Workbook Answers for The Tempest by William Shakespeare Act 5 Scene 1 ISC
The Tempest Act 5 Scene 1 Workbook Answers
Extract 1
ARIEL. On the sixt hour, at which time, my lord,
You said our work should cease.
PROSPERO. I did say so,
When first I raised the tempest. Say, my spirit,
How fares the king and ’s followers?
ARIEL. Confin’d together
In the same fashion as you gave in charge,
Just as you left them; all prisoners, sir,
In the line-grove which weather-fends your cell;
They cannot boudge till your release. The King,
His brother, and yours, abide all three distracted,
And the remainder mourning over them,
Brimful of sorrow and dismay; but chiefly
Him that you term’d, sir, “the good old Lord Gonzalo,”
His tears run down his beard like winter’s drops
From eaves of reeds
1. What does Prospero ‘say so’ when he first raised the tempest?
Answer
When Prospero raised the tempest for the first time, he said that his plan will be completed till 6'o clock.
2. Where are the king and his followers? What does Ariel say about them?
Answer
King and his followers are huddled together in one place, confined to the grove of lime trees, to shield themselves against the bad weather. Ariel says that they can't move until Prospero releases them.
3. Describe the condition of Gonzalo in confinement.
Answer
Gonzalo is unhappy and saddest among all the members. He is in the state of mourning, with tears rolling down from his beard.
4. Give any two of the character traits of Gonzalo.
Answer
Two character traits of Gonzalo are:
1. An honest and trusted adviser to King Alonso of Naples.
2. He has a good heart and an optimistic outlook, and is described as noble.
For example, when Prospero and his daughter, Miranda, were set adrift at sea, Gonzalo took pity on them, supplying them not only with the food and water necessary to survive but also with those things that make life easier
5. How does the extract show itself as a piece of good descriptive poetry? Give any two examples of the heightened language.
Answer
The imagery of the scene takes dramatic turn in this act. There is no thunder and lightning and violent waves. What we have now is a rainbow through the presence of Iris in the masque. The serenity symbolises the peace that occurs between the various characters after a restless existence. At the beginning of the play, the storm had been a symbol of betrayal, revenge and inordinate greed. The rainbow symbolises union, mirth and bliss. Ferdinand realises that the sea is merciful. The rainbow is also a symbol of the re-establishment of the moral order in the world where Prospero regains his dukedom and Caliban his native island.
Two examples of the heightened language:
(i) dismay: concern and distress
(ii) eaves: the projecting portion of roofs.
6. Give the meaning of the following words as they are used in the context of the passage:
(a) dismay
(b) eaves
Answer
(a) dismay: Pathetic Condition(Concern and Distress)
(b) eaves: the projecting portions of roofs.
Extract 2
Though with their high wrongs I am stroock to th’ quick,
Yet with my nobler reason, ’gainst my fury
Do I take part. The rarer action is
In virtue than in vengeance. They being penitent,
The sole drift of my purpose doth extend
Not a frown further. Go release them, Ariel.
My charms I’ll break, their senses I’ll restore,
And they shall be themselves.
1. Why does Prospero have more feelings for his wrong doers than Ariel?
Answer
Prospero has more feelings for his wrongdoers than Ariel because Ariel is a spirit but Prospero being a human of the same race has more feelings than Ariel. He also says that he also suffers from the same pain as they do.
2. Why is Prospero hurt by thinking of his betrayers?
Answer
Prospero is hurt by thinking of his betrayers because he feels pity for them as they are on their own race. Though Prospero is angry with their evil deeds, he is feeling compassionate about them.
3. What guides Prospero more in his decision to forgive his offenders? What does he say about it?
Answer
He is more serious about forgiving his offenders because he is indigent about their evil deeds. He says that he will put his thirst for vengeance aside and be merciful.
4. What is meant by “the rarer action is In virtue than in vengeance”? If Prospero’s focus was not on vengeance, why did he create a storm at the beginning of the play?
Answer
“the rarer action is In virtue than in vengeance” means forgiveness is better than taking revenge. He created a storm at the beginning of the play because he wanted to punish the evildoers. Now he says that if they have repented than his purpose is achieved, and later on when he realizes that forgiving is better than taking revenge, he forgives everyone.
