In Act 4 scene 1, lines 163-180, Prospero delivers his famous “our revels now are ended” speech after being reminded of Caliban’s plot.

Does the speech demonstrate Prospero’s vulnerability? How?

What does the speech suggest about the revels and about Prospero’s power more generally?

Why do you think this speech comes after the news of Caliban’s plot?

How does Ariel interpret the tempest in his speech as the harpy? What effect is his speech meant to have on the “men of sin”? Is this an effective way of getting revenge? Why or why not? Incorporate quotations from the speech to support your answers.

• Why does Ariel sing the men to sleep only to wake Gonzalo once the plan against him was in action ? (Act 2, Scene 1)
• How does nature force Trinculo to let go of his judgements about Caliban, does this reflect human nature ? Why or why not ? (Act 2, Scene 2)
• How does the interaction between Caliban and Stephano compare/contrast to that of Caliban and Prospero ? (Act 2, Scene 2)

This act includes two different murder plots. Choose the one that you think is the most important or memorable to focus on. What do the conspirators want? What motivates them to rebel? Can you understand the point of view of these rebels? Why or why not?

In the first act of “The Tempest,” we learn about events that happened before the play begins. Which aspect of the play’s pre-history do you think is most important, or simply the most memorable. Why?