For this post, I'd like you to select a passage from Act IV that you find particularly important / interesting / central to meaning / confusing (whatever, just have a reason).
Type the passage (including citation, of course) and then analyze the heck out of it. Look at the language, phrasing, and overall connections to the text. What questions does it bring up? Does it have multiple meanings? Does it connect with any motifs or central ideas? Does it further develop character and/or conflict?
Be sure to consider the details of the passage and the passage as a whole.
Don't use the same passage as someone else; however, I'd LOVE it if you'd build on / respond to some of your peers' posts.
Also, be sure to sign your name (first name with last initial is fine).
"A devil, a born devil, on whose nature / nurture can never stick; on whom my pains / humanely taken, all, all lost, quite lost / and as with age his body uglier grows / so his mind cankers. I will plague them all / even to roaring" (IV.i.188-193).
ReplyDeleteI chose this passage because it is a very important passage, not only to the plot of the play, but also to the reader. I love the way Prospero describes Caliban, calling him a “devil,” and we constantly see the motif of Caliban being deemed a monster. Though I feel bad for Caliban and how he was thought to be, he repeatedly makes wrong move after wrong move, and I feel that he will eventually be punished for it. I also like Shakespeare's word choice when he says “plague,” it’s a word which was relevant in his time period and it is an awesome word I think.
In this passage, Caliban, Trinculo, and Stefano have plotted to kill Prospero. Prospero is in the middle of a spirit-show for Miranda and Ferdinand when he remembers this. He stops the show, and prepares to scare away the murderers and thieves with Ariel. This is when he is cursing Caliban, who was once his slave, and he says he is going to punish him for what he is attempting to do.
When I said that this passage was not only important to the plot, but also to the reader, what I meant by that is, us, or the reader, get a better look at Prospero’s feeling for Caliban. We know that Prospero already looks down upon Caliban, but this makes it apparent that he does not care about Caliban one bit. I love this passage for the content and for the language, and I hope that Prospero has a fun/disturbing punishment to hand to his murderers.
-Owen Lyons
Good point about Prospero calling Caliban a "devil." he describes him as "a born devil." Do you think that's true? Or is Prospero unable to take responsibility for the damage he's done? or maybe he doesn't care...Good point though, that once Caliban has plotted murder he's no longer a victim.
DeleteOwen, I can't get over how much you look like Kellett!
“Let me live here ever! / So rare a wond’red father and a wise / Make this place Paradise,” (IV.i.123-125).
ReplyDeleteI found this passage to be very interesting. This quote was at the beginning of the scene and as I kept reading, it continued to stick in my head. It began to show how Prospero’s elaborate plan was unraveling in the way that he had hoped. Ferdinand was enraptured with this island and how he could live his life on it. He had never seen anything as unique as what was going on in front of him, with the spirits and these unfamiliar faces. It seems as though this island possesses a spell that it puts on people when they land here. When people get to the island, there is a sense of opportunity presented to them.
Following this passage, Prospero realizes that he has forgotten what is going on with his plans to take care of business with Caliban. As he grows angry with this, it is evident that he becomes too caught up in drawing Ferdinand in, that he is distracted of his original plan to get off this island. He is solidifying the trap that was set for Ferdinand and Miranda to fall in love, and this quote proves it so. Now that Ferdinand is greatly invested in staying on the island to live his life with Miranda as his wife and Prospero as his father, Prospero can move on to complete the rest. It is also seen here how easily Ferdinand seems to have forgotten about his father or the other people he was with on the ship. Instead of continuing to look for them or being sad about their potential death, he moves on and is happy about this life he could have. Forgetting about the life that he had with his real family and the legacyy that he would fulfil, he is oblivious to who Prospero really is. He went from being upset about thinking he was the only one on the island, to happy, as soon as he met Miranda. This is what seems to be spell-like about this island. This passage makes me think that Ferdinand is clearly under some kind of spell, and it is not Miranda’s love..
Great point about the island providing a sense of opportunity for characters, and it's interesting to see how each responds to the opportunity. Great observation, too, that Ferdinand isn't thinking pragmatically at all--he doesn't question either of their identities...it is as if the real world has vanished completely for him. Look at the words he uses to describe Prospero...
Delete“I tender to thy hand. All thy vexations / were but my trials of thy loves, and thou / hast strangely stood the test” (IV.i.5-7).
