Summary of The Tempest
“The Tempest” is written by William Shakespeare. It is a story about a wise magician named Prospero and his daughter Miranda, who live on a remote island. Prospero, with his magical powers, commands spirits, including the mischievous Ariel. He uses his magic to create a storm that wrecks a ship carrying his enemies, including his brother Antonio and the King of Naples. They end up on the island, and Prospero plans to make them realize their wrongdoings.
Miranda and Ferdinand, the king’s son, fall in love at first sight. However, Prospero tests their love by giving Ferdinand difficult tasks. Despite this, their love remains strong, and Prospero eventually reveals himself, forgives his enemies, and allows Miranda and Ferdinand to marry. They all prepare to leave the island. Prospero buries his magic books and frees Ariel, who is delighted to be free.
“The Tempest” is a story of love, forgiveness, and the power of magic. It shows how Prospero’s wisdom and Ariel’s help bring about a happy ending for all involved, including the young lovers Miranda and Ferdinand.
Theme of The Tempest
The main theme of “The Tempest” is forgiveness and reconciliation. The story shows how Prospero, despite the wrongs done to him, forgives his enemies and brings about a peaceful resolution. It teaches us that forgiveness can lead to harmony and happiness, even in difficult situations. Additionally, the theme of love is also important, as it portrays how the love between Miranda and Ferdinand overcomes obstacles. Overall, the story highlights the power of forgiveness, love, and reconciliation in bringing about positive change and resolving conflicts.
Message of The Tempest
“The Tempest” teaches us that forgiveness can heal old wounds and bring about reconciliation. It shows that love can overcome challenges, and that kindness and understanding can change people for the better. The story The Tempest reminds us that forgiveness and love are powerful forces for creating harmony and happiness in our lives.
A. Tick the most appropriate options.
1. Ariel was a
a. ghost. b. spirit.
c. creature. d. wizard.
2. At one time Prospero was the
a. Duke of Milan. b. Duke of Naples.
c. King of Naples. d. King of Milan.
3. The mistake that changed Prospero’s life was
a. trusting Ariel. b. confiding in Miranda.
c. trusting Antonio. d. accusing Ferdinand of being a spy.
4. Prospero tested Ferdinand and Miranda’s love for one another by
a. putting logs in their way. b. putting Ariel in their way.
c. putting difficulties in their way. d. putting shell fish and roots in their way.
5. Before leaving the island Prospero
a. threw his books away. b. buried his books.
c. packed his books away. d. flung his books away.
Answer
1. Ariel was a
b. spirit.
2. At one time Prospero was the
a. Duke of Milan.
3. The mistake that changed Prospero’s life was
c. trusting Antonio.
4. Prospero tested Ferdinand and Miranda’s love for one another by
c. putting difficulties in their way.
5. Before leaving the island Prospero
b. buried his books.
B. Answer these questions from The Tempest
1. Who helped Antonio rob Prospero of his kingdom?
2. Why didn’t Prospero and Miranda die in the rotten boat?
3. “Come Sir, follow me.”
a. Who said these words and to whom?
b. Where was the speaker taking the person?
4. “I merely wanted to test the strength of your love.”
a. Who was the speaker?
b. To whom was this sentence addressed?
c. How did the speaker test the strength of their love?
d. Was he convinced of their love? How did he react to this?
5. How did Prospero make Miranda sleep when Ariel came to give him some news?
6. When did Miranda see Ferdinand for the first time? What did she think when she saw him?
7. What did Prospero say when he heard that Ariel was filled with pity for Antonio and the King of Naples?
Answer
1. Antonio was helped by the King of Naples to rob Prospero of his kingdom.
2. Prospero and Miranda didn’t die in the rotten boat because a kind man named Gonzalo had placed provisions, water, apparel, and Prospero’s precious books on magic in the boat, which helped them survive.
3. a. Ariel said these words to Ferdinand.
b. The speaker was taking Ferdinand to meet Prospero and Miranda.
4. a. The speaker was Prospero.
b. This sentence was addressed to Ferdinand and Miranda.
c. Prospero tested the strength of their love by giving Ferdinand difficult tasks.
d. Yes, Prospero was convinced of their love, and he reacted by revealing himself, forgiving Ferdinand, and allowing him to marry Miranda.
5. Prospero made Miranda sleep by touching her with his magic wand.
6. Miranda saw Ferdinand for the first time when he was brought to Prospero by Ariel. She thought he might be a spirit or a beautiful creature.
7. When Prospero heard that Ariel was filled with pity for Antonio and the King of Naples, he acknowledged that as a human, he should also show them pity and asked Ariel to bring them to him.
C. Write true or false for these statements of The Tempest
a. Ariel was an evil and troublesome spirit.
b. Gonzalo had hoped that Prospero would escape.
c. Prospero became interested in magic after reaching the island.
d. Ferdinand was capable of doing hard work.
e. Miranda used to talk to Ariel all the time.
Answer
a. False
b. True
c. True
d. True
e. False
D. Think and write of The Tempest
1. Why do you think that the shipwrecked men were remorseful? Tick the correct option.
a. They had been punished by Prospero’s magic and had realized their mistake.
b. They were afraid of Ariel and his magic powers.
c. They were confused and terrified after their ship sank in the storm.
2. Do you think Prospero did the right thing by putting Ferdinand to work?
3. Magic plays an important role in this story. Give instances from the text to support this statement.
4. Do you think Prospero was right to forgive his brother and the King of Naples?
Answer
1. The correct option is: a. They had been punished by Prospero’s magic and had realized their mistake.
2. It’s subjective, but some may argue that Prospero did the right thing by testing Ferdinand’s love to ensure it was genuine, while others might find it a bit harsh.
3. Instances of magic in the story include Prospero raising the storm, Ariel’s magical abilities, and Prospero using his magic to control and influence the events on the island.
4. Yes, Prospero’s forgiveness promotes a positive message of reconciliation and forgiveness in the story, showing the importance of letting go of grudges and seeking harmony.