5. In the context of the theme of the play, what does Prospero tell Ariel at the end of his speech?
Answer
Prospero tells Ariel to go and release the king and his followers, he also says that he will break his spell and restore them to their sanity and make them free.
6. Give the meaning of the following words as they are used in the context of the passage:
(a) struck
(b) penitent
Answer
(a) struck: deeply hurt
(b) penitent: repentant
Extract 3
ARIEL. I’ll fetch them, sir. Exit.
PROSPERO traces a magic circle with his staff.
PROSPERO. Ye elves of hills, brooks, standing lakes, and
groves,
And ye that on the sands with printless foot
Do chase the ebbing Neptune, and do fly him
When he comes back; you demi-puppets that
By moonshine do the green sour ringlets make,
Whereof the ewe not bites; and you whose pastime
Is to make midnight mushrumps, that rejoice
To hear the solemn curfew: by whose aid,
(Weak masters though ye be) I have bedimm’d
The noontide sun, call’d forth the mutinous winds,
And ’twixt the green sea and the azur’d vault
Set roaring war
1. Whom will Ariel fetch? Why?
Answer
Ariel will fetch the king and his followers because Prospero orders him to go and release them as Prospero is sympathetic and compassionate towards them.
2. Before Prospero gives up his magic art, he invokes nature spirits. Which spirits did he invoke in the extract? How does he describe the natural phenomenon of rising and ebbing of the sea?
Answer
Before Prospero gives up his magic art, he invokes elves, he says that these elves have chased ocean waves as they draw down the shore and when these waves came back they ran away, this is how Prospero has described the natural phenomenon of rising and ebbing of the sea.
3. Who is Neptune? Why is he referred to in the extract ?
Answer
Neptune is the God of the sea, he is referred to in the extract because Prospero talks about the elves who have chased the sea/ocean waves.
4. Who are demi-puppets? What is said about them in the extract?
Answer
Demi-puppets are the small or tiny creatures who lived in hills, streams, and lakes. It is said about them that they chased the ocean waves and when these waves came back, they ran away, it is also said about them that they light the moon and made fairy rings in the grass, which the sheep refuse to eat.
5. What did Prospero do to the sun and the winds?
Answer
He says that he had darkened the noon sun, and summoned the resisting winds while setting the green sea and blue sky at war.
6. Give the meaning of the following words as they are used in the context of the passage:
(a) ringlets
(b) mutinous
Answer
(a) ringlets: circle
(b) mutinous: storm
Extract 4
Set roaring war; to the dread rattling thunder
Have I given fire, and rifted Jove’s stout oak
With his own bolt; the strong-based promontory
Have I made shake, and by the spurs pluck’d up
The pine and cedar. Graves at my command
Have wak’d their sleepers, op’d, and let ’em forth
By my so potent art. But this rough magic
I here abjure, and, when I have requir’d
Some heavenly music (which even now I do)
To work mine end upon their senses that
This airy charm is for, I’ll break my staff,
Bury it certain fathoms in the earth,
And deeper than did ever plummet sound
I’ll drown my book.
1. Prospero speaks eloquently about the magic art in the extract. What does he say about the thunder and lightning?
Answer
Prospero says that with the help of thunder and lightning he had burnt Jupiter's oak.
2. How does Prospero show that his magic is powerful in these cases-producing earthquakes, opening graves and uprooting trees?
Answer
Prospero's magic is powerful in producing earthquakes, opening graves and uprooting trees because he had shaken the sturdy cliffs, pulled up pine and cedar trees by the roots and waked up the dead ones while opening their graves.
3. Why does Prospero want some music? Give two instances in the play what role music plays.
Answer
Prospero wants some music because he wants to cast his spell and bury his magic books in the ocean even more deeply than any anchor. Music is found in most of the scenes as follows:
- Sometimes it is used to make Alonso feel mourn of his son's death
- To wake Gonzalo from sleep.
4. What is plummet? Why is it referred to in the extract?
Answer
Plummet is weighted line used for measuring the depth of an ocean the term “fathom” is used. It is referred to in the extract because Prospero wants to sink his magic books deeper than any sailor’s plumpline.
5. Finally, what action does Prospero take before giving up his magic art?
Answer
Prospero wants to withdraw his magical spell and break his wand while burying his magical books in the ocean more deeply than any actor.
