As you read each night, you should look for TWO words/lines/moments that say: Read me again!!! This is awesome! Once you’ve found those words/lines/moments, you will post the Act, Scene, Line numbers to the blog and then comment on said Act/Scene/Lines. When looking for quotes to include in your journal, consider the following:
1. What is important?
2. What is related to the moment?
3. What is related to the major action of the scene?
4. What is beautiful?
5. What is confusing?
6. What is related to the major themes discussed?
Here are some important topics to consider:
1. Love
2. Appearance vs reality/Deception
3. The improbable, the fantastic, the supernatural, or the miraculous
4. Folly, madness, foolishness
5. Music and song
6. Anything else you find particularly noteworthy
NIGHTLY REQUIREMENTS:
1. Each night so indicated in the syllabus, you are responsible for commenting on at least TWO passages.
2. The length of each comment must be at least a healthy paragraph. Approximately 100 words
I found the speech by Prospero in Act I, scene II, "O, a cherubim... against what should ensue.", a very striking piece of literature, mainly because it took me quite a few times of re-reading it to understand its meaning. What made this passage interesting to me was the way Prospero transitioned from the emotion of saying a story, into talking about what seemed to be the raising of his own daughter. I interpreted it as Prospero describing the hardships in raising a child, but it all being worth it in the end. I liked this passage mainly because it was a different aspect of Prospero's story to Miranda, compared to the telling of how he was dethroned as the Duke of Milan.
ReplyDeleteThe other passage that stood out to me was in Act I, scene II, was the first speech of Caliban, "As wicked dew...You all o'er!". I enjoyed this passage, because it was Calliban enraged by how he was overthrown from his kingdom, and was now a miserable slave. He was quite angry at Prospero for taking him from the thrown that his mother passed down to him. I liked this passage for the poetic sense that can be applied to such rage that Caliban expressed. I have a feeling that somewhere along in the story, Caliban's anger will get the best of him, and he will try to break free and regain the power that was taken from him.
-Quinton Capretta
Act 1 Scene 2 Lines 93-97
ReplyDelete…and my trust, like a good parent, did beget of him, a falsehood in its contrary as great as my trust was, which had, indeed, no limit, a confidence sans bound.
I found this quote interesting, because it was Prospero's trust in Antonio that was his undoing. Trust is a very difficult thing to gain, and when it is taken advantage of to harm that person, it says a lot about them. It can also really rattle a person's confidence when someone who they believe in fails them, and makes it very difficult for them to trust in the future. This is shown later in scene two, when Prospero is hard on Ferdinand despite Miranda's protests, as he can no longer risk trusting many people after Antonio's betrayal, especially when he doesn't know them well.
Act 1 Scene 2 Lines 258-260
Thou list, malignant thing! Hast thou forgot the foul witch Sycorax, who with age and envy was grown into a hoop? Hast thou forgot her?
This made me curious about Prospero's personality, because though earlier he had been very kind and patient with his daughter, he quickly becomes angry at Ariel for asking for freedom, who has become Prospero's slave in return for rescuing him once. Though Prospero's anger and impatience may have something to do with his lack of trust in others, Ariel seems to have done nothing but served him for a year just because Prospero did something for him, and yet Prospero demands further service and accuses Ariel of forgetting the help Prospero gave him. Though so far Prospero seems to be a protagonist, he seems to have certain flaws in which he can be unfair to others.
The first passage that stood out to me was in Act 1, Scene 2 when Prospero describes his brother's position when Prospero was the Duke of Milan. "That now he was The ivy which had hid my princely trunk, And suck'd my verdure out on't." I found the way this was worded to be very interesting and it took me several reads until I could figure out what Prospero was really saying. I interpreted it as Antonio taking the spotlight from Prospero and then eventually getting rid of Prospero entirely. Prospero is also saying that he is better than his brother, as he is the princely trunk and Antonio is the ivy. Ivy is a weed, something that invades a garden and people like to get rid of whereas a princely trunk might contain treasures and things that would be envied. Prospero is upset and rightly so.
ReplyDeleteThe other passage I found to be especially remarkable was also in Act 1, Scene 2 when Prospero comments on Miranda and Ferdinand's first meeting. "At the first sight They have changed eyes." He is saying that they have now seen something that will change them forever. After meeting each other, Miranda and Ferdinand will never be the same; they will view the world differently. Each had an enormous effect on the other, even at first sight. This line conveys the idea of love at first sight and foreshadows that Miranda and Ferdinand will do anything to be together. I think that this line is very elegant and poetic, but also truly conveys a good sense of what Miranda and Ferdinand feel for each other.
The part in Scene 1 Act 2 that really stood out to me the most was when Prospero explains when his brother had the ideal moment to usurp him of the throne:
ReplyDeleteI, thus neglecting worldly ends, all dedicated
To closeness and the bettering of my mind
With that which, but by being so retired,
O'er-prized all popular rate, in my false
brother
This took me a while to figure out exactly what he meant when explaining this, but I figured that Prospero was explaining that he ignored what he was really supposed to be doing as a duke and instead pursued his studies. This gave his backstabbing brother the perfect chance to take the throne, as he his mind was "retired." This exhibits Antonio's thirst for power that would overpowers his love for his power, however up until that point he had deceived Prospero by being somewhat of an apprentice to him and remaining an innocent sibling. In my opinion, however, I do not think Prospero was entitled to the throne if he was ignoring his duties as a duke.
Another part that jumped out at me in Act 1 Scene 2 for different reasons was when Miranda was lamenting on how her good grandmother had born bad children:
I should sin
To think but nobly of my grandmother:
Good wombs have borne bad sons.
I found this very interesting for multiple reasons, one of which is that Miranda already associates her father as "bad," even though his story barely points out any major faults of his. It could be foreshadowing of what is to come, as to this point, Prospero is not really an evil character. Another point of this that interests me is how she wishes to be angry at her grandmother for pure relation to villains, even though it may well not be her fault at all. I find it interesting how association can turn a good character bad. It could also be giving us a little view into Miranda's mind, and how maybe later in the story, it could be quite possible that she could find an enemy in a friend.