ReplyDeleteThis quote, in particular, stood out to me so much because it helped me further understand Prospero as a character. It proved that he truly did care about Miranda and her future. Prospero puts Ferdinand through a series of tests, to make sure he would be good to his daughter– sound familiar? I believe a lot of dads now a day would do something similar to their daughter’s new boyfriend. When reading, this quote stood out to me because of how Prospero’s authentic feelings towards not only Miranda, but Ferdinand become so prominent. Even though at first, the couple believes they are going against the rules, Prospero has been watching and this is when he set up the tests to make Ferdinand demonstrate himself. The language in this quote is indirect, but this is describing Prospero’s way of agreeing to the marriage. In conclusion, this quote led me to further understand Prospero as a character and I connected this scene to a modern day scenario.
Personally, I found this quote very interesting because with Prospero, as the reader, you are never sure what will come next with him – he’s always scheming. At the beginning of the play, he came off as cruel. Especially, the way he treated Caliban and Ariel. This quote helps his reputation steer away from his typical reputation, again linking back to character development.
-Nicole Winkler
Great modern day connection! I agree, Prospero is a complex character. In many ways this is truly a story about the complexities of father-daughter (or even more generally, parent-child) relationships.
Delete"If he awake,/ From toe to crown he'll fill out skin with pinches,/Make us strange stuff." (pg 73, line 232-234)
ReplyDeleteI was listening to the audio book and I had to stop it and write down this quote. It really stuck out to me. In the scene where this quote takes place, Trinculo and Stephano are being the fools they are and talking nonsense. They want to be king, and are worried about their lost bottles, and keep degrading Caliban by name calling. Stephano mentions he will have the crown, and by this they are talking about their plan to kill Prospero. Caliban comes in with some intelligence because he knows Prospero best and knows what will work. This line shows the smarts and instincts of Caliban. Yes, he is looked at as a monster and can't read but this quote is important information that Stephano and Trinculo fail to listen to and take into consideration.
I read this again and I felt as though I could just feel Caliban's true worry about how Stephano and Trinculo are going to handle the murder of Prospero. I feel as though he speaks from experience, as if Caliban once or more tried to defy Prospero and got nothing but bad in return.
This makes me wondering if Shakesphere is foreshadowing something for the future. Maybe Caliban will be right and there will be an "I told you so" moment. I highly doubt that because Caliban is so low on the todem-poll and will probably just get dragged down with Stephano and Trinculo in the process which will make me sympathize for Caliban but also he makes stupid choices, like giving himself to the 2 fools.
-Krista Leach
Hey Krista,
DeleteI really like what you said here! That is a really great point about how Caliban has some smarts that are overlooked and I agree with you that Shakespeare will probably create an "I told you so" moment sooner or later regarding people underestimating/not listening to Caliban.
-Alex Cosentino
PS I really like your last sentance
Krista, Interesting choice & thoughtful reflection. I agree that this quote & scene really show Caliban's strengths and weaknesses as a character. I think that you're right--his societal positioning is so low it just may not be possible to overcome. Which is incredibly sad, because he lived his whole life on an island with only 3 people.
Delete“The cloud-capped towers, the gorgeous palaces,/
ReplyDeleteThe solemn temples, the great globe itself, /
Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve/
And, like this insubstantial pageant faded,/
Leave not a rack behind. We are such stuff/
As dreams are made on, and our little life/Is rounded with sleep. Sir I am Vexed.” (IV.i.152-158)
This was an interesting passage to me because it conveys wise Prospero’s thoughts about life, specifically on the island the characters are inheriting. This spiel from Prospero comes after he realizes Caliban is plotting to kill him very soon so he stops the dance the nymphs are performing. This small scene shows that even Prospero himself is not perfect and can have trouble keeping up with all current situations on the island. He was so busy constructing and executing his master plan to get Miranda and Ferdinand together that he even forgot that Caliban had set out to murder him soon. While thinking about his own life, he comments on the concept of life in general and compares it fading dreams.
In this passage, Prospero comments on the abstract qualities of life itself by saying that it is almost an illusion that eventually fades like everything else such as towers, palaces etc. There are not many points as of now in the play where Prospero has given his own personal insight into his thoughts about life on the island. Prospero comments that “we” as in the characters in the play (people in general), “are such stuff as dreams are made on,”. He appears to be influenced by the fantasy/mystical aspect that the island has to offer .Throughout the scene and this passage specifically, Prospero has a melancholy and depressed attitude and tone. At this point in the play, he has gotten so caught up with magic and manipulation of characters that he may have forgot the point of real life. He realizes that whatever happens on the island is not seen or heard by anyone else but the current inhabitants of the island so it seems as though everything is dream-like. It will be interesting to see how the relationship between Caliban and Prospero continues to take its course now that Prospero is fully aware of Caliban’s intentions.