6. Give the meaning of the following words as they are used in the context of the passage:
(a) abjure
(b) fathoms
Answer
(a) abjure: give up
(b) fathoms: six feets. In measuring the depth of an ocean the term “fathom” is used.
Extract 5
O good Gonzalo,
My true preserver, and a loyal sir
To him you follow’st! I will pay thy graces
Home both in word and deed. Most cruelly
Didst thou, Alonso, use me and my daughter;
Thy brother was a furtherer in the act.
Thou art pinch’d for’t now, Sebastian. Flesh and blood,
You, brother mine, that entertain’d ambition,
Expell’d remorse and nature, whom, with Sebastian
(Whose inward pinches therefore are most strong),
Would here have kill’d your king, I do forgive thee,
Unnatural though thou art
1. Who is Gonzalo? Why does Prospero call him,(a) My true preserver(b) a loyal sir to his master?
Answer
Gonzalo is an old counselor in the court of Antonio, he was also faithful to Prospero, the real king of Milan. Prospero calls him:
(a) my true preserver because he saved his life by providing him some basic necessities during the time of banishment.
(b)a loyal sir to his master because he was loyal and honest towards everyone.
2. What will Prospero reward Gonzalo?
Answer
Prospero will reward Gonzalo not only by praising him with words but by action too.
3. What does Prospero accuse Alonso and Sebastian of? In what way was Alonso involved in Prospero’s banishment?
Answer
Prospero accuses Alonso of manipulating and banishing him from his kingdom along with his daughter. Alonso was involved in Prospero's banishment as he helped Antonio in conspiring against Prospero.
4. How does Prospero denounce Antonio?
Answer
Prospero denounces Antonio by saying that Antonio you are so greedy for throne and authority that you forgot the natural compassion and bond between brothers, and cleverly usurped the throne from me. But later on, Prospero forgives him.
5. How does Prospero present himself to the accused?
Answer
Prospero forgives Alonso, Sebastian, and Antonio and says that the mind will start to return in normal state and soon their confused minds will clear up, as at this point no one recognizes Prospero.
6. Give the meaning of the following words as they are used in the context of the passage:
(a) furtherer
(b) remorse
Answer
(a) furtherer: one who promotes a scheme: helper
(b) remorse: drove out
Extract 6
ALONSO. Whe’er thou beest he or no,
Or some enchanted trifle to abuse me
(As late I have been) I not know. Thy pulse
Beats as of flesh and blood; and since I saw thee,
The affliction of my mind amends, with which
I fear a madness held me. This must crave
(And if this be at all) a most strange story.
Thy dukedom I resign, and do entreat
Thou pardon me my wrongs. But how should Prospero
Be living, and be here?
1. State what Prospero has said and done to reveal his old self.
Answer
In order to prove that Prospero was real, he introduces himself to Alonso and hugs him while wishing a warm welcome.
2. What does Alonso say doubting about Prospero’s identity?
Answer
Doubting Prospero identity Alonso says that"! don't know whether you are actual or not, or its a magic trick designed to make me suffer, but your heart beats like a flesh and blood man. As soon as | saw you the madness affecting my mind has eased”. He also says that if it's all true then it really requires an explanation. Therefore, Alonso also gives up his ownership of dukedom to Prospero while begging for forgiveness.
3. After seeing Prospero, what positive signs are seen in Alonso? In this regard what does Alonso wish to be explained?
Answer
After seeing, Prospero his mind becomes eased from the madness and he feels sorry for all wrong deeds towards Prospero. Alonso wished to be explained about how Prospero is alive and healthy after such a long time and how did he come to this island.
4. How does Alonso regret his wrongdoings to Prospero?
Answer
Alonso regrets his wrongdoing by begging forgiveness and giving the ownership of his kingdom to Prospero.
5. What is the main theme of the play? Explain how the main theme of the play is carried out in this scene.
Answer
The main theme of the play is ‘Mercy and forgiveness”.
The main theme of the play is carried out well in this scene as In this act, Prospero deals with those who have wronged him. He shows them mercy and forgiveness. He forgives both Antonio and Alonso by not exposing their treacherous plot to kill Alonso. He shows mercy to Trinculo and Stephano. Forgiveness by Prospero, however, has different levels. Alonso is forgiven unconditionally; Antonio is rebuked and then forgiven, whereas others are punished before they are forgiven.