Act I, Scene II, lines 210-214, “All but mariners plunged in the foaming brine and quit the vessel, then all afire with me. The King’s son, Ferdinand, With hair up-starting, — then like reeds, not hair — was the first man that leaped; cried, ‘Hell is empty, and all the devils are here!’
ReplyDeleteHere, in these lines, Ariel shows that he is capable of creating skilled magic that is indistinguishable from natural events. In addition to being, in my opinion, an example of Shakespearean literature at its finest (and a slight violation of Clarke’s Third Law, humorous to any science fiction fan), this is very important to the play, as it will probably be a major plot point in later acts. Furthermore, it introduces the fact that the lords and the King aboard the ship are cowardly and selfish, willing to jump off the ship in an attempt to save their own lives instead of trying to lend a hand to the mariners and trying to save all of their lives, as well as the ship.
Act I, Scene II, lines 348-352, “Thou most lying slave, whom stripes my move, not kindness! I have used thee, filth as thou art, with human care; and lodged thee in mine own cell, till thou didst seek to violate the honour of my child.”
In this passage, Shakespeare removes any sympathies the audience (and myself) may have for Caliban. Before this line, some of the patrons may have felt for the ‘poor creature, flattered, then taken advantage of by the manipulative magician and then forced into his service against its will’. However, with the revelation that that same creature attempted to rape Prospero’s daughter Miranda, the commiserations felt by most attendees would quickly evaporate, leaving the audience to view the character of Caliban as a villain, albeit a somewhat sympathetic and pitiable one, a role he will fulfill for the rest of the play.
When Prospero is explaining to Miranda on how his brother had overthrew him he had said, “A mark so bloody on the business, but with colours fair painted their foul ends.” The way Prospero says this is with disgust at his brother’s doing, but with the notion that he and Miranda are still lucky to be alive. This “mark so bloody on the business” was when Prospero’s brother had overthrew him and took his title of Duke. Prospero uses the word bloody to show how wrong and corrupt was his brother’s act. It was like murder sending them away to an island far away for Prospero’s brother’s own welfare, except he didn’t murder Prospero and his daughter. What he means he says, “with colours fair painted their foul ends” is that he feels lucky to be alive and that his brother had the dignity to spare their lives or knew how to please Milan who were already familiar with Prospero.
ReplyDelete“If thou more murmur’st, I will rend an oak and peg thee in his knotty entrails till thou hast howl’d away twelve winters.” This passage is when Prospero threatens Ariel if he/she doesn’t do what he wanted him/her to do. Ariel’s gender is undefined, but Prospero calls Ariel he and him, which could possibly mean that Ariel is a male. This passage also shows another side of Prospero we haven’t seen before, it shows a more threatening side of him. This side of him is much different from what we have seen before, a man who lost his power of Duke of Milan. I believe that Prospero will do anything to achieve the title of Duke again.
“Your tale, sir, would cure deafness.” I love this line because it shows how interested Miranda really is in her past and her father’s past. She is just discovering what her life used to be like and who her family used to be. She says the line in a very strong manner, insinuating that his story of their past is so interesting that anyone would be as interested by it as she is. This line really caught my eye because of the clever language, and it really helped me understand the excitement of the moment and the interest Miranda has in hearing his tale.
ReplyDelete“Thou wast that did preserve me. Thou didst smile.
Infused with a fortitude from heaven” This line stuck out to me because it represents the relationship between Prospero and Miranda. Although it is just now that he is opening up to her about their life as royals, he has always had a deep love for her. He says that she is what kept him going and that is significant in that she means more to him than anything else and he treasures her. From this line, it seems to me that Prospero will do everything in his power to maker her happy and protected. He has an extremely strong paternal love for Miranda.
-Morgan Welsh
“No harm. I have done nothing but in care of thee, Of thee, my dear one, thee, my daughter, who Art ignorant of what thou art, nought knowing Of whence I am, nor that I am more better Than Prospero, master of a full poor cell, And thy no greater father.”(1/2/15-21)
ReplyDeleteI find that this section provides an insight into how Prospero thinks of himself and his family. It doesn’t seem to occur to him that saying that he “killed” a boatful of people for Miranda would cause Miranda any stress, an intriguing thing considering how distressed Miranda is about the “demise” of so many men. Instead, he uses the statement to comfort her. The undertone seems to be, “It’s okay, I’m Prospero and you’re my wonderful daughter, we’re BETTER than those people; their deaths are a fair price to pay to improve our lives.” That may be overstated, but nevertheless, it shows that Prospero has kept the mindset of the Duke of Milan despite his exile, and that he will fight viciously to gain what he has lost.
“Caliban: O ho, O ho! would't had been done! Thou didst prevent me; I had peopled else This isle with Calibans.
Miranda: Abhorred slave, Which any print of goodness wilt not take, Being capable of all ill! I pitied thee, Took pains to make thee speak, taught thee each hour One thing or other: when thou didst not, savage, Know thine own meaning, but wouldst gabble like A thing most brutish, I endow'd thy purposes With words that made them known. But thy vile race, Though thou didst learn, had that in't which good natures Could not abide to be with; therefore wast thou Deservedly confined into this rock, Who hadst deserved more than a prison.” (1/2/348-361)
This section shows the surprising resilience of Caliban. By being orphaned and then rejected by his “foster parents,” his identity seems similar to that of the Creature in Frankenstein. Though he is given painful magical punishments in what seems like a routine manner (shown in [1/2/325-330]), he still harbors an intense hatred that feels like a foreshadowing of future events. Whether that will be a huge and dramatic betrayal of Prospero or something minor will be interesting to see. However, the fact that he could speak of repopulating the island with things like him to the face of the man who tortures and enslaves him looks like a sign of a degree of loathing that leads to violence and betrayal.
