2. Responses from the blog
3. Quiz
Homework for next night's reading. Respond to one question, please.
1. How has Ferdinand’s and Miranda’s love deepened from their first interaction? What is Shakepeare suggesting about the true nature of love?
OR
2. What does Caliban hope to accomplish by his plot against Prospero? Why does Shakespeare include this subplot mirroring the conspiracy of the nobles?
35 comments:
(Question 1) Miranda and Ferdinand’s love transitions from a state of awe and inquiry to a bond with dependence, admiration, and compassion. Though Prospero guides their love, his magical talents are not the sole cause of their passion for one another; Miranda and Ferdinand are authentically in love with each other. In Act 1, Scene 2, Miranda is fascinated, “I might call him a thing divine, for nothing natural I ever saw so noble.” (Lines 418-420) In her first glance at Ferdinand, Miranda is sure he is the greatest man she has ever seen, and believes he is so excellent, she questions if he is even human. Ferdinand shares this fascination and replies “Which I do last pronounce, is- O you wonder! - If you be maid or no?” (Lines 427-428) Ferdinand is so impressed with Miranda that he stops thinking about his lost shipmates and focuses on his wish to marry Miranda. In Act 3, Scene 1, we start to see a caring couple emerge. Ferdinand must perform various labor for Prospero, but keeps his head up by thinking of his lover, “My sweet mistress weeps when she sees me work, and says such baseness had never like executor. I forget. But these sweet thoughts do refresh my labors,” (3.1 Lines 11-15). Ferdinand is devoted, and implies that the reason he performs such strenuous labors is because of his lover. Miranda worries about the pain that her father is putting Ferdinand through, “Pray now, rest yourself; He’s safe for these three hours,” (3.1 Lines 19-21) Miranda is trying to shield Ferdinand from any harm. These lines also tie into what Shakesphere is suggesting is the true nature of love. In the first act, Prospero pretends to convince Miranda that Ferdinand is a traitor and should be forbidden. Miranda’s idea that Prospero does not approve of her relationship with Ferdinand only brings them closer. This is an idea seen in another Shakesphere plays, Romeo and Juliet. The fact that their love is forbidden strengthens their love. However in The Tempest, the idea is complicated by Prospero’s magical abilities. Shakesphere shows that love is driven by empathy and conflict. – Julia Pickel
Ferdinand and Miranda’s love has transformed from a simple “who are you? Wait your attractive!” to a full blown “I will labor all day just to be near you and die for you and will you marry me!” relationship. Although on 3.1.64-67 “The very instant that I saw you did my heart fly to your service, there resides to make me slave to it, and for your sake am I this patient log-man,” he states that he loved her from the beginning I don’t believe he was at the point of being a “patient log-man,” As the famous song by Sade said “When you came my way, you brightened every day, with your sweet smile” (No Ordinary Love (long story)) I think that in 3.1 they were at this point but not before in 1.2. I think that Shakespeare is suggesting that love can be at first sight, blinding, and even develop quickly while the “victims” aren’t even together. Saying this book span's over two days that means their love affair developed in just a few hours. Quickly developing love seems to be a trend in Shakespeare’s books fore instance in Romeo and Juliet they fall in love after one dance and being a tragedy died for each other in the end. Also in Much Ado About Nothing they fall in love after first sight and being a comedy they all get married in the end. I think this is what he was trying to portray.
(Written at the same time as Julia)-Brian Woodson
Miranda and Ferdinand's ardent desire to be with one another suddenly changed from a cute love affair, to a stern aspiration to be with one another for the rest of eternity. Miranda stated, "I am your wife if you will marry me; If not i'll die your maid"(3.1 lines 82-85) Miranda wishes to be with Ferdinand so badly that she is willing to do whatever it takes. Because Prospero attempts to keep the two love birds seperated from one another, it forms a stronger bond between the two. I mean when someone tells me not to push the big red button, it only makes me want to do it more. This is what has occurred with their love, they were tried to be kept seperate but it only created a stronger connection between Ferdinand and Miranda. "So glad of this as they I cannot be, Who are surpris'd withal, but my rejoicing at nothing can be more" (3.1 Lines 92-95). Even the verbal contract between the newly wed, excites and makes Prospero jubilate, before he has to return to his buisness. Although their love was strong at first sight, they have transformed their love into an unbreakable bond for life.
the comment above is from kyle
Although Caliban is only a slave, he has ideas and dreams about the future of the island just like everyone else. He has been treated badly by Prospero, and now that Stephano is here, he wants Prospero killed so that there will be a new ruler of the island. He deeply admires Stephano, and he thinks of him as an all-powerful being that will fix all of his problems. I think an underlying goal of his is to make Miranda his own. “And that most deeply to consider is the beauty of his daughter” (3.2.96-97). Caliban talks about Miranda almost with a sense of longing, as if he wishes that he had a woman so beautiful as her.