6. Give the meaning of the following words as they are used in the context of the passage:
(a) affliction
(b) crave
Answer
(a) affliction: disease
(b) crave: demand
Extarct 7
SEBASTIAN. [Aside.] The devil speaks in him.
PROSPERO. No.
For you, most wicked sir, whom to call brother
Would even infect my mouth, I do forgive
Thy rankest fault—all of them; and require
My dukedom of thee, which perforce, I know
Thou must restore.
ALONSO. If thou be’st Prospero,
Give us particulars of thy preservation,
How thou hast met us here, who three hours since
Were wreck’d upon this shore; where I have lost
(How sharp the point of this remembrance is!)
My dear son Ferdinand.
1. Who has just spoken to Sebastian? Why does Sebastian say “The devil speaks in him”?
Answer
Prospero has just spoken to Sebastian. He said "The devil speaks in him" because Prospero just said that Antonio and Sebastian are the biggest sinners and if he wanted he could punish them, listening this Sebastian says "The devil speaks in him".
2. Name the "most wicked sir". How can you conclude from the extract that he was wicked?
Answer
The "most wicked sir" is Antonio. It can be concluded from the extract that he was wicked as Prospero curses him a lot and says to him that "you are such a bad person that cannot even call you my brother".
3. What does Prospero request the most wicked sir to do?
Answer
Prospero requests Antonio, the most wicked person to give back his dukedom to him, which of course Antonio has to give it to Prospero.
4. Why did Alonso doubt about the identity of Prospero? What loss did the former suffer in the storm?
Answer
Prospero was banished from his kingdom around 10-12 years ago, so Alonso doubts about the identity of him thinking how had he lived on this island so long, healthy and wisely. Alonso lost his son in the wild storm.
5. What does Prospero say about his own loss and how he has borne the loss?
Answer
Prospero says that he has also lost his daughter, Miranda and he says that he even has much less to comfort himself so he has borne this loss by being patience.
6. Give the meaning of the following words as they are used in the context of the passage:
(a) infect
(b) restore
Answer
(a) infect: defile
(b) restore: restore kingdom
Extract 8
No more yet of this,
For ’tis a chronicle of day by day,
Not a relation for a breakfast, nor
Befitting this first meeting. Welcome, sir;
This cell’s my court. Here have I few attendants,
And subjects none abroad: pray you, look in.
My dukedom since you have given me again,
I will requite you with as good a thing,
At least bring forth a wonder, to content ye
As much as me my dukedom.
1. Where does this scene take place? Who are present at the scene?
Answer
This scene takes place at Prospero's house. Antonio, Alonso along with Prospero are present in this scene.
2. Just before this extract, what has Prospero said about the inconvenience suffered by some of the lords?
Answer
Just before this extract, Prospero said that "your senses aren't working properly, and you are unable to use your reason", he also said that these lords are so amazed to see him that they are standing with their mouth open.
3. Why doesn’t Prospero want to go in detail about the recent events?
Answer
Prospero doesn't want to go in detail about the recent events because its a long tale and according to Prospero it cannot be told over breakfast or on a first meeting and moreover, the lords are also not in their senses.
4. What does Prospero say about his present court?
Answer
Prospero refers to his present home as a royal court and says that he has just a few servants here on this island.
5. Prospero regains his dukedom. What surprise present does he give to Alonso in return?
Answer
In return of his dukedom Prospero surprises Alonso by showing him his son Ferdinand, who was alive and was playing chess with Miranda.
6. Give the meaning of the following words as they are used in the context of the passage:
(a) chronicle
(b) requite
Answer
(a) chronicle: a story related from day today
(b) requite: repay
Extract 9
GONZALO. Was Milan thrust from Milan, that his issue
Should become kings of Naples? O, rejoice
Beyond a common joy, and set it down
With gold on lasting pillars: in one voyage
Did Claribel her husband find at Tunis,
And Ferdinand her brother, found a wife
Where he himself was lost; Prospero his dukedom
In a poor isle; and all of us, ourselves,
When no man was his own.
ALONSO. [To FERDINAND and MIRANDA.] Give me
your hands.
Let grief and sorrow still embrace his heart
That doth not wish you joy!