-de Mehr Haywood
"By accident most strange, bountiful Fortune,
ReplyDeleteNow, my dear lady, hath mine enemies
Brought to this shore, and by my presience
I find my zenith doth depend upon
A most auspicious star, whose influence
If now I court not, but omit, my fortunes
Will ever after droop." Act 1, Scene 2, 178-184
This quote represents the belief that fortune is controlled by a goddess, a foreign way of thinking in comparison to our monotheistic society. Interestingly, this quote also relates to astrology- when Prospero states that his "zenith doth depend upon a most auspicous star", he is stating the his luck is dependant upon a favorable star, thus relating his beleifs between a goddess of fortune and astrology. Whilst this may have no serious relation to the plot (Prospero meerly states he is lucky in that sense), it is evident that this was intentionally put into the play by Shakespeare, as he could just as easily make Prospero say he is lucky in six or seven words. I beleive the quote's importance lies in the fact that it is relavant to the culture-it gives us the theological background for the play- just by reading act 1 scene 2 one can tell that there is great importance placed upon "the gods". One can tell that the beleif in the gods is greatly important to the beleifs of Prospero and Miranda, and adds a sense of justification for their actions-if the gods sent the ship that the King of Naples and the Duke of Milan towards Prospero's/Caliban's island, than it is a sign from the heavens that it is ok for revenge towards them. Thus, this quote is entirely up to perception-it does not directly relate towards the plot, yet gives background to the beleifs and possible actions that Prospero and Miranda may have/commit. Wether or not this is important is entirely up to the reader.
"This ... witch Sycorax
For mischeifs manifold and sorceries terrible
To enter human hearing, from Algiers
Thou know'st she was banish'd-for one thing she did
They would not take her life. Act 1 Scene 2 line 263-267
These lines are important because they create questions about the origin of Sycorax, which directly relates to Caliban. The first question brought up was what Sycorax did in order to become banished. This question is up until now unawnsered- all we know is that she imprisoned Ariel for a dozen years. For all we know Sycorax was not terrible, just perceived to be terrible by Prospero (the same can be said for Caliban). However, Shakespeare is vague on the matter, and thus conceals information about Caliban. Also, if she commited many terrible sorceries, what was the one thing that she did that prevented people from killing her. The notes say this is never awnsered, but they beleive it could have been her pregnancy with Caliban. After reading through this several times, it is clear that Shakespeare is intentionally trying to give background on Caliban while keeping him shrouded in mystery as well. I suspect Caliban will play a pivotal role in the progression of the play, and hope that there will atleast be hints towards the awnser to these questions (though I'm not holding my breath).
-Cole Kennedy
The first passage that stood out for me was in act 1 scene 2, lines 53-56, I found this very interesting because Miranda didn't know who her dad was. I found this interesting because she is grown up and doesn’t even know her parents. A lot of this scene is explaining who her family is and how everyone is related to her. That also stuck out to me because it shows how different areas were married together to spread wealth and power.
ReplyDeleteThe second passage that stuck out to me was in act 1 scene 2, lines 309-313. I found this section to be interesting because I found it strange how much they counted on Caliban, the slave. Even though he is a villain they still use him because they need very basic tasks to be completed for them. This also stuck with me because it shows how lazy people were and are. People are willing to “employ” a villain or someone who can potentially hurt them just because they want tasks to be done for them.
1/2/67 - 69
ReplyDelete" I pray thee mark me, that a brother should
Be so perfidious - he whom next thyself
Of all the world I lov'd…"
When I first read this, I didn't find it particularly interesting or very important. Once I read the lines that I wrote about in my second paragraph, I realized how important these three lines were. I found these lines very sad, because Prospero still seemed to be in such disbelief that Antonio lied even though what Antonio did happened in the past. What Prospero said gave me the impression that Antonio was able easily choose wealth and power over Prospero's love and trust. Antonio seemed to be able to let Prospero down so easily, but Prospero seems like the type of person that values peoples trust and would never do the same.
1/2/94 - 103
" Like a good parent, did beget of him
A falsehood in its contrary as great
As my trust was, which had, indeed, no limit,
A confidence sans bound. He being thus lorded,
Not only with what my revenue yielded,
But what my power might else exact, like one
Who, having into truth by telling it,
Made such a sinner of his memory
To credit his own lie, he did believe"
After reading this several times, I started to realize how much trust Prospero had in his brother and also how disappointed Prospero was in Antonio. Prospero seemed to trust his brother so much, he probably thought that Antonio would never be disloyal to him. These lines show how power and wealth can completely change a person. In this case, Antonio seems to be willing to do almost anything in order to be the duke, even if it means making himself untrustworthy to his brother. These lines also show how wanting to be something so bad can make you believe that you have become that. Antonio wanted to be the duke so much, that he started to believe his own lie.
-Celine Gauchey
The first passage that stood out to me was act 1, scene 2, lines 328-330: "Thou shalt be pinch'd as thick as honeycomb, each pinch more stinging that bees that made them." This passage was a surprise to me because, just a short time before this, Prospero was gently waking his daughter Miranda. This passage shows that Prospero's temper can be very short-fused, and when dealing with someone he doesn't like much, it can explode. The comment Prospero made was very bad, and from it, I get the sense that he hates Caliban.
ReplyDeleteThe second passage that stood out to me was act 1, scene 2, lines 448-450: "O, if a virgin, and your affection not gone forth, I'll make you the queen of Naples." This passage was interesting to me because of the context. Ferdinand was just in a violent tempest, when his boat crashed onto an island, and now a mysterious spirit has guided him to the dwelling of Prosperous and his daughter, and all he can think about is being in love with Prosperous's daughter, not all the excessively strange things that had happened to him that day. If I were in the same situation Ferdinand was in, I would be scared not only for my well being, but for the well being of the other people on the boat. Also what's interesting about this quote is how Ferdinand automatically thinks he's the king of Naples just because he was in a boat crash with his father, who is the current king of Naples.