-Nick Vencile
Excellent response Nick! Fantastic insights about Prospero's complex feelings, and being caught up in the fantasy of the island. Good point about his realization that what happens on the island does not matter in the "real" world. He's probably worried that he's wasted much of his life...
Delete" Let them be hunted soundly. At this hour/ Lies at my mercy all mine enemies./ Shortly shall all my labors end, and thou/ Shalt have the air at freedom. For a little,/ Follow, and do me service." (4.1.74.262-266)
ReplyDeleteI chose this passage because it sums up the entire scene and shows readers where prospero stands. It's important because it shows prosperos's power over all of his "enemies" through his magic and word choice. Throughout the entire scene, Prospero was in charge and influenced every situation between characters. It makes readers realize how prospero truly has everyone at his mercy, he has the upper hand and is always ahead. For example, in this scene, caliban Trinculo and Stephano plot to kill Prospero and he is aware of their plan and is ready for them when they come. He makes a fool of them by throwing different obstacles and essentially frightens them away by creatures of his own art. He lets them go because he sees them as no threat. Not only does he have power over the other inhabitants of the island but the spirit, Ariel. This quote also shows the carrot effect and how Prospero keeps promising Ariel freedom once he finishes his tasks yet Prospero keeps throwing new responsibilities at him and lying to him. He keeps giving Ariel hope of freedom without any intention of actually doing so. Prospero says eventually his labors will shortly end, and I have no doubt. Everything is going exactly they way Prospero plans and the only way he won't get his way is if Ariel turns against him.
I think this shows Prospero's confidence and how aware he is of his powers and intelligence. The quote shows how relaxed he is and how he has no worries about the future. Yet, I think it conveys how naive Prospero is because he expects his first plan will work and there is no need for plan B. I think eventually we will see things don't go the way Prospero plan and the characters do not fall for his traps.
I wonder if Ariel will keep taking his bait or will he wise up and see Prospero is playing him as well?
-Molly O
Great point that Prospero truly has everyone at his mercy as a manipulator with magic and words. There is a huge part of me, too, that wishes the Ariel & Caliban would just band together and supplant Prospero.
Delete"the strongest suggestion
ReplyDeleteOur wirer genius can, shall never melt
Mine honor into lust, to take away
The edge of the day's celebration
When I shall think or Phoebus' steeds are foundered
Or night kept chained below" (IV.I.24-31)
I choose this passage because it shows how strongly Ferdinand feels about Miranda. Prospero in this scene warns Ferdinand to protect Miranda and keep her pure until their marriage. Ferdinand says to Prospero, “our wirer genius can, shall never melt mine honor into lust”. Which means that whatever an evil spirit can offer his honor shall never turn into sexual desires. Ferdinand cares for Miranda and will not try to hurt her. Nothing would be able to change his mind, even evil spits, and it shows that he is honorable in his actions. When Ferdinand says, “The edge of the day’s celebration” he is thinking of the excitement the wedding day will hold when he is finally married to Miranda. He also alludes to Phoebus, whose horses pull the sun across the sky, saying that Phoebus will never go across the sky and night will never come. This shows Ferdinand is anxious for the wedding day to come. In this passage it shows that Ferdinand is in love with Miranda but he is also a moral man and will always do the right thing.
This is exactly what Prospero wants to hear. He needs Miranda to stay pure because she is his only way back into power. If Miranda is able to marry the prince, Prospero will be able to raise his position in society. This scene helps to show the different motives of the two men. One wants love, Ferdinand, and the other wants renewed power, Prospero, and Miranda is only the object in both of these mans plans.
In the whole scene Miranda only says one line. This shows that women, even on an island, do not play a major role the political power. Prospero is using Miranda to gain what he wants and so is Ferdinand. All Miranda has seen in her life is the island and when Ferdinand arrives on the island she is over come with emotion because he is the first man she has seen that is close to her age so of course she believes she is in love with him. Miranda is expressed as a type of fool who holds power but she doesn’t realize it so her father is able to use her in a way she doesn’t realize. In the play, will Miranda ever realize her worth or will she always be a pawn in other peoples games?
Excellent note about Miranda's lack of dialogue and great analysis of the mythological references! You bring up great points & questions about the female vs. male dynamic.
