Structured Questions and Answers from The Tempest Act 5 Scene 1 by William Shakespeare
Questions Answers from Passages of The Tempest Act 5 Scene 1
Passages from The Tempest Act 5 Scene 1
1. Prospero: Now does my project gather to a head.
My charms crack not, my spirits obey, and Time
Goes upright with his carriage. How's the day?
1. How is Prospero attired now? Who is with him? Where are they?
Answer
Prospero is attired in his magic robes. Ariel is present with him. They are at a venture on the island where Prospero's alchemic experiments are in progress.
2. What is meant by 'project' and what is said about it?
Answer
By project', Prospero means his plan of dealing with his enemies. He says the project is nearing its end. His magical charms have enabled it to reach its climax.
3. What are charms and what does he say about them?
Answer
Charms are his magic powers. He says the magic powers have not broken and his spirits are obeying him.
4. In what mood is Prospero now? What is meant by 'time goes upright with his carriage?
Answer
Prospero is satisfied with the way his plans have turned out. His time is favourable and it is proceeding ahead towards its fulfilment.
5. What time of the day is it? What is going to happen at this time?
Answer
It is six o'clock in the evening. Prospero is going to bring his plan to its ultimate completion. After that, his work is over and he will be free.
6. What does Prospero ask Ariel soon after this? What reply does Ariel give him?
Answer
Prospero asks Ariel about the whereabouts of King Alonso and his followers. Ariel replies that they are confined together in the lime grove near Prospero's cell. They are distraught and miserable.
7. Give the meanings of the words as they are used in the context of the passage:
crack; carriage; day
Answer
Crack - break down
Carriage - burden, load
Day - time, hour
Answer
Alonso, Sebastian, Antonio, Gonzalo, and a few others are confined together. They are being punished for, plotting against Prospero and Miranda. Yes, Gonzalo is a kind gentleman who had helped Prospero survive, and he is suffering now just because he is in the company of the wrongdoers.
2. In what state are they now?
Answer
The offenders are in an unsettled mental state, and others are mourning their condition. They are full of sorrow and dismay.
3. What does Prospero refer to when he says "I did say so"? Who is the "king" referred to by Prospero?
Answer
Prospero refers to the moment he has been waiting for twelve long years. The 'King referred to by Prospero is his treacherous brother Antonio.
4. Comment on Prospero's use of the expression, "my spirit."
Answer
Prospero addresses Ariel as 'my spirit'. The expression suggests that Prospero is in a pleasant mood and is glad at the performance of Ariel.
5. Explain: "In the line-grove... your cell".
Answer
"In the line-grove which weather-fends you cell" means the dense grove of lime. Prospero's cell from bad weather that protects. Hear Ariel has made captive the enemies of his master Prospero.
6. What is said about Gonzalo?
Answer
Gonzalo is the saddest of them. His tears run down his beard in the same manner as the melting icicles flow down from the eaves of thatched roves..
7. According to Ariel, what will Prospero feel, if he sees them now?
Answer
If Prospero were to see them now, he would feel sympathy for them and would take pity on them.
8. What does Prospero say about his human nature, when compared to that of Ariel?
Answer
Prospero says, in spite of being a spirit, if Ariel can feel pity for the offenders, then it will not be surprising if he feels more pity towards them even if their actions had hurt him very badly.
9. A little later, Prospero says, 'the rarer action is/In virtue than in vengeance.' Explain the meaning. What is the significance of this line in the light of the whole play?
Answer
The line means that it is very rare to treat one's enemy with kindness and forgiveness than with revenge. This line becomes relevant in the light of the theme of the play, which focuses on forgiveness than punishment.
10. Mention one quality of Ariel as reflected in this extract.
Answer
Ariel seems to be having a human touch, though he is a spirit.