-Bradley Thomas
Act 1 Scene 2 "Thy mother was a piece of virtue and
ReplyDeleteShe said thou wast my daughter. And thy father
Was Duke of Milan, and thou his only heir
And princess no worse issued."- Act 1 Scene 2 lines 100-105
"Who, having into truth by telling of it, Made such a sinner of his memory To credit his own lie, he did believe He was indeed the duke, out o'th' substitution And executing th'outward face of royalty"
These lines somewhat shocked me because we now find out that Miranda is heir of Milan yet the mother gave her up to Prospero. I am still confused though because this line says that Miranda's father is the Duke of Milan yet the mother says that Prospero is the father so you can see why I am very confused. This also shocks me because Miranda does not know who her father is after all these years did she not notice any differences in their complexions? What is happening is Prospero is telling Miranda of the past and what has happened till now. How his own brother took his place as duke of Milan and sent to kill both prospero and Miranda when she was just a baby. I find it absolutely madness that Antonio took advantage of the trust that Prospero gave to him.
Act 1 Scene 2 line 332-346 "Which thou takest from me. When thou camest first, Thou strok’st me and made much of me, wouldst give me Water with berries in ’t, and teach me how To name the bigger light, and how the less, That burn by day and night. And then I loved thee And showed thee all the qualities o' th' isle, The fresh springs, brine pits, barren place and fertile. Cursed be I that did so! All the charms Of Sycorax, toads, beetles, bats, light on you! For I am all the subjects that you have, Which first was mine own king. And here you sty me In this hard rock, whiles you do keep from me The rest o' th' island."
This line really surprises me because here you see a new side of Prospero of what I thought to be a nice caring man you see a two face mean guy. Before this Prospero was threatening Ariel his other slave about how he made a promise to her freedom but did not keep it so she must work two more days till her freedom, and here it shows that he was a caring man and till he gained the trust of Sycorax son then he went two-faced and turned him into a slave. The love that Caliban had for Prospero was real and strong I would say he looked at him as a fatherly figure as he did not have a father but a witch of a mother. This later explains that Caliban "seek to violate The honor of my child."(Act 1 scene 2 line 353) so I would translate this into Caliban attempting to use or take advantage of Prospero's daughter Miranda. This is where Prospero must have lost his trust in Caliban and made him a slave.
~Ozelle Bower
Act 1 Scene 2 lines 331-334
ReplyDelete"This island's mine by Sycorax my mother,
Which thou tak'st from me."
This appeared to me as a very revealing and sad quote. Before this, I thought about how Prospero was harmed by his outcasting, but then I inquired deeper, using this quote as a basis. Caliban the speaker of this line trusted and accepted Prospero when he first washed up on the island because Prospero was kind to him. Even though he violated the "honor" of his child a life in slavery was no punishment. Overall though, I think that this quote shows just how impactful a change in someone else's can be to yours, and it showed a theme appearing in this play, you can not trust anybody.
Act 1 Scene 2 Lines 153-155
“Thou wast that did preserve me. Thou didst smile.
Infused with a fortitude from heaven”
This quote of Prospero really stuck with me. It showed how much Prospero truly adored Miranda and how he will always be out their to protect her. What he does for Miranda is for her greater good like not telling her until now she is royalty. However, Prospero is out to become the Duke of Milan and this relationship close relationship with his daughter might create some problems that interfere with achieving both goals in the future.
In Act 2, Scene 1 line 295-300, Ariel sings whispers words into Gonzalo’s ear about the conspiracy between Antonio and Sebastian. I found this particular set of lines very beautiful, and it almost sounded like a song in my mind. It is confusing to me whether or not Gonzalo hears the words of Ariel or just wakes up thinking he heard a whisper, but it is important that he was awaken otherwise he may have been killed. Also I think that since the reason for Ariel to do this is because his master’s friends are in danger, it is creating sides in the plot.
ReplyDeleteIn Act 2, Scene 1 Lines 253-263 Antonio is convincing Sebastian that Claribel is too far away from Naples to rule. I think this set of lines is very powerful and persuasive. The lines 259-263 are confusing because of the language that is used. I think this passage is the start of some kind of enemy in Antonio because he will probably continue to try and get Sebastian to kill his brother. I am also confused why Antonio wants to do this anyway. What will he get out of it? Lines 252-253 are very poetic and beautiful to me. “every cubit of space seems to cry out” really gives me a strong message.
-Connolly
For the sole reason of my preference and the fact that this was the character I played, I found that I was paying biased attention toward Gonzalo and his speeches. I found him the most likable throughout Act 1, Scene 1 mostly because he seemed to be (unlike the rest), uncomplaining and mocked every misfortune that tainted them. This nature immediately took to me as did his many wise, funny quotes. One follows in his mocking of the probable drowning of them:
ReplyDelete"...Stand fast, good Fate, to his hanging make the rope of his destiny our cable, for our own doth little advantage. If he not born to be hanged, our cable is miserable." Basically, he is advising the others to stay true (Stand fast), and use his misfortune, his hanging as our last cling to hope. Very sarcastically, he is saying that because our situation is not good (doth little advantage), let us live on the thought that we mustn't die if first we have to witness or perform his hanging. Perhaps he isn't being as literal but that is how I perceived it.
The second quote that gave me a lot of information into how I would characterize the characters came in Act 1, Scene 2. Prospero comforts Miranda in the very next speech ensuing Miranda's worried qualms. He says: "Be collected. No more amazement. Tell your piteous heart There's no more harm done." This one just captured my eye because it gave me my first idea on how I would judge Prospero. In doing so, I figured he was a warm, collected fatherly figure to Miranda.
In act 2 scene 1 lines 286-289, Sebastian says how Antonio will be his friend and he will take control of Naples just like how Antonio took control of Milan. This text is showing how easily Antonio took control of Sebastian’s mind so that he can use Sebastian to take control of Naples. It also relates to Prospero’s story about his brother and how his brother over through him. Sebastian even brings that up asking Antonio if he feels any regret towards overthrowing his brother and Antonio stonily replies he didn’t feel any regret at all not even a little. This text is the overall conclusion to the conversation between the two and I think this plan will pop up through the book again and again.
