English 123—Yanover
Discussion of Acts 1 & 2 of Shakespeare’s The Tempest
1.
In Act 1, scene 1:

Discuss the interactions of the royal passengers and the sailors. What explains these
(tempestuous) interactions? How do they relate to and reflect the literal tempest?
2.
In Act 1, scene 2:

Discuss the interactions of one of the following: o Prospero & Miranda o Prospero & Ariel o Prospero & Caliban o Prospero & Ferdinand o Miranda & Ferdinand
What explains these (tempestuous) interactions? How are they based on gender, class, and colonial/racial roles, differences, and conflicts? How do they relate to characters’ acceptance or challenge of their social identity and/or rank?
3.
In Act 2, scene 1:

Discuss the interactions of Gonzalo, Alonso, Sebastian, Antonio, etc. What explains these (tempestuous) interactions? How are they based on gender, class, and colonial/racial roles, differences, and conflicts? How do they relate to characters’ acceptance or challenge of their social identity and/or rank? What role does Ariel play?
Does he work to restore or unsettle the status quo?
4.
In Act 2, scene 2:

Discuss the interactions of Caliban, Stephano, and Trinculo. What were their roles/rank in their respective origination societies? What has changed about their situation and behavior? Why?