11. Give the meanings of the words as they are used in the context of the passage:
distracted; brimful; termed
Distracted - confused, perplexed
Brimful - full, filled with
Termed – called
3. Prospero: But this rough magic
I here abjure; and when I have requir'd
Some heavenly music—which even now I do---
To work mine end upon their senses that
This airy charm is for, I'll break my staff,
Bury it certain fathoms in the earth,
And deeper than did ever plummet sound
I'll drown my book.
1. In what way was the earth affected by Prospero's magic?
Answer
The earth shook, and the oak trees split with lightning: the pine and cedar trees were uprooted.
2. How did he address the spirits just before this?
Answer
He addressed the spirits of the hills, brooks, lakes and woods and sands that make footprints by chasing the ebbing waves of the sea. He also calls the demi-puppets who by moonlight make green rings with their dances, which the sheep refuse to gaze upon. The spirits whose pastime is to grow mushrooms at midnight feel happy to hear the evening church bell. He acknowledged their help in fulfilling his plan by darkening the midday sun, creating raging storms that were accompanied by thunder and lightning.
3. What does he decide to do with his magic powers?
Answer
He decides to abjure his magic skills by breaking his staff and burying it inside the earth deeper than any sailor's plumb line has ever reached.
4. Where is Ariel now? For what purpose has he gone there?
Answer
Ariel has gone to the lime grove where the offenders are confined. He went there to summon them into Prospero's presence.
5. Who enters soon after this? In what state is each one of them?
Answer
Ariel comes leading Alonso, Sebastian, Antonio, Gonzalo, and others. The prisoners are frantic and confused.
6. Give the meanings of the words as they are used in the context of the passage:
rough; abjure; charm
Rough - violent, harsh
Abjure - solemnly reject or give up
Charms - magic spells
4. Prospero:
The charm dissolves apace,
And as the morning steals upon the night,
Melting the darkness, so their rising senses
Begin to chase the ignorant fumes that mantle
Their clearer reason. O good Gonzalo,
My true preserver, and a loyal sir
To him thou follow'st, I will pay thy graces
Home both in word and deed!
1. What does Prospero mean by 'the charm dissolves apace'? What is happening at this time?
Answer
Prospero means that his magic is coming to an end. At this time Alonso is looking very desperate, and others are equally in despair. They are standing charmed but, the divine song in the air is slowly comforting their feverish brains.
2. Comment on the figure of speech used here.
Answer
The figure of speech used is a Simile. The charm disappearing and sense coming back is compared to morning taking the place of the night, dispelling the gloom and filling it with a wondrous glow. It is also symbolic of dispelling the ignorance that is obscuring their reasoning power and bringing instead the light of good sense.
3. What does he tell Gonzalo at this point of time?
Answer
Gonzalo is called an honourable man, 'true preserver', who saved his life. He promises to repay by his acts of kindness in words and actions.
4. What does he accuse Alonso of?
Answer
Alonso is accused of treating Prospero and his daughter in a cruel way.
5. What does he say to Antonio?
Answer
Prospero says that Antonio collaborated with Sebastian and acted against human nature to plot against the lives of their brothers.
6. Comment on the figure of speech used at the end of the extract.
Answer
The awakening understanding of the charming ones is growing stronger like the rising tide, clearing the dirt and foulness of their minds. The figure of speech used is a Metaphor.
7. Give the meanings of the words as they are used in the context of the passage:
mantle; grace; home
Mantle - cover, conceal
Grace - honour, respect
Home - fully, thoroughly
5. Alonso: Whe'er thou beest he or no,
Or some enchanted trifle to abuse me,
As late I have been, I not know. Thy pulse
Beats as of flesh and blood; and since I saw thee,
Th' affliction of my mind amends, with which
I fear a madness held me. This must crave,
An if this be at all, a most strange story.
Thy dukedom I resign, and do entreat
Thou pardon me my wrongs. But how should
Prospero: Be living, and be here?
1. To whom are these words spoken? Why is the doubt expressed?
Answer
These words are spoken to Prospero. Alonso cannot believe that the person whom all had thought to be dead is before their eyes. Moreover, everything that is happening on the island is so unbelievable that he wonders whether Prospero's image is also an illusion.