On a different part of the island, Antonio and Sebastian are working on a very similar plot to kill Alonso, the king. I think that both conspiracies show the inherent desire for power present in every human being. Shakespeare put them in to compare both situations. He was trying to show that Caliban and Stephano, and Antonio and Sebastian are similar characters with similar goals. To have corresponding plots going on at the same time, it emphasizes all of the character traits.
Erika
As many have already said,in act 3, scene 1, Miranda and Ferdinand's love is deepened and intensified. His life revolves around this "mistress" and he wants to o everything in his power to win her over. Through their enamored actions, it becomes clear that this desperation is mutual, and a change from act 1, scene 2 when Ferdinand and Miranda are merely attracted to one another. Prospero approves their love, and encourages it by means of his magical powers.Their love has reached a stage where it can not be affected by anyone or anything. As Julia said, this is similar to Shakespeare's idea that love is stimulated by the notion that it is forbidden or irrational, portrayed in Romeo and Juliet. Considering that this whole story takes place over the course of 2 days, it seems that this love story would be considered "unreasonable" and impetuous. Shakespeare is clearly articulating that the true nature of love comes from incompatibility. Love is uncontrollable and has the power to affect one in an incredible way. The bond between Ferdinand and Miranda is clearly unbreakable.
-Olivia
(2) We know that Caliban hates Prospero. Now that he has found and sworn alliegence to Stephano, he wants to be totally rid of Prospero. This is one reason why he wants Stephano to kill Prospero. But another goal that Caliban has is, really, to have control over the island himself. He knows that as long as he has a master he can never have total control, but under Stephano he can have much more freedom, and power, than under Prospero. He is already beginning to take advantage of his power by being rude to Trinculo--implying that he has power over Trinculo. "What a pied ninny's this! Thou scurvy patch! I do beseech my greatness, give him blows, and take his bottle from him. When that's gone, he shall drink nought but brine. for I'll not show him where the quick freshes are. (3.2, 61-64) So says Caliban to Trinculo. Once Prospero is dead and Stephano is ruler of the island, Caliban will have the power that he had under Sycorax--not total power, but enough. Since he has had a taste of this under Sycorax, he wants it again, and snatches the opportunity as soon as it comes up. This subplot in the play reflects Sebastian and Antonio because both the two nobles and the monster and his master want to steal power for themselves by killing a lord. The main difference is that Caliban's threat does not seem as horrible as Antonio's because of the fact that Stephano is drunk and therefore very unlikely to kill Prospero anyway, even if Prospero weren't a wizard that could easily defend himself. However, if Caliban and Stephano try to go through with their plan, it would mirror what will happen with Antonio and Sebastian's plan. This could be a reason why Shakespeare included this subplot.
Eliza
Prospero enslaves Caliban for twelve long years. Prospero mistreats Caliban and killed his mother. Caliban loathes Prospero. This hatred accumulates every year when he is imprisoned in a rock. In the text, it is assumed the killing of Prospero was considered for a long time. However, on the arrival of Stephano and Caliban’s “freedom” the plan is recently been put to action. By murdering Prospero, Caliban can finally end his misery. Caliban was dependent on Prospero to release him from his rock every day. However, free and with the support of others, he can move forward. As mentioned in a previous post, Caliban is also portrayed to have a thing for Miranda. There is history between them but the love was one way, Caliban to Miranda. Perhaps Caliban believes Prospero is the one holding up their unity. After Prospero is gone, nothing stands between him and Miranda. There is parallel structure between the nobles and Caliban and Prospero. Shakespeare includes this detail because it is comparing how everybody, powerful or not, can take anger as far as murder. This detail also shows the different social standings of the characters. Antonio, the noble, kills with polished daggers. Caliban, the servant, kills with a “nail” (3.2. 59) or a “log” (3.2.86); much less glorified.
- Katie C.
Shakespeare suggests that love is about physical attraction, but also about hard work and putting somebody else before you. At first Miranda and Ferdinand were taken by each other’s beauty; when Miranda first sees Ferdinand, she calls him, “A thing divine, for nothing natural I ever saw so noble.” (1.2. 419-420) Miranda has never seen any other man besides her father and Caliban, and instantly falls for Ferdinand—who feels the same way. As their relationship matures, their affection grows and changes. Ferdinand recalls their first meeting, “The very instant that I saw you did my heart fly to your service, there resides to make me slave to it, and for your sake am I this patient log-man.” (3.1. 64-67) Ferdinand has realized that love requires hard work and patience, which he is now willing to endure. Miranda also realizes that she would sacrifice herself for his love; Miranda pleads with Ferdinand “I am your wife, if you will marry me; if not, I’ll die you maid. To be your fellow you may deny me, but I’ll be your servant whether you will or no.” (3.1. 83-86) Shakespeare shows a deep understanding of human psychology and the development of a mature, loving relationship.