ReplyDeleteIn act 2 scene 1 lines 145 150, Gonzalo says a speech to his fellow friends how he would rule this island. I found it interesting because Gonzalo talks about how this land would have no rules, labor, marriage and rulers. Later on in the conversation about he his new kingdom he sums up the life choice of his people as all whores and slackers. I found this interesting coming from a man of royalty because this sounds a lot like communism and that is usually pushed by the lower class who doesn’t have anything where as Gonzalo has everything. This text also showed me that Gonzalo isn’t the smartest of people and I’m thinking we’ll here more rants like this one through the book.
In Act 2, scene 1, "The air breathes...rotten ones", Where Adrian is talking to Sebastian and Antonio about how he finds the island to be unsatisfactory, he uses the metaphor that the air is sweet from rotten lungs. I thought these few lines were unique and different because it uses a different style of language. I like how it used the idea of the air actually being poisoned, but that it was just Sebastian being greedy and nothing is good enough for him, but it could also be that the island that they are staying at smells bad for some reason.
ReplyDeleteThe next few words i found unique were in Act 2, scene 1, where Antonio and Sebastian are planning to kill Gonzolo in his sleep to gain his wealth and power, and when the others awake by Ariel, the reaction they have. They use the excuse of herds of lions or bulls, which i found quite funny because the others who awoke would have to be stupid to believe that there were any lions at all on an island. But in the end, they went along with it, and decided to leave the place to find a more suitable arrangement, which made me think that Antonio, who is obviously a scheming person, will try again to get Sebastian to kill Gonzalo.
Quinton Capretta
Act 2, Scene I
ReplyDeleteLines 126-127
"You cram these words into mine ears against
The stomach of my sense. Would I had never
Married my daughter there! For, coming thence,
My son is lost and, in my rate, she too,"
In this scene, Alonso stops the banter by expressing frustration towards Gonzalo when he brings up his daughter's wedding. He bursts out, "stop telling me things I don't want to hear"! He is admitting openly for the first time his remorse about marrying his daughter to the Prince of Tunis. It seems almost that he is blaming this decision on the distress at the loss of his son. He is saying that now he has lost is daughter as well as his son because she has moved so far out of Milan that he will never visit with her again. Alonso is in a very distraught place, and even after Francisco says there is a good chance Ferdinand is still be alive, Alonso is still sure that he is dead.
Act II, Scene I
Lines 234-239
"Oh, out of that “no hope”
What great hope have you! No hope that way is
Another way so high a hope that even
Ambition cannot pierce a wink beyond,
But doubt discovery there. Will you grant with me
That Ferdinand is drowned?"
In this scene, after all have fallen to sleep, Antonio and Sebastian are discussing. Sebastian says that he is 100% sure that Ferdinand is dead; there is no hope, and Antonio says that there is great hope for him. There is hope that Sebastian will inherit the crown. There is a hope so great that even his ambitions cannot reach. Antonio reasons that if Alonso dies, Claribel will be the queen, but she is too far away from Naples to be the ruler, thus, Sebastian would inherit the throne. I think this is really interesting, especially to think about what Antonio's motives are here. His plan is logical, but how far will Sebastian go to gain power?
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIn Act II, scene I, lines 162-164 Gonzalo declares, "I would with such perfection govern, sir, T'excel the golden age."
ReplyDeleteThese words stated by Gonzalo jumped out at me because it reveals a side of Gonzalo that hadn't been shown much earlier in the play. He is displaying an air of extreme self-confidence and cockiness, bragging that if he was ruler of the island he would rule with such perfection that life would be better than the Golden Age. This is very interesting because the Golden Age was an imagined period of time, so by stating this he is declaring that his reign as ruler of the colony would excel even the boundaries of a human's imagination. He seems to believe that he has the ability to rule with complete perfection.
In Act II, scene I, line 266, Sebastian says to Antonio, "I remember you did supplant your brother Prospero." And in lines 267-269 Antonio responds, "True; And look how well my garments sit upon me, much feater than before. My brother's servants were then my fellows, now they are my men."
This exchange between Sebastian and Antonio was very interesting to me because it shows a deceptive side of Sebastian, in addition to showing how easily Antonio can be convinced. By reminding Antonio of the way he took the place of his brother, Sebastian is trying to make him realize he could do the same thing with the king. Antonio's response shows that he is actually willing to do so, for he enjoys having "men" more than "fellows." Antonio is displaying how easily he can be coaxed into doing an act as drastic as murdering the king, just to live a higher life.
ADRIAN
ReplyDeleteThe air breathes upon us here most sweetly.
SEBASTIAN
As if it had lungs and rotten ones.
(Act I, scene II, line 247-248)
In these two quotes Adrian, Sebastian, Antonio and Gonzalo are wondering around the island and discussing their surroundings. I chose these two particular lines not only because of the beautiful and vivid poetic language, but how it gives you a sense of these characters’ personalities. Adrian and Sebastian are both on the same island and yet have conflicting views about their surroundings because of their very different personalities. Adrian is very optimistic and tries to cheer up the King while Sebastian, on the other hand, is very mean spirited and critical. These two quotes from the play, highlight Adrian and Sebastian’s character traits through contrast.
I did not pick a a specific quote that jumps out at me, but overall I found the conversation very interesting where Gonzalo is discussing how he would run a country if he was the ruler. This is a side to him we haven’t quite seen before. In Gonzalo’s mini speech it is reveled that while he is a very honest and trustworthy adviser to Alonzo, a part of him thinks he could do better and maybe even wants to rule himself.
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ReplyDeleteIn Act 1, Scene 2, lines 242-244, 246-250 when Ariel is asking for Prospero to grant her liberty, was a rather puzzling instance to me. I did not understand why Ariel would ask for her freedom and risk upsetting Prospero (especially when he might punish her), instead of continuing being his slave for two more days. I was even more confused because of her attitude towards her work, she seems very excited and amused by her “toils”. Which would lead me to wonder, “If you only had two more days to be a “slave” and your “toils” weren’t very strenuous or upsetting, why would you risk upsetting your master, and possibly being punished or having your duties continued for an extended amount of time, as appose to just waiting it out.”