2. What is meant by 'enchanted trifle abuse me'?
Answer
By this phrase, Alonso wonders whether the person in front of him is Prospero or some enchanted spirit to deceive him.
3. What is happening to Alonso's mind now?
Answer
Alonso says that ever since he has seen Prospero, the affliction of his mind is getting cured and the madness that had gripped him earlier is leaving.
4. What does Alonso promise now and what does he entreat?
Answer
Alonso promises that he is resigning his Dukedom and begs him to forgive all the wrongs he had done to him.
5. What does Prospero tell Gonzalo at this time?
Answer
Prospero calls Gonzalo his noble friend and wants to embrace his friend, whose honour cannot be measured or confined.
6. How does Gonzalo respond to the words of Prospero?
Answer
Gonzalo says that all are under the spell which the island has cast upon them, and they cannot believe whether the things that are happening are true or not.
7. Give the meanings of the words as they are used in the context of the passage:
trifle; beats; wrongs
Trifle - illusion, trick
Beats - heartbeats
Wrongs - crimes, misdeeds
6. Alonso: You the like loss?
Prospero: As great to me, as late; and supportable
To make the dear loss, have I means much weaker
Than you may call to comfort you, for I
Have lost my daughter.
1. Who is the 'you' spoken to? What is the 'like loss'?
Answer
You' is Prospero. Prospero says that he has lost his daughter just like Alonso has lost his son.
2. Explain the meaning of the extract.
Answer
Prospero says, recently he has lost his daughter just as Alonso is experiencing the loss of his son. He feels it badly as the loss is of recent occurrence and he has poorer resources to bear it or supplant it. What he indirectly says is that Miranda is getting married to Ferdinand and he has to bear the loss of his daughter.
3. What does Prospero say about patience, a little earlier?
Answer
Prospero says the Alonso should try to get the favour of patience to get enough strength to bear the loss. It is because of this virtue Prospero is able to endure his pain.
4. What words are spoken by Alonso soon after this?
Answer
Alonso says that he wishes both his son and Prospero's daughter were alive and living in Naples as King and Queen now. Since that is not the case, he wishes that he was lying in the mud of the ocean, along with his son.
5. What does Prospero say that has happened to Alonso and others in this tempest?
Answer
Prospero says that because of the strange things that have happened, all survivors are under shock, and seem to have lost their reasoning power. They cannot believe what they see with their own eyes, and they wonder whether they are really listening to human speech.
6. To which place does he invite the rest of the people and what do they see there? According to Prospero, in what way is it a compensation?
Answer
Prospero invites them to his cave. There they see Miranda and Ferdinand playing chess. Prospero says that what they are going to see there, is compensation for returning the kingdom to him.
7. Give the meanings of the words as they are used in the context of the passage:
late; supportable; dear
Late - here, recent
Supportable - bearable
Dear - serious, severe
7. Alonso: If this prove
A vision of the Island, one dear son
Shall I twice lose.
Sebastian: A most high miracle!
Ferdinand: (Coming Forward) Though the seas threaten, they are merciful.
I have curs'd them without cause.
1. What is meant by 'this'? What is Alonso afraid of?
Answer
This is the vision of Ferdinand sitting along with Miranda in the cave. Alonso doubts whether it is an illusion; if so, when reality proves otherwise, he will be feeling the pain of losing his son once again.
2. Why does Ferdinand say that he has cursed the sea without cause?
Answer
Ferdinand was thinking that his father had drowned in the sea and had been cursing it for its cruelty.
3. What is Miranda's reaction at seeing so many people?
Answer
Miranda is wonderstruck by the sight of such wonderful human beings. She feels that the world is so splendid in which there are human beings so beautiful.
4. What is the irony in Miranda's comment on the brave new world?
Answer
The irony is that the people whom she is referring to as beautiful are responsible for her misfortune. There is ugliness and cruelty in the makeup of these so-called 'beautiful people.
