infants would sprout the beard. The shipwreck has given them a chance to kill Alonso, and he should fulfill their ambition.
These lines reveal that Claribel is now the Queen of Tunis living so far away that will take a lifetime for a man to reach. She cannot get any information from Naples. By the time information reaches her, infants would sprout the beard. The shipwreck has given them a chance to kill Alonso, and he should fulfill their ambition.
3. Explain the meaning of the last three lines of the extract.
Answer
Antonio says that it is because of Claribel that they are shipwrecked, as it is when coming back from her wedding that this happened. Destiny preferred to save the two so that they can fulfill their ambition. In other words, their past adventures are an introduction to what should be fulfilled.
Antonio says that it is because of Claribel that they are shipwrecked, as it is when coming back from her wedding that this happened. Destiny preferred to save the two so that they can fulfill their ambition. In other words, their past adventures are an introduction to what should be fulfilled.
4. A little later, the listener asks Antonio about his conscience; what reply does he get for this?
Answer
Antonio says there is nothing like a conscience in his being. If it were sore on the heel, it would make him put on his slippers but he does not have his noble feeling.
Antonio says there is nothing like a conscience in his being. If it were sore on the heel, it would make him put on his slippers but he does not have his noble feeling.
5. What plan of action does Antonio suggest a little later?
Answer
Antonio points out that Alonso is sleeping as though he is as lifeless as the earth upon which he is lying now. He would dig three inches of the dagger into the body of Alonso, while Sebastian can do the same thing to Gonzalo so that he would not reproach them for the deed.
Antonio points out that Alonso is sleeping as though he is as lifeless as the earth upon which he is lying now. He would dig three inches of the dagger into the body of Alonso, while Sebastian can do the same thing to Gonzalo so that he would not reproach them for the deed.
6. What is the result of this plan? Who plays a crucial role in giving the right end to the plan?
Answer
This plan totally fails as Ariel wakes up Gonzalo and others, just as the culprits were about to commit the crime
This plan totally fails as Ariel wakes up Gonzalo and others, just as the culprits were about to commit the crime
7. Give the meanings of the words as they are used in the context of the passage:
note; post; discharge
Answer
Note - information, knowledge
Post - messenger, courier
Discharge - performance, execution
9. Sebastian: Methinks, I do.
Antonio : And how does your content
Tender your own good fortune ?
Sebastian: I remember
You did supplant your brother Prospero.
Antonio : True;
And look how well my garments sit upon me,
Much feater than before; my brother's servants.
Were then my fellows, now they are my men.
1. Why does Sebastian say, "Methinks, I do"?
Answer
By saying "Methinks I do so", Sebastian says that he fully understands what Antonio suggests when he asks him if he understands what he is saying.
By saying "Methinks I do so", Sebastian says that he fully understands what Antonio suggests when he asks him if he understands what he is saying.
2. What does Antonio mean, by "And how does... own good fortune"?
Answer
Antonio means that Sebastian should be inclined to look favorably on his lucky chance for his 'advancement' or opportunity.
Antonio means that Sebastian should be inclined to look favorably on his lucky chance for his 'advancement' or opportunity.
3. What is meant by the term "supplant"? How did Antonio "supplant" his own brother?
Answer
By the term 'supplant' it is meant that Antonio usurped the dukedom from his brother Prospero. Antonio treacherously took hold of the administration and usurped the dukedom of Milan from Prospero and left him and his three-year-old daughter in a broken boat on the mercy of the sea.
By the term 'supplant' it is meant that Antonio usurped the dukedom from his brother Prospero. Antonio treacherously took hold of the administration and usurped the dukedom of Milan from Prospero and left him and his three-year-old daughter in a broken boat on the mercy of the sea.
4. Which "garments" does Antonio refer to?
Answer
The 'garments' referred to are his robes which are changed than the ones he wore before becoming the Duke of Milan. According to him, the garments' fit him more suitably.
The 'garments' referred to are his robes which are changed than the ones he wore before becoming the Duke of Milan. According to him, the garments' fit him more suitably.
5. Who are the "my men" referred to by Antonio? When were they his "fellows"? Comment on Antonio's tone in this speech.
Answer
Antonio says that earlier Prospero's subordinates were his equals or "fellows" but after he became the Duke of Milan the same people became his servants whom he is referring to as “my men”. Antonio's tone here is of self-praise and contentment.
Antonio says that earlier Prospero's subordinates were his equals or "fellows" but after he became the Duke of Milan the same people became his servants whom he is referring to as “my men”. Antonio's tone here is of self-praise and contentment.
6. How does Sebastian comment on this speech of Antonio?
Answer
On Antonio's saying as above, Sebastian says, "But for your conscience"; this statement of Sebastian suggests that his tone is sarcastic and satirical.
On Antonio's saying as above, Sebastian says, "But for your conscience"; this statement of Sebastian suggests that his tone is sarcastic and satirical.