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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. Who does Ariel bring back at Prospero's request?

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

3. Why does Alonso believe, following the false banquet, that Ferdinand is dead?

4. What does Prospero realize about himself when Ariel tells him about the men in the cave?

5. Which character says: "We are such stuff/As dreams are made on"?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Do you think Prospero will actually give up his magic? He only talks of it, but does not actually do it. Why or why not?

4. Describe Prospero's journey that leads to his transformation at the end of the play.

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

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

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

8. 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?

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

10. What spirits does Prospero summon for the magical performance when he sees Ferdinand getting too close to Miranda?

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 significance of Miranda and Ferdinand's union? Is it true love, or a scheme orchestrated by Prospero? What role does it play in "The Tempest?" Cite specific examples from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Although the metaphor of a tempest suggests an unnatural upheaval in nature that then returns the environment back to normal, is this the case in the play? Do things return to normal by the play's end? Is there more ambiguity than the idea of a tempest suggests? Why, or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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