GONZALO. Be it so, amen!
1. Give the meaning and implication of these lines: How was Milan thrust from Milan, that his issue Should become king of Naples?
Answer
These lines implicate us about Gonzalo's question, "Was the duke of Milan thrown out of his kingdom so that his successor, could become the king of Naples".
2. Briefly narrate how Prospero got back his dukedom?
Answer
While his long staying in that island he studied his magic spells and he became a powerful wizard. He was seeking for opportunities so when the lords man were returning from their journey from Tunis he asked “Ariel” to create a tempest but in these storm none of the people or lords man should get harm. So after the tempest he separated each of the member into groups and started started his journey to restore his dukedom and to make them repent for their doings. He separated Alonso from Ferdinand as to make his feel repent but at last when he sees his child Ferdinand back then he gave his dukedom back and he accepted Prospero’s daughter Miranda as her queen ,he forgive his brother Antonio and all went back to Naples and led a happy life.
3. Explain how Claribel got her husband at Tunis. Why were many opposed to her marriage to the king of Tunis? How did they plead against the marriage?
Answer
Claribel got her husband at Tunis as they were affianced together in marriage. People were opposed and against Claribel’s marriage to the king of Tunis because Tunis was far away from France due to which Claribel could not meet his father and secondly it was the shipwreck which took place during coming from Claribel's marriage.
4. Where was Ferdinand? State how he got a wife.
Answer
Ferdinand was in Prospero's house playing chess with Miranda. He got his wife when Ferdinand and Miranda saw each other for the first time, and felled in love with each other. Later on, Prospero gave him many tests which Ferdinand passed and got Miranda as her wife.
5. How does the passage show that the play has a happy ending?
Answer
This play has a happy ending as Prospero forgives everyone and in return, he gets his kingdom back. Ferdinand and Alonso also meet each other and Ferdinand got approved by Prospero for marrying his daughter Miranda. This all happened on the same island while returning back from Claribel's marriage.
6. Give the meaning of the following words as they are used in the context of the passage:
(a) thrust
(b) issue
Answer
(a) thrust: driven
(b) issue: offspring, chils
Extract 10
BOATSWAIN. If I did think, sir, I were well awake,
I’ld strive to tell you. We were dead of sleep,
And (how we know not) all clapp’d under hatches,
Where, but even now, with strange and several noises
Of roaring, shrieking, howling, jingling chains,
And moe diversity of sounds, all horrible,
We were awak’d; straightway, at liberty;
Where we, in all her trim, freshly beheld
Our royal, good, and gallant ship; our master
Cap’ring to eye her. On a trice, so please you,
Even in a dream, were we divided from them,
And were brought moping hither.
1. Which strange events is Alonso referring to? How do they become strange to a stranger?
Answer
Alonso is referring to all the events which he saw just now, first he saw Prospero who forgives him, then he found his lost son who was alive and was madly in love with a girl, called Miranda. These incidents appeared strange to Alonso and it became much stranger when he sees Boatswain.
2. Where was the boatswain? Explain how he has reached the cell of Prospero.
Answer
Boatswain was asleep in the deck below, he says that he heard strange noises due which he waked up and in an instant, he was brought to Prospero's house by Ariel.
3. State what has awakened the boatswain. Who else was with him?
Answer
Strange noises of roaring, howling and juggling awakened boatswain. Mariners are along with him.
4. What did the boatswain see? How did his companion react then? Why?
Answer
Boatswain saw their courageous ship, seeing this all his companion became happy and his master danced in joy because their ship was in the perfect situation and now they can safely go back to their home ground.
5. How did Prospero appreciate, in this context, Ariel’s work?
Answer
In this context, when Ariel asked Prospero whether he did his task of bringing boatswain rightfully, Prospero replied Ariel by appreciating his work by saying that "Yes, my little spirit you did it perfectly and you will soon get your freedom”.
6. Give the meaning of the following words as they are used in the context of the passage:
(a) clapped
(b) Capering
Answer
(a) clapped: thrown as prisoners
(b) Capering: dancing merrily
Extract 11
PROSPERO. Sir, my liege,
Do not infest your mind with beating on
The strangeness of this business. At pick’d leisure,
Which shall be shortly, single I’ll resolve you
(Which to you shall seem probable) of every
These happen’d accidents; till when, be cheerful
And think of each thing well. [Aside to ARIEL.] Come
hither, spirit.