5. How does Prospero react to this comment?
Answer
Prospero says that it is too early for this comment as time will reveal the real picture of human beings.
6. Give the meanings of the words as they are used in the context of the passage:
vision; most high; cause
Vision - illusion
Most high - wonderful
Cause - reason
8. Alonso: Now all the blessings
Of a glad father compass thee about !
Arise, and say how thou cam'st here.
Miranda : 0, Wonder!
How many goodly creatures are there here!
How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world.
That has such people in't !
Prospero: Tis new to thee.
Alonso: What is this maid with whom thou wast at play?
Your eld'st acquaintance cannot be three hours.
Is she the goddess that hath sever'd us,
Ans brought us thus together?
1. Whom does Alonso ask to "arise"? What is he glad "about"?
Answer
Alonso asks, his son Ferdinand, to arise. Finding his son alive, he is very glad.
2. What is Miranda wonder-struck about?
Answer
So many "goodly creatures" are the cause of wonder for innocent Miranda.
3. Explain the terms, "eldest acquaintance" and "sever'd us".
Answer
Finding Ferdinand and Miranda much close to each other, Alonso expresses his feeling that their acquaintance should be an old one and he thus calls it 'eld' st'. Alonso takes Miranda as a goddess of the island who has 'severed or separated them.
4. What information does Alonso receive in response to his question, "Is she the goddess... together"?
Answer
In response to his question, Alonso comes to know from Ferdinand that Miranda is not a goddess; she is a mortal human being.
5. Why is the world 'new' to Miranda?
Answer
Miranda had never come across in her life any person other than her father on the isolated island. So, the appearance of many human beings like Ferdinand is a new world for her.
9. Ferdinand: Sir, she is mortal;
But by immortal providence, she's mine.
I chose her when I could not ask my father
For his advice—nor thought I had one. She
Is daughter to this famous Duke of Milan,
Of whom so often I have heard renown,
But never saw before; of whom I have
Received a second life; and second father
This lady makes him to me.
1. Who is referred to as 'she'? Why is this information stressed here?
Answer
Miranda is referred to as 'she'. This information is stressed as Alonso and others wonder whether she is a Goddess of the island.
2. Explain the second line of the extract.
Answer
This line means that by the mercy of the immortal God, she has been bestowed upon Ferdinand.
3. What explanation does Ferdinand give for choosing Miranda without the permission of his father?
Answer
Ferdinand explains that he thought that his father was dead and,. in his absence, he had to make the decision of making Miranda his wife, on his own.
4. What does he say about Prospero at this point of time? What is ironical about the introduction?
Answer
Ferdinand introduces Prospero as the father of Miranda, the famous Duke of Milan. He adds that he owes his life to Prospero, who is a second father to him. The irony is that the others know who Prospero is, whom they had treated with dire cruelty. The same man is now the saviour of Ferdinand, who is totally unaware of his father's role in bringing Prospero to this island.
5. Why does Alonso say, it is odd to ask forgiveness from his child?
Answer
Alonso says that Miranda, in the capacity of his son's wife, is his daughter and he has to ask forgiveness as he has been responsible for her banishment from Milan.
6. Give the meanings of the words as they are used in the context of the passage:
immortal; providence; renown
Immortal - god
Providence - grace, favour
Renown - rumour
10. Gonzalo: Was Milan thrust from Milan that his issue
Should become kings of Naples? O rejoice
Beyond a common joy, and set it down
With gold on lasting pillars! In one voyage
Did Claribel her husband find at Tunis,
And Ferdinabad, her brother, found a wife
Where he himself was lost, Prospero his dukedom
In a poor isle, and all of us ourselves
When no man was his own.
Alonso : (to Ferdinand and Miranda) Give me your hands.
Let grief and sorrow still embrace his heart
That doth not wish you joy!
