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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. What part of the scene in which Caliban plans the assassination is somewhat poetic and shows the depth of Caliban?

2. Who else does Prospero ask Ariel to bring back in Act V, Scene I?

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

4. What does Ariel ask Prospero before going to fetch Caliban, Trinculo and Stephano?

5. Who provides music and sings along with Stephano and Trinculo?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. In Act V, Scene I, why does Prospero whisper to Antonio and Sebastian that he knows of their plans to kill Alonso?

3. How does Ariel instill remorse in some of the characters when he appears following the banquet?

4. 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?

5. How does Gonzalo's understanding about Antonio's and Sebastian's plan reveal a similarity between himself and Ferdinand and Miranda?

6. 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?

7. What is the significance of Stephano and Trinculo dressing up in the ostentatious clothing Prospero lays out for them?

8. How does a tempest begin with the Trinculo, Stephano and Caliban subplot?

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

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

Ferdinand, Miranda and Gonzalo are considered moral beacons throughout the play. Compare them to other characters in the play, citing examples where their moral and pure characteristics directly contrast with the play's more treacherous characters.

Essay Topic 2

Is Caliban a monster? Is he simply a product of his environment? Argue this question, citing specific examples from the play that either prove or disprove his humanity. What do you think Shakespeare intended?

Essay Topic 3

Shakespearean plays tend to have comic relief characters to lighten the drama that is taking place. Describe the characters involved in the Caliban, Trinculo and Stephano trio. What are the comical elements of their scenes? How do they make light of the more serious subplots in the play? What do their scenes do for the play's plot?

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