ReplyDeleteIn Act 1, Scene 3, lines 448-450 I was surprised to read Ferdinand’s quote, “O, if a virgin, and your affection not gone forth, I’ll make you the queen of Naples.” When I read this, I just had to think, “WOW, wait, wait, wait, wait… what did he just say?!?!?!?” I was just so taken aback that this man, just come off a shipwreck, would come ashore, meet this lovely woman, and then ask to copulate with her. This just shows another example of how different our recent day society is from the times that “The Tempest” were written in. But even so, Prospero was taken back by this remark as well. My guess is that Ferdinand said this because he assumed he was king and he could do what he wanted, with
whoever he wanted.
-Duncan Jackson
Although this lord of weak remembrance, this, who shall be of as little memory when he is earth'd, hath here almost persuaded for he's a spirit of persuasion, only Professes to persuade the king his son's alive, Tis as impossible that he's undrown'd as he that sleeps here swims." is a quote that really popped out at my because Anonio is talking to Sebastian about how the lord will not be remembered unless he gets down to earth and really connects because he wants him to kill that king.
ReplyDelete"that our garments, being, as they were, drenched in the sea, hold notwithstanding their freshness and gloss, being father new-dyed than stained with salt water" this quote stands out to me because what i believe is being said is that Gonzalo thinks that they have to look at this shipwreck as a new beginning rather than a huge lost. he believes that he can recover and start off with a good start. the reason that i may think that this is important is because this could be a new way to look at the plot and how this idea could guide the plot of the book.
One quote in this play that has struck me was from Act One, Scene Two. Here Prospero was exhibiting rudeness towards, and clearly taking advantage of Ariel.
ReplyDelete"I thank thee, Master."
"If thou murmur'st, I will rend an oak
And peg thee in his knotty entrails till
Thou hast howl'd away twelve winters."
"Pardon, master. I will correspond to command
And do my spiriting gently."
So far, Ariel seems to be the powerful one in the play- he was the storm, has the ability to change forms, and can do anything Prospero tells him to do. It makes me curious whether his role will continue on like this or if we will see some more magic from Prospero, his master; one would assume that the master is the person with more power. In addition, even Caliban (also a slave) is a good self advocate. Much like Prospero, he has not shown the audience much ability either. By the looks of things he has not inherited anything from his mother, Sycorax, except for his short temper. And yet he still manages to boast! Ariel, on the other hand, is full to the brim with powers and does not brag at all. Prospero has a very strong hold over Ariel and he constantly reminds Ariel that who had saved him from the tree prison. It seems that the two verbose men on the island, who boast constantly, have not really shown us very much. If I were Ariel, I would have repaid Prospero by doing one or two good deeds for him with my powers, not by becoming his personal slave puppet who does all of the dirty work. I think that Ariel's attitude and nature are what holds him back and leads him to be taken advantage of by Prospero.
Another quote that stood out to me was also from Act One Scene Two, on lines 53-56.
“Twelve year since, Miranda, twelve year since,
Thy father was the Duke of Milan, and
A prince of power-“
“Sir, are you not my father?”
I was fascinated by the casual manner in which Miranda approached the situation, for many people finding out who is your father can be very important. Here is a grown woman, who is extremely polite with Prospero, who lied to her, essentially since birth. It is almost as if this character, Miranda, has been brainwashed.
Act 1 Scene 2 line 153:
ReplyDelete"Thou wast that did preserve me. Thou didst smile,". This line particularly appealed to me, because family is very important to me. In Prospero's response to Miranda, you can feel his love for her and it was easy for me to sympathize and connect with him in this moment (though in my case, it's my love for my siblings and parents). An example of Prospero's love is how he seems to want to protect his daughter from the outside world. For instance, Ferdinand is only the third man Miranda has met and when he shows an interest in her, Prospero tells her not to defend him and calls him a traitor. Though Miranda is hesitant to obey, you can see Prospero's love is reciprocated.
Act 1 Scene 2 lines 397-405:
"Full Fathom Five thy father lies, of his bones are coral made; those pearls that were his eyes; nothing of him doth fade, but doth suffer a sea-change Into something rich and strange, Sea nymphs hourly ring his knell. Ding dong. Hark, now I hear them, ding dong bell." This is the song that Ariel sings to lure in Ferdinand. I picked these lines because I find Shakespeare's songs even more confusing then his text. However, after I reread it a few times, I believe it is about Ferdinand's father, the king, who drowned and is now deep under the sea with the sea nymphs. I find this interesting because Prospero must be cooking up a plan, for he told Miranda that nobody on the ship got hurt, therfore Prospero is tricking Ferdinand into believing his father died, but why? For this reason also, I like Shakespeare's lyrics for they seem to have deeper meanings in them that are satisfying when discovered.
-Sabrina Thacher:)
GONZALO
ReplyDelete"Beseech you, sir, be merry. You have cause,
So have we all, of joy, for our escape
Is much beyond our loss. Our hint of woe
Is common. Every day some sailor’s wife,
The masters of some merchant, and the merchant
Have just our theme of woe. But for the miracle—
I mean our preservation—few in millions
Can speak like us. Then wisely, good sir, weigh
Our sorrow with our comfort." In this quote, I was surprised that Gonzalo was able to 'look on the bright side' of things. Knowing that these men were in a shipwreck, with (probably) all of their possessions destroyed, it is almost impossible to imagine that one man could keep his composure and stay calm. On the other hand, I thought that Gonzalo had had an impatient attitude in the very beginning of Act I when he spoke to Boatswain aboard the ship (GONZALO: I hope he lives long enough to be hanged. The rope that hangs him will do more good than all the ropes on this ship, since it’ll guarantee he stays alive through this storm. But if he’s not destined to die by hanging, then our chances don’t look too good.). This quote confuses me because the first impressions I made about Gonzalo were negative, and now he has a completely different attitude. I feel that Gonzalo will play an important role when it comes to surviving on the island; possibly keeping himself composed and thinking positively, or perhaps losing his composure and causing the other men on the island to have difficulty staying...sane.
