Act Four scene one

Prospero’s speech – lines 1 - 23

• How does Shakespeare show Prospero’s affection for Miranda?

• Look at Prospero’s threats to Ferdinand. Do these show:

• That Prospero’s anger is never far below the surface?• That he is thinking primarily of the new dynasty that

Miranda and Ferdinand will create?• That he desires only to protect Miranda?

AO3 – alternative interpretations

Ariel – lines 34 - 51

What does Shakespeare suggest about the relationship between Prospero and Ariel in this scene?

The Masque• In the Sixteenth and Seventeenth centuries masques were a

popular form of entertainment• Their stories were often highly allegorical and drew from

both classical legends and folklore. • Juno = symbol of marriage and family life• Ceres – symbol of agriculture, nature and rebirthHow does the masque: Glorify marriage? Explicitly link the marriage to the resumption of social

harmony? Move the plot forwards towards a return to the mainland?AO2 – form

AO4 – social/ historical context

The presentation of love in the masque

• Why has Ceres avoided the company of Venus (lines 86 – 91)?

• What might this say about Prospero’s vision of social harmony?

• Is a vision of a world that is not governed by passion consistent with Prospero’s behaviour on the island?

• What else might motivate Prospero to stress the virtues of a world not ruled by passion? (Hint: look at Ferdinand’s speech lines 23 – 31) AO2

AO3

Response to the masque

How do the following quotations enhance our understanding of the play: This is a most majestic vision, and

Harmonious charmingly.

Spirits, which by mine artI have from their confines called to enactmy present fancies

Let me live here ever!Why is there no response to this quotation? AO3 – alternative

interpretations

A celebration of rural life

Read the Cliff’s notes article on context.

What evidence can you find to support their ideas in the scene?

AO4 - context

A metaphor for the playwright’s art

Read and annotate Prospero’s speech from lines 146 – 163

Read the critical essay “Interpreting the Tempest”. Do you agree with theory put forward in the section “Prospero the Director”?

Support your point of view with evidence from this scene. AO3 – alternative

interpretations