Name that Quote
“We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep.”
🡆 Who says this, and why?
Prospero, in Act 4, during the masque. He’s reminding Ferdinand and Miranda that all things—even magical ones—are temporary.
Who arranged a magical storm to shipwreck his enemies?
Prospero
Which theme is shown when Ariel asks Prospero to show mercy to his enemies?
Forgiveness / Compassion.
Translate: “Thou art inclined to sleep; ’tis a good dullness.”
You're getting sleepy; it's a calm, good kind of drowsiness. (Prospero to Miranda)
What magical event happens at the very beginning of the play, and who causes it?
A storm (tempest) shipwrecks the nobles. It is caused by Prospero, using Ariel’s magic.
“O brave new world that has such people in’t!”
🡆 Who says it and what’s the context?
Miranda, in Act 5, upon seeing people from the outside world for the first time.
Who gives up magic and forgives those who wronged him?
Prospero in Act 5.
The masque in Act 4 is best connected to which theme?
Illusion vs Reality / Control / Celebration of love.
What does Prospero mean when he says: “Let your indulgence set me free”?
He’s asking the audience to forgive him and release him with their applause (epilogue).
Why does Prospero test Ferdinand by making him carry logs in Act 3?
To test Ferdinand’s love for Miranda and ensure he’s worthy of her.
“You taught me language; and my profit on’t is, I know how to curse.”
🡆 Who says this, and what theme does it reflect?
Caliban, Act 1 – Themes of colonialism and power.
Who plotted to kill the King while he was asleep?
Antonio and Sebastian (Act 2).
Caliban's desire for freedom relates to what two themes?
Colonialism and Freedom/Servitude.
Explain: “I’ll break my staff, / Bury it certain fathoms in the earth.”
Prospero is giving up his magical powers and promising to live as a normal man.
What plot do Caliban, Stephano, and Trinculo come up with—and what distracts them from it?
They plan to kill Prospero and take over the island, but they’re distracted by Ariel’s music and stolen clothes.
“My library was dukedom large enough.”
🡆 Who says it, and what does it reveal?
Prospero, in Act 1. He’s explaining that he was so obsessed with his books that he ignored his responsibilities as Duke, which allowed Antonio to betray him.
Who betrayed their own brother and took over their position of power?
Antonio betrayed Prospero and usurped the title of Duke of Milan.
Ferdinand agrees to carry wood to prove his love for Miranda.
🡆 Which theme does this support?
Love and Service / Transformation – Ferdinand humbles himself for love.
“You are three men of sin, whom Destiny,
That hath to instrument this lower world
And what is in’t, the never-surfeited sea
Hath caused to belch up you.”
🡆 What is Ariel saying here (Act 3, Scene 3)?
Ariel, as a harpy, is telling Alonso, Antonio, and Sebastian that they are sinful men, and fate has caused the sea to vomit them back onto land to be punished.
What important event does Prospero orchestrate with a magical performance in Act 4?
A masque to celebrate and bless the engagement of Ferdinand and Miranda, symbolizing harmony and unity.
“Do you love me?”
🡆 Who asks this simple but pivotal question?
Miranda, asking Ferdinand in Act 3. It’s a rare moment of honesty and agency from her, marking the beginning of their mutual love.
Who plotted to kill Prospero with a log and a bottle of wine?
Caliban, Trinculo, and Stephano.
Prospero gives up his magic and breaks his staff.
🡆 What theme does this symbolize?
Letting Go of Power / Transformation / Closure – Prospero is renouncing control and choosing humanity over dominance.
“This thing of darkness I
Acknowledge mine."
🡆 What does Prospero mean when he says this about Caliban in Act 5?
He admits responsibility for Caliban, recognizing his failure or guilt in how he's treated him—this reflects a moment of self-awareness or ownership.
What happens in the final act when Prospero confronts his enemies?
He forgives Alonso, Antonio, and Sebastian, reveals his identity, and prepares to return to Milan, giving up his magic.