Delete"Then I beat my tabor; / At which like unbacked colts they pricked their ears, / Advanced their eyelids, lifted up their noses / As they smelt music. So I charmed their ears / That calflike they my lowing followed through / Toothed briers, sharp furzes, pricking goss, and thorns, / Which ent'red their frail shins. At last I left them / I'th' filthy mantled pool beyond your cell" (IV.i.175-182)
ReplyDeleteThis passage allows Shakespeare to further develop the subjects of his play. Ariel's willingness to mess with Caliban, Trinculo, and Stephano; and the manner in which he boasts of how he distracted the three, shows how desperate he is to make Prospero happy. His desperation is mostly caused by his yearning desire to be free, but Ariel's behavior also suggests that part of his desperation is caused by his desire to be praised by his master. The gleeful choice of words used by Ariel to describe his execution of Prospero's commands glorify his accomplishment of the task. For example, he reports to Prospero that in order to distract the three drunk ones he played music which "lifted up their noses as they smelt my music." The figurative language used in this description creates the impression that Ariel carried how the plot so skillfully that his music was simply irresistible. This passage is also ironic because Ariel does all of this in hopes of being rewarded with freedom in the future. If Ariel had let Caliban, Trinculo, and Stephano carry out their plan to murder the king, at that moment Ariel would have been freed for life.
In addition to further characterizing Ariel, this passage also highlights the image of Trinculo and Stephano as dumb, pleasure seekers. Although readers already know them as this for constantly drinking, the ease at which Ariel is able to sidetrack them with his music emphasizes the lack of self discipline Stephano and Trinculo have. This scene also highlights the power of music, because it insinuates that music can have a similar effect on the mind as alcohol--it gives pleasure. The pleasure of the charming music played by Ariel is what leads Trinculo, Stephano, and Caliban away from their journey to kill the kind. I am wondering if drinking was popular in Shakespeare's day?
Excellent point about the irony of the situation & Ariel's dual desires for freedom and praise. Nice point about pleasure seeking, too! Ah- and I like the parallel about the transformative power of music like alcohol. Yeah--people drank a lot.
Delete“Ay, my commander. When I presented Ceres,
ReplyDeleteI thought to have told thee of it, but I feared
Lest I might anger thee” (4.1. 166-8).
When I first read this particular passage in the play, at first I had absolutely no clue what it meant. After reading it over again and trying to make connections with what was just said in the dialogue, and then reading the bottom of the page to find out what Shakespeare meant by how Ariel “presented Ceres,” I realized that there was a lot of underlying meaning in such a short and what seems to be simple line. What I feel Shakespeare tried to convey to the reader through this line was that Ariel was going to tell Prospero about the plan Caliban, Stephano, and Trinculo had to kill him, but Ariel was too afraid to tell him then because he thought that Prospero would get angry at him for it.
However, while looking into what the line was trying to convey, I noticed that the way Ariel was talking to Prospero was very tentative and walking-on-eggshells-like. After that thought, I looked into that piece of the line more and it occurred to me just how much of an influence Prospero has on absolutely everyone on the island, and how when really anyone is around him they are afraid to counter him or anything he says. The reader is able to see in this quote how Ariel starts out with saying “Ay, my commander,” which shows Prospero’s authority over Ariel, and goes on to finish the line with “but I feared / Lest I might anger thee,” showing that Ariel is afraid to tell Prospero things and that he ultimately wants to avoid making him angry.
My questions that were brought up after my long analyzation were why does Prospero have so much power and why doesn't anyone else on the island call him out on it? What was the whole thing that happened with the Roman goddesses and why did Ariel present Ceres? Why is Ariel afraid to tell Prospero about Caliban? Why can’t the people on this island just get along without any strings attached?
-Alex Cosentino
Excellent job breaking down the passage and looking at what lies between the words. Good points and questions about Prospero's power.
Delete“Then, as my gift, and thine own acquisition/ Worthily purchased, take my daughter... Therefore take heed/ As Hymen’s lamps shall light you.” (IV.i.13-23)
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this passage, I believe, as the reader, it really helped influence what was to come in the rest of this scene. It is almost ironic how just before this, Stephano, Trinculo, and Caliban were speaking of killing Prospero and then to turns to this good note of Prospero giving his blessing to the marriage of Miranda and Ferdinand. It also leads the reader to think that this scene will be a cheerful scene.
I really enjoyed the park when Caliban, Stephano, and Trinculo come looking for Prospero because personally, I found it humorous how Caliban was still so determined on their plan to kill Prospero and Stephano and Trinculo are their normal, drunken selves and obviously do not have the ability to murder Prospero.
I wonder if the actions of Stephano and Trinculo will affect what Caliban thinks of them.
-Becky Siegel
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