Set Caliban and his companions free;
Untie the spell. [Exit ARIEL.] How fares my gracious sir?
There are yet missing of your company
Some few odd lads that you remember not.
Enter ARIEL, driving in CALIBAN, STEPHANO AND TRINCULO, in
their stol’n apparel.
1. To whom is Prospero speaking? Why?
Answer
Prospero is speaking to Alonso, as he is disturbed and amazed by seeing the strange events. He tries to console Alonso by saying that don't waste your time obsessing about the strangeness of the event, as he himself will explain all the reasons when the time occurs.
2. What is the strangeness of this business? Why does Prospero tell he person addressed not to bother about the strangeness of this business?
Answer
Strangeness of his business is the strange events that took place incidentally such as Prospero's forgiving to Alonso. Antonio and Sebastian, a meeting of Ferdinand and Alonso, Ferdinand's love with Miranda. Prospero tells Alonso not to waste your time obsessing about the strangeness of events, as he himself will explain all the reasons when the time occurs until then he asks Alonso to be cheerful and generous.
3. Who are the companions of Caliban? Why are they(together with Caliban) to be brought before Prospero?
Answer
Companions of Caliban are Stephano and Trinculo, they are together with Caliban as they planned to murder Prospero, but Prospero torments them and they ran away.
4. How were the conspirators who were against Alonso, punished earlier?
Answer
They were tormented by Ariel in the shape of a harpy as it brought them a banquet of food that disappeared as they were about to have it. When they drew out their swords to kill harpy, Ariel made their swords heavy.
5. What kind of garments are Caliban’s companion wearing? From where did they get the garments?
Answer
Caliban and his companions were wearing glittering garments. They got these garments from Prospero's wardrobe.
6. Give the meaning of the following words as they are used in the context of the passage:
(a) infest
(b) spell
Answer
(a) infest: trouble
(b) spell: magic
Extract 12
PROSPERO. Sir, I invite your Highness and your train
To my poor cell, where you shall take your rest
For this one night; which, part of it, I’ll waste
With such discourse as, I not doubt, shall make it
Go quick away—the story of my life,
And the particular accidents gone by
Since I came to this isle. And in the morn
I’ll bring you to your ship and so to Naples,
Where I have hope to see the nuptial50
Of these our dear-beloved solemnized,
And thence retire me to my Milan, where
Every third thought shall be my grave.
1. Where is Prospero? Whom does he welcome?
Answer
Prospero is at his home on the same island. He welcomes Alonso in his home so that he can rest and sleep tonight, and the next day they will leave for Naples.
2. What discourse is Prospero going to make?
Answer
Prospero is to discourse a night tale that will pass their time quickly, he will narrate the story of his life and everything that happened since he first arrived on this island. He also says that they will leave for Naples in the morning.
3. What was the strength of Prospero when he was on the island? Who were his helpers? Describe any two incidents from the play in which Prospero created wonders.
Answer
Prospero was a man who knew magic, and with his magical powers he captured this island from Caliban and made him his slave for doing menial tasks, he also made Ariel his slave, which helped him most in all plans and assignments. Gonzalo was his helper who helped him during his banishment by providing him some basic necessities, including his books.
Two incidents in which Prospero created wonders are:
- When he artificially created a huge tempest and shipwreck in the sea.
- When he created an illusory banquet for Alonso, Antonio, Sebastian, and Gonzalo.
4. Why does Prospero intend to go to Naples? What else does he want to do finally?
Answer
Prospero intends to go to Naples because he hopes to see the wedding of his two beloved children in Naples, and finally he wants to retire to Milan, where he will spend the rest of his remaining life waiting for his death.
5. How has Prospero tested the character of Ferdinand? Why?
Answer
Ferdinand was madly in love with Prospero's daughter Miranda, but Prospero didn't want her daughter to be a winner by someone so easily. So, Prospero gives him various tasks in order to prove his ability and true love towards Miranda, and later on, Ferdinand passes the test and Prospero accepts him as his son-in-law.
6. Give the meaning of the following words as they are used in the context of the passage:
(a) train
(b) grave
Answer
(a) train: attendants
(b) grave: where coffins are buried