I am comparing this book to "Lord of the Flies", and now am expecting something will soon cause the sailors on board Boatswain's ship to end up like the boys on the island in "Lord of the Flies". Gonzalo may keep his upbeat attitude, but the others might struggle.
The (first) quote seems to provide the reader with a sense of hope, though usually hope is just foreshadowing that negative events will soon occur. I can't put my finger on what the theme is, but it seems like *injustice* (how Prospero should be the ruler and not his brother).
(sorry it wouldn't let me indent or even return in some parts)
--Bevin McCullough
In Act 2, Scene 1, lines 271-285 I read of the treachery that Sebastian and Antonio almost performed. I was surprised at their heartlessness, that they would murder their own relative and friends, just for power. If Sebastian and Antonio had done their ghastly deeds, then they would have become kings of Naples and Milan, they would have also been very corrupt and immoral. Both these men still seem like they are children, they both act foolish, and make fun of Gonzalo, and therefore would have become very immature kings. Even though it is a treacherous thing to slay one’s friend, these characters are not completely heartless. They could have still killed them both, right as they were waking (they were totally unarmed), but they decided not to. This means that it is almost certain they will try to kill them again.
ReplyDeleteAct 2, Scene 1, during this whole scene I noticed that Alonso, the king of Naples was rather quiet. I was surprised by this, mainly because since he is a king, I thought that he would be ordering people around as appose to being passive. The most reasonable explanation for this would be that he is depressed that his son, Ferdinand, “died”. Therefore I wondered why he would not be more motivated to find his son. After all, he is the only heir to Naples. If they had made it ashore, why would Ferdinand not also, especially in his strengthened, youthful state.
-Duncan Jackson
In the exchange between Antonio, Sebastian, Alonso, and Gozalo, Lines 40-55, I noticed a large conflict of characters as they fought. They were all contradicting each other; someone is talking to one person, another character responding, and so on. Purposefully getting on each other’s nerves was another thing that I noticed, all starting from nothing. Tolerance for each other is something they do not have. It can be confusing to understand though, who is talking to whom and where each comment was directed, and initially why in the first place, they all started loosing patience for each other. I thought it would be interesting to see acted out because of how quickly the lines are shot at one another and they fury in their reactions.
ReplyDeleteSebastian says, “Whiles we stood here securing your repose/ even now, we heard a hollow burst of bellowing/ Like bulls, or rather lions—did’t not wake you?/ It struck mine ear most terribly.” We witness Sebastian covering up, making lies about what it was that woke the others from their deep sleep while he tried to kill the King. Gonzalo has different ideas about how a kingdom should be ruled and he wants to do it his way, therefore has to eliminate the person already in power. I just thought it was interesting the way that for someone to achieve a goal, or get what they want, they have to be savage about it and kill. It's a very inhumane way to do things and for someone who wants to be a ruler, he has the wrong ideas about what is right and wrong.
The first passage I chose was Act 2 Scene 1 Line 52. The passage was "How lush and lusty the grass is! How green!" This was said by Gonzalo the always optomistic character. I chose this passage because it made me wonder why Gonzalo is always happy. Even in Act 1 Scene 1 he seemed happy, even though their ship was on the verge of sinking. It is almost like he knows something is going on, which led me to the conclusion that he and Prospero are hatching a plan to get revenge on the people who were on the ship. It seems like Gonzalo is a good friend of Prospero's making this a possibility.
ReplyDeleteThe other passage I chose was Act 2 Scene 1 Lines 295-300. This is said, actually sung, by Ariel. "While you here do snoring lie, open eyed conspiracy his time doth take. If of life you keep a care, shake off slumber and be aware. Awake, awake!" This provoked some questions in my mind. Ariel was singing in his first entrance as well, so it made me think, why does Ariel enjoy sining so much? I know he was a tree for 12 years but does that really mean he "needs" to sing all the time. I'm not against singing, but it would be nice to change it up a little bit.
-Connor Roach
Act II, Scene I:
ReplyDelete"All things in common nature should produce
Without sweat or endeavour. Treason, felony,
Sword, pike, knife, gun, or need of any engine
Would I not have, but nature should bring forth
Of its own kind all foison, all abundance
To feed my innocent people." (Act 2, Scene 1, Lines 155-160)
I find the plot of Shakespeare to be quite uninteresting, so lines like these are refreshing to me. Earler in the scene, Gonzalo talks about his idea of a commonwealth of which everyone would like off of the land and there would be no sovreignty, though he did mention that this was the case if he was king, therefore contradicting himself. Near the end of the quote, Gonzalo refers to his "innocent people"- this tells us what Gonzalo beleives to be ideal. he sees the perfect society as one that depends on the land and nothing else, with free and peaceful people. It is not clear if he is referring to only those of his own race or all people. Gonzalo keeps his positive attitude while explaining his ideas of perfection, and clearly sees man as capable of being innocent. I would argue that Antonio thinks the opposite, as he clearly seems to think that the cleverest man deserves to rule over his people. This also has a distinct reference to the plot- when Gonzalo wakes, he tells the king that he overheard Sebastian and Antonio trying to protect them. However, it is possible that he did not mishear them, but rathjer fooled himself into beliving that they were good. This could be a major issue later on in the novel, as Gonzalo could easily misinterpret more critical information that would shape the plot of the story for the worse (atleast for Gonzalo and Alonso).
"Ay sir, where lies that? If 'twere a kibe
'Twould put me to my slipper, but I feel not
This diety in my bosom. Twenty consciences
That stand 'twixt me and Milan, candied be they
And melt ere they molest!" (Act 2, Scene 1 line 271-275)
This quote reveals a darker side to Antonio. It is evident that Antonio wishes only to get his own way, as described when he says that his "twenty consciences" would "melt ere they molest". Antonio is clearly a clever and shifty person- he is tricking Sebastian into becoming King and thus having the tribute Antonio pays dissapear as well. Antonio is trying to use Sebastian as a puppet, as he knows he is stronger than Sebastian- even if Sebastian becomes king Antonio could trick him into doing anything he wishes. This helps conferm what Prospero told Miranda- Antonio is starting to look like a more sinister and evil character as the story goes on, and it will be interesting to see how he reacts to Gonzalo during the remainder of the story.
