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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In the false banquet scene, Gonzalo catches on to Antonio's and Sebastian's plan but identifies the wrong motivation for it. What does he believe their motivation to be?

2. At the end of Act IV, Scene I, what does Prospero promise to Ariel after asking him to pursue Trinculo, Stephano and Caliban?

3. By the beginning of Act III, Scene II, what is the state of Caliban, Trinculo and Stephano?

4. What does the banquet scene reveal about Alonso, Sebastian and Antonio?

5. What spirits does Prospero conjure after blessing Ferdinand and Miranda's marriage?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Prospero do following his revelation about the futility of revenge and his self realization?

2. Following the magical performance with dancing spirits, Prospero recites one of two famous soliloquies. What does he speak of in the soliloquy and who does he parallel with this soliloquy?

3. In Prospero's soliloquy after the magical performance, what is the significance of his reference to the nature of being and the nature of life?

4. Why does Prospero conjure the banquet for Antonio, Alonso, Sebastian and Gonzalo?

5. What is the significance of Gonzalo's comment about the gentleness of the spirits at the banquet?

6. After Ariel tells Prospero where Antonio, Alonso, and Sebastian are, what causes Prospero to realize that it is not revenge he wants, but penitence?

7. Who does Prospero refer to as "the rabble" prior to the magical performance with the dancing spirits?

8. What is Stephano's ulterior motive in the plan to murder Prospero?

9. In Prospero's final speech at the play's end, what is the significance of his contemplation of his death? How does it link to his now ended revenge?

10. How does Caliban reveal his humane side in Act III, Scene II?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Antonio's character is tested by Prospero throughout the course of the play. Is he truly remorseful for his past wrongdoings, or does he just feel threatened by Prospero? Why, or why not? Cite examples from scenes where Antonio is tested by Prospero and explain how Antonio passes or fails those tests.

Essay Topic 2

What is the importance of the exposition within a story? What does it do? Where in The Tempest is the exposition? Think about character development, plot and foreshadowing of events to come. Cite examples from the play's exposition that accomplish these objectives.

Essay Topic 3

What is the significance of the title "The Tempest"? What does it symbolize? Cite specific examples of how this symbolism is used in the play.

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