Shakespeare’s The Tempest A test review

Give the correct answer for each question ○ This test review covers four areas of study: Plot/conflict, Setting, Characters, and Playwright. ○ At the end of the review, there will be a list of the essay question options and instructions as to how to prepare for the test.

Setting ○ Name the city and country where Prospero was a Duke.

Setting ○ From where were the King and his courtiers returning when Prospero and Ariel captured them? Name the place and the occasion of the ship’s voyage.

Setting ○ Where was Ariel when Prospero found him and why was he there?

Setting ○ Using the words of Caliban, why are Stephano and Trinculo afraid of the island?

Setting ○ What is a tempest?

Setting ○ Where is the ship’s crew for the first four acts of the play?

Setting ○ Name two ways that Aristotle’s “three unities” affect the setting.

Plot ○ Why does Prospero land all of the characters on different parts of the island?

Plot ○ What is the purpose of Act 1 Scene 2 (father and daughter talking)? Why must it follow the shipwreck scene?

PLOT ○ How does Prospero ensure that Sebastian and Antonio do not succeed in murdering Alonso and Gonzolo?

PLOT ○ Why does Shakespeare have Caliban hide under his cape when he sees Trinculo approaching? What is the purpose of this scene? Think like a playwright.

PLOT ○ The banquet scene is both fantastic and purposeful. Give a short explanation as to how this scene fulfills both descriptions.

PLOT ○ What is the original source of conflict between Prospero and Caliban?

PLOT ○ Why does Prospero chain up Ferdinand and force him to do hard labor? There are two reasons. One reason is based solely on the demands of the plot!

CHARACTER ○ Who is the King’s son?

CHARACTER ○ Who is an orphan?

CHARACTER ○ Who is the obedient and honorable slave?

CHARACTER ○ Who is the “former Duke of Milan”? ○ Who is the present, but false duke?

CHARACTER ○ Which of the courtiers thinks that the perfect government would have no need of laws or work, food would grow itself, and everyone would be kind and obedient; yet, he would still be the ruler?

CHARACTER ○ Which of the characters might be most astonished and have the most difficult adjustment once the party returns to Milan? Support your answer.

CHARACTER ○ Which characters receive actual physical punishments for their crimes against Prospero?

PLAYWRIGHT ○ Who wrote the play, the Tempest?

PLAYWRIGHT ○ Which theater had the open roof: Globe or Blackfriars?

PLAYWRIGHT ○ Why might we laugh or be surprised when Miranda takes the stage if the acting company performed the play exactly as it would have been performed in Shakespeare’s day?

PLAYWRIGHT ○ What was the name of Shakespeare’s hometown? His favorite city? His country?

PLAYWRIGHT ○ The Tempest was Shakespeare’s final play. Because of this, he wanted to impart wisdom to his children and fans. Name two pieces of wisdom/advice you think The Bard emphasized in this play.

THE PLAYWRIGHT ○ Why are there different versions of Shakespeare’s plays? What might account for the random names of Adrian and Francisco in Act 3 of The Tempest?

PLAYWRIGHT ○ Where did the word “role” come from (as in the role an actor takes on in the production of a play such as The Tempest?

How to study for the final test 1. Read over all the information in your possession, including: the article on the playwright, the character descriptions at the start of the play, the background information on the front of each act’s packet, the “focus activities”, and the concluding information and extension questions. 2. Review with this power point. 3. Reread parts of the play you did not understand.

Essay question options ○ You will be asked to write ONE essay. Here are the options. Choose one and develop a topic sentence, three to five supporting detail sentences, and one conclusion sentence. Your details will be need to be strong examples from the text and support your topic sentence. ○ Was Prospero the hero or the villain of The Tempest? ○ We examined five themes presented in the play. Which one was the most important to you as a reader? Explain three ways the playwright revealed this theme and the impact it had on you? (themes listed on next slide) ○ Would you recommend this play to a friend? Why or why not? Comment on the plot, the characters, setting, and themes to support your answer.

The 5 Themes by act 1. True beauty: on the inside or outside? 2. Role of government and leadership 3. Divine Providence 4. Self-discipline and self-control vs passions and appetites 5. Forgiveness/redemption