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The Tempest quotes
Character Quote Explanation
Act 1 Scene 1
Boatswain What cares these roarers for The boatswain refuses to take orders form
the name of king? those with political power during the storm
instead he orders them around. When
Gonzalo urges the Boatswain to bear in
mind who he is talking to the Boatswain
implies that human hierarchies of status have
no significance in the face of the almighty
power of nature. The boldness with which the
Boatswain speaks to Gonzalo and the others
emphasizes the way that the physical
upheaval of the storm has created social
upheaval among the characters.
Gonzalo “Methinks he hath no As a result of the boatswain not obliging by
drowning mark upon him. the social contract of status Gonzalo believes
His complexion is perfect he should be hung for his disrespect. In a
gallows. Stand fast, good stranger way he is reassured for his safety, by
Fate, to his hanging.” knowing this sailor will not let them die at sea,
OR while struggling for power.
“He’ll be hanged yet”
Antonio “Let’s all sink wi' th' king." The difference in attitudes of these men show
Sebastian “Let’s take leave of him.” their priorities and attitude towards the king
that will later be further elaborated on.
Act 1 Scene 2
Miranda “O, I have suffered. With Miranda watches the ship be battered.
those that I saw suffer!” Miranda exclaims that she feels sympathy for
those on the ship, because like them, she was
the victim of a shipwreck, which is how she
ended up on the island, making it clear in our
first encounter of her how kind, innocent and
sweet she is.
Prospero “The creatures that were Prospero explains how Antonio used his
mine...set all hearts cunning political skill to manipulate others
i'th'state into believing whatever "tune pleased his
To what tune pleased his ear." Prospero emphasizes how he and
ear” Antonio were initially very close and that he
loved and trusted him, but that Antonio used
this proximity and trust to undermine
Prospero.
Miranda “If by your art, my dearest M begs Prospero to stop the Tempest if he is
father, you have the one who caused it. She does not know
Put the wild waters in this that she is started on this island due to the
, roar, allay them people on that very ship. (Reaction in next
quote)
Miranda “Great wombs have borne Expresses surprise that a lovely woman like
bad son” her grandmother could give birth to an evil
man like her uncle Antonio. This emphasizes
the contrast between the brothers we
encounter in the play.
Prospero “Me, poor man, my library P explains why he was demoted from power
Was dukedom large as he was more concerned about learning
enough” rather than ruling. *This draws the question;
what does make an ideal ruler? And was the
exile deserved as Antonio was already acting
as the duke of Milan.
Caliban “For I am all the subject that C speaks to Prospero about how he is now a
you have, salve to P but once was the ruler of the island.
Which first was mine own Caliban is describe as a monster not worthy of
king” being ruler and is often tortured.
Caliban “You taught me language, Caliban sees Prospero as purely oppressive
and my profit on’t Is I know while Prospero claims that he has cared for
how to curse. “ and educated Caliban or did until Caliban tried
to rape Miranda. Prospero’s narrative is one in
which Caliban remains ungrateful for the help
and civilization.
Caliban “Your tale, sir, would cure After Prospero final tells Miranda the truth of
deafness.” how they ended up on the island Caliban says
these words because, the story is marvelous
and dramatic which leads to her amazement.
Ariel “My liberty” Here it is made very clear that Prospero’s way
of controlling Ariel is dangling freedom in
front of him.
Ariel “Hell is empty and all the Ariel tells Prospero that he has successfully
devils are here.” stranded all Prospero’s enemies on the island
by saying this. The use of the words “hell” and
“devils” suggest these characters are to be
despised and shows Prospero’s attitude
towards those that have betrayed/wronged
him
Prospero “Awake, dear heart, awake! Prospero tells Miranda when to wake up,
Thou hast slept well. sleep and everything in between. This shows
Awake” how he has full control over every aspect of
her life including the information she gets.
Miranda “There’s nothing ill can dwell This is what she says when she first sees
(M.1) in such a temple” Ferdinand. It is clear she believes that what
people look like is how they are inside,
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