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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 story does Prospero tell Alonso, Gonzalo, Sebastian and Antonio?

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

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

4. What does Prospero say about Caliban's distorted looks?

5. In Act V, Scene I, who do Sebastian and Antonio make jokes about after Ariel brings everyone back?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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. Why does Prospero, in Act IV, Scene I, decide to torment Trinculo, Stephano and Caliban rather than continue his revenge on Antonio?

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

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

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

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

10. In Act V, Scene I, what is a clue that Antonio and Sebastian are not as repentant of their past misdeeds as Alonso?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Who and what is Ariel? He was already on the island before Prospero arrived, but all of the other spirits are conjured by Prospero. They only exist within the play because Prospero bids them. Does Ariel fall into this category, or is he an independent spirit? If Ariel has his own magical powers, why does he serve Prospero when he could use his powers to leave? Support your response with specific examples from the play.

Essay Topic 2

Antonio used Prospero and took advantage of him fifteen years prior to the play in Milan. Can it be argued that Alonso was as much a victim of Antonio's manipulation as Prospero was? What about Sebastian? Support your argument with examples from the text.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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