1. What does Gonzalo mean by, 'Was Milan-------kings of Naples?'
Answer
Gonzalo wonders whether the Duke of Milan was banished from his state so that his children may become the rulers of Naples. In other words, he is referring to the hand of Fate; that everything happens for a purpose.
2. What is said to be set down in gold?
Answer
It should be written in gold that on one voyage Claribel found her husband at Tunis, and Ferdinand, her brother on his way back, found a wife in the same place where he got lost. Also, Prospero found a kingdom on a poor island, and everyone else has discovered themselves, after going through a purgation of emotions.
3. What is the meaning of 'when no man was his own?
Answer
It means that each of the survivors went through certain strange moments when they were caught under a spell. They came out of it with a revelation of their own character.
4. Who enters at this time with Ariel?
Answer
The master of the wrecked ship along with Boatswain enters with Ariel
5. What does Gonzalo say about them in general and one in particular?
Answer
Gonzalo says that there are some more members of their group. He also says that he had foretold the Boatswain, whom he predicted would not drown as he had the mark of gallows, standing before him unhurt.
6. What information about the ship is given at this time?
Answer
Boatswain says that the ship which was thought to be wrecked three years ago is sound and ready to sail, fitted with gears and riggings.
7. Give the meanings of the words as they are used in the context of the passage:
issue; rejoice; poor
Issue - children, descendants
Rejoice - celebrate
Poor- uninhabited
11. Boatswain: If I did think, sir, I were well awake,
I'd strive to tell you. We were dead of sleep,
And-how we know not-all clapp'd under hatches,
Where but even now with strange and several noises
Of roaring, shrieking, howling, jingling chains,
And more diversity of sounds, all horrible,
We were awak'd,
1. What, according to the speaker, happened to the crew?
Answer
The crew was fast asleep under the deck. Just a few minutes ago, they awoke with varied sounds of roaring, shrieking, clinking of chains and other terrifying noise.
2. What happened when they finally awoke?
Answer
On waking up, they found themselves free and rejoiced to see the ship all ready for sail.
3. Who brought out all these happenings and who masterminded them?
Answer
Ariel did all these magic activities under the guidance of Prospero.
4. What do you think about Ariel at this point of time?
Answer
Ariel is a very obedient and committed worker who diligently follows the orders of his master. He loves his master and will do anything for him.
5. What instruction does Prospero give Ariel soon after?
Answer
Prospero tells Ariel to set Caliban and his friends free.
6. Who are driven to the presence of others by Ariel? In what state are they?
Answer
Caliban, Stephano, and Trinculo wearing stolen clothes are driven in by Ariel. They are in a distraught, confused and painful state.
7. Give the meanings of the words as they are used in the context of the passage:
dead; trim; caper
Dead - death-like, lifeless
Trim - readiness to sail, full preparedness
Caper - dance with joy
12. Prospero: Mark but the badges of these men, my lords,
Then say if they be true. This misshapen Knave,
His mother was a witch, and one so strong
That could control the moon, make flows and ebbs,
And deal in her command without her power.
These three have robb'd me, and this demi-devil
For he's a bastard one-had plotted with them
To take my life. Two of these fellows you
Must know and own; this thing of darkness I
Acknowledge mine.
1. Explain the meaning of the first line. To whom are these words addressed? Where are they?
Answer
Prospero tells Alonso to take note of their glittery dresses which were stolen from his collection, and make the tides ebb and flow with her power. He goes on to say that this demi-devil with his friends plotted against his life.
2. To whom is Prespero referring to as -‘misshapen knave? How is Caliban introduced?
Answer
Prospero is referring to Caliban. He is introduced as a deformed creature, the son of a witch, Sycorax who was strong enough to control the moon, and make the tides ebb and flow with her power. He goes on to say that this demi-devil with his friends plotted against his life.
3. Who are two of the fellows"? In what capacity does Alonso know them?
Answer
Stephano and Trinculo are the fellows. Stephano is Alonso's butler and Trinculo is a court jester.