-Cole Kennedy
Lines: 67 – 79 (Prospero)
ReplyDeleteIn this passage Prospero talks about how his brother who he loves so much has been dishonorable to him. Prospero was looking into his studies of subjects he’s been interested in before such as: chemistry, grammar, logic, and geometry, which is why Prospero left the rule of his people up to Antonio, Prospero’s brother. After a short time Antonio had become corrupt with power. Prospero was too rapped up in his books to realize he had lost all control of his government he had built up. Antonio had taken control and was already making his own decisions for a government that wasn’t his.
Lines: 329 – 343 (Caliban)
Caliban is stating how much he hates Prospero and why. He first talks about how they are ugly humans and “toads,” which at first seem irrelevant and stupid for Caliban to say. However, after these insightful remarks he plunges into something deeper of why he dislikes these masters of his. Caliban starts his story of how Prospero and his people came and plagued him with a magical curse and then took over Caliban’s life. In my opinion I think Caliban was taken advantage of while he was under this plague; he was hopeless as Prospero, who turned out to be his first master took over Caliban’s life right before his eyes.
Act 2 Scene 1 Lines: 60-62
ReplyDeleteAs Gonzalo states, “That our garments, being, as they were, drenched in the sea, hold notwithstanding their freshness and gloss, being rather new-dyed than stained with salt water.” This stood out to me because it seemed somewhat out of the norm and magical. It also holds significance, conveying the powers of Ariel. I think it’s interesting because the characters don’t understand how/why their clothes seem newer and better than before. I also believe that this withholding of information by Prospero will become more important later in the book. This plays a major part in the theme of secrecy and deceiving others. Throughout the remainder of The Tempest I can predict there will be more withholding of information, which will lead to the confusion of others. It’s good to recognize patterns in books because it can explain why characters do what they do.
Act 2 Scene 1 Line: 270
When Sebastian asks Antonio “But for your conscience?” I thought this was a large defining point in Sebastian’s character. One of the main themes of the book so far is power. It’s always about who can take more power than someone else or how much power one has a certain time. Yet but by calling attention to the conscience Sebastian refutes all power-greedy qualities others around him have. I thought this was interesting because he becomes a standout character. In the acts to come I feel this will be important to remember as the plot goes on.
1. I think that Ferdinand and Miranda have fallen in love very quickly since meeting each other. In their first interaction, Ferdinand thinks of Miranda as a maid, who he wants to make the queen of Naples, but does not show any real sign of affection until act 3 scene 1. I think that he may be using Miranda as an advantage towards Prospero's demise, but he could also truly be in love with Miranda, its really too soon to tell. What i believe the message Shakespeare is trying to get across is that love can be formed very easily, and it hints that if they love each other already, that there might be more romance in the future. What I am curious about, is why Ferdinand at first meeting Miranda, didn't necessarily like her, but in their next interaction, how they both managed to some how love each other, and Miranda too.
ReplyDelete2. So far Caliban is trying to plot against Prospero, but there also seems to be dislike towards Trinculo as well. With Prospero, Caliban is furious because he had his island taken from his mother, and was then enslaved, and now he seeks revenge on Prospero, and with Trinculo, i think Caliban believes Trinculo being in the picture will ruin his plans of overthrowing Prospero, so he is trying to tun Stephano against Trinculo, as well as Prospero.. What is unusual about it, is how he now choses to serve Stephano, so that he can use his to somehow overthrow Prospero. He mentioned that he wishes to rid Prosper of the island, so that Stephano can rule it, and can also rule him. That is why i think Caliban is sucking up to Stephano, so that he can get him on his side against Prospero. It seems to me that Shakespeare put this subplot in the story mirroring the one of the nobles, because it means that to rid one of power, you must betray them, and it shows that more than just high power can dethrone someone of high power. In both cases, the nobles and the islanders are trying to conspire in order to bring down the king and rule themselves, how they think it should be.
Act 2 Scene 1 Lines: 92-94, 98-99
ReplyDeleteGonzalo again attempts to pick up the topic of fresh garments-“Sir, we were talking that our garments seem now as fresh as when we were at Tunis at the marriage of your daughter, who is now Queen.” Lines 98 and 99- “Is not, sir, my doublet as fresh as the first day I wore it? I mean, in a sort.”
I think this is interesting because it shows that Gonzalo is curious about their situation, and is keen, if not desperate, to make conversation about it. This is shown through his repeated attempts to talk to Alonso, even though Alonso has begged him to spare him several times and mostly ignores him. As this is going on, Antonio and Sebastian are snickering and making fun of Gonzalo behind his back.
Also, while Gonzalo is intent on figuring out what has happened to them, and Adrian is optimistically scoping out the island, Antonio and Sebastian are having an excellent time laughing at and putting down everything he says. All Alonso wants to do is lie down and cry over his losses. If they actually needed to survive, Gonzalo would have a much better chance than his three counter-productive companions.
Act 2 Scene 1 Lines: 171-172
Gonzalo- “… and nimble lungs that they always use to laugh at nothing.”
I think this is amusing, because Gonzalo is thoroughly oblivious to the fact that Antonio and Sebastian are making fun of him, so obviously that they are mocking him to his face. It reminds me of the “popular kids” who are somewhat revered by everyone else, and the most blatant mockery and the most obvious snide remark are taken as a compliment. They are so “high up” that even the most remote chance of acceptance is seized because it is so valuable, and the most brutal remarks are ignored, because the victim is so caught up in trying to be liked by the popular kids. Gonzalo seems like the victim, completely unaware that Antonio and Sebastian (the popular kids) do not like him and are having an excellent time making him look like a complete idiot.