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50 pages 1 hour read

William Shakespeare

The Tempest

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1611

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Essay Topics

1.

What is Prospero’s purpose in bringing King Alonso’s ship to the island?

2.

Why does Prospero think Caliban is an unredeemable beast? Why does Caliban hate Prospero? Is there any way for them to reconcile?

3.

Caliban convinces Stephano to help him. What help does Caliban want, and what does he think of the outcome?

4.

Does Prospero treat Ariel fairly? Argue for your viewpoint.

5.

Miranda falls in love with Ferdinand, but Prospero captures the young man and puts him to hard labor. Why does he do this?

6.

Gonzalo, counselor to King Alonso, was part of a plot against Prospero. Despite this, why is Prospero so friendly toward Gonzalo?

7.

Among the ship’s passengers, who is Prospero’s main enemy? What did he do to Prospero? What else does he do that proves he’s a villain?

8.

Explain how Prospero’s behavior symbolizes European colonialism.

9.

When he has achieved his ends, Prospero renounces something. What is it, and why does he reject it?

10.

Prospero does bad things for good ends. What are these things, and what are the ends? Is Prospero therefore a good or bad person? Defend your conclusion.

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