4. Who is referred to as "the thing of darkness"? Why?
Answer
Caliban is referred to like "the thing of darkness” as he is the son of a witch and also he is an evil fellow who has cruel intentions towards Prospero and Miranda.
5. Describe the condition and dress of "these men"? How did they come to be in this state?
Answer
"These men" are heavily drunk and are wearing the clothes they had stolen. They are in this state because of Prospero's plan and are under the charm of his magical power.
6. How does Prospero deal with the three of them? State what you think of Prospero's decision.
Answer
Prospero pardons them. It is a good decision as forgiveness is the keynote of the play.
7. What work is assigned to the three rascals by Prospero?
Answer
They were asked to clean the cave of Prospero and make it ready for the royal guests.
8. Give the meanings of the words as they are used in the context of the passage:
misshapen; knave; ebb
Misshapen - deformed
Knave - rascal, scoundrel
Ebb - recede, retreat
13. Prospero: Sir, I invite your highness and your train
To my poor cell, where you shall take your rest
For this one night, which part of it I'll waste
With such discourse as I not doubt shall make it
Go quick away: the story of my life,
And the particular accidents gone by
Since I came to this isle; and in the morn
I'll bring you to your ship, and so to Naples
Where I have hope to see the nuptial
Of these our dear-belov'd solemnized,
And thence retire me to my Milan, where
Every third thought shall be my grave.
1. Who is invited to the cell? How are they here?
Answer
Alonso, Sebastian, Antonio, Gonzalo, and others are invited to the cave. They were magically shipwrecked and now brought to Prospero's presence by Ariel.
2. How does Prospero intend to spend a part of the night?
Answer
As per the request of Alonso and the others, Prospero is going to tell the story of his escape from the sea and his life on the island, to keep them entertained and pass time quickly.
3. What does he plan to do in the morning?
Answer
Prospero plans to bring them to the ship and sail to Naples where he will be able to see the marriage of Miranda and Ferdinand.
4. What does Prospero promise at the end of the scene?
Answer
Prospero promises calm seas, favourable winds, and a fast voyage.
5. What last duty is assigned to Ariel? What is promised to him after this?
Answer
Ariel is told to make arrangements for their trip and is promised freedom to roam about anywhere in Nature.
6. Give the meanings of the words as they are used in the context of the passage:
train; discourse; accidents
Answer
Train - entourage
Discourse - conversation
Accidents - events, happenings
14. Prospero:
Now my charms are all overthrown,
And what strength I have's mine own,
Which is most faint. Now 'tis true
I must be here confin'd by you,
Or sent to Naples. Let me not,
Since I have my dukedom got,
And pardon'd the deceiver, dwell
In this bare island by your spell,
1. Bring out the context of the extract.
Answer
These are the first few lines from the Epilogue of the play "The Tempest'. Prospero has decided to go back to Milan after years of life on the lonely island. He is a happy and satisfied man who has avenged his sufferings and made his enemies realize the enormity of their crime. The audience is requested to let him free as the drama is over.
2. Explain the meaning of the first three lines.
Answer
Prospero says that all his magic powers are gone, and he is an ordinary being with limited powers. After the renunciation of his mystical powers, he now is in his own real strength which is little.
3. Who is the 'you' mentioned in the extract?
Answer
You' is the audience or the spectators of the drama to whom Prospero finally addresses directly.
4. Explain, 'Let me not-------‘.
Answer
Prospero tells the audiences that he will not make them stay and they should release him from their captivity with cheerful applause or otherwise all his efforts to entertain them would fail.
5. In what way is Prospero helpless now?
Answer
Prospero has abandoned his magical powers, and by that, his spirits are also not with him to assist him in performing magic, which is why he is helpless.
6. What does Prospero say about prayer towards the end of the play?
Answer
Prospero says that prayers can penetrate the heart of God and can persuade Him to show mercy on all the sinners for their faults.
7. Give the meanings of the words as they are used in the context of the passage:
overthrown; faint; confined
Answer
Overthrown - given up
Faint - weak
Confined - restricted