-JuRo
Ferdinand and Miranda's love has definitely intensified in the time between act one, scene two and act three, scene one. Ferdinand fell immediately in love with Miranda from the moment he saw her, asking if she is single, saying that he would marry her and make her the Queen of Naples. In this first encounter with Ferdinand, I think Miranda is slightly confused because the only man that she's encountered in her life is her father. She sees Ferdinand, and feels a strong attraction to him, but is not as strongly in love with him as he is with her. In the first scene of act three, however, Ferdinand and Miranda are equally smitten with each other. Ferdinand is enduring long, harsh hours of labour at Prospero's command, but he says that the sight of the beautiful Miranda relieves him of all pain. They both establish the fact that they would do anything for each other and quickly agree to get married. This is a big increase in affection between the two from the beginning of the play. As I read act three, scene one, I noticed that Shakespeare was focusing more on the physical aspects of the lovers. Ferdinand says that he fell in love with Miranda's beauty, and Miranda comments on how handsome he is. But I think what he is really trying to say about love is that it is not tangible and knows no boundaries. The love that Ferdinand and Miranda feel for each other will continue to grow strong until their dying day.
-Laine Flores
Caliban’s underlying intentions in his plot against Prospero are purely revengeful. One of the first things he communicated to Stephano was he hated his current master and seeks new leadership. The implications and variables of his scheme have not been considered because Caliban’s anger is not controlled as he vents to Stephano. This subordinate plot was included by Shakespeare to prove a point about the nature of men. Antonio is already in a position of power, but when given the prospect of more authority, he is willing to manipulate Sebastian into killing his own brother. Caliban is abused daily and upon seeing Stephano, he sees him as an opportunity to free him from Prospero by killing him. Stephano is willing to kill Prospero for Caliban, but only in exchange for his prize as ruler of the island and husband of Miranda. Whatever differences may emerge between these men, each of their plots are only self-beneficial and power hungry. This common demeanor of men is an important aspect of the play, suggesting all men behave in a parallel fashion to Antonio, Caliban, and Stephano.
- Claire K.
When Miranda and Ferdinand first meet they like each other and later they want to marry each other. Miranda wants to mary Ferdinand "I am your wife if you will mary me; If not, I'll die your maid."(lines 83-84 3.1) She will do anything for them to be together. Earlier she says "Do you love me?"( line 68 3.1) Then Ferdinand says "Beyond all limit of what else the world, Do love, prize, honour you."( lines 72-73 3.1) Also the story was just two days long, so they must have fallen in love very quickly like many other Shakespeare books. They want to with other for the rest of their life and be inseparable.
(Question 1) Miranda and Ferdinand's love has changed since Act 1 by their love developing, and in a way becoming more realistic. In Act 1 they feel in love at the first sight of each other, without knowing a lot about the other person. In Act 3 Ferdinand is declaring his love for Miranda, and saying that he wants to spend the rest of his life. So in a way their relationship is developing as if they've been to together for a longer time. This leads directly into the the next topic because Shakespeare is trying to show that this deep of love cant be accomplished in such a short amount of time. Also Shakespeare is trying to show that love is something that can not be forced upon to people. Love is something that must grown and develop over time, just as humans change over time. However, i fell that he is trying to portray that as humans if we want love so badly we'll settle for anything, whether its someone you want to be with.
comment above is from Bryce Grubbs
After being enslaved for twelve years to Prospero, Caliban is willing to do anything to be free. Here Caliban explains to Stephano how to kill Prospero: “with a log Batter his skull, or paunch him with a stake, or cut his weasand with thy knife” (3,2. 86-88). Caliban has long thought about killing Prospero - he has, in fact, three different examples for Stephano of how the deed should be completed. Note, however, that Caliban is telling Stephano how to kill Prospero - Caliban has no intention of killing Prospero himself. This implies that although Caliban could have committed the deed himself and be freed from his master much earlier, he still wanted someone to follow. If Caliban committed the deed himself, he would be his own leader, which is a foreign idea for Caliban. Caliban needs Stephano, a man stronger than himself, to complete the deed. Caliban’s submissive character also appeared when Caliban did not challenge Stephano after he said, “His daughter and I will be king and queen” (3,2. 103-104). From this statement, and Caliban’s lack of response to the statement, it can be inferred that although Caliban does not want to be enslaved to Prospero any longer, he still wants to be led by another person.
Shakespeare sets up the scene between Caliban and Stephano in Act 3, Scene 2 almost identically to the scene between Antonio and Sebastian in Act 2, Scene 1 where Antonio tries to convince Sebastian to kill his brother Alonso. Both Caliban and Antonio are urging their companions to kill people who have a higher status. Although the actions are almost identical, the motives are extremely different. On one hand, Antonio is searching for power: if Sebastian kills Alonso, Antonio will be one step closer to being king of Naples. Caliban, on the other hand, is searching for freedom: if Stephano kills Prospero, Caliban will be freed from the force that has imprisoned him for the past twelve years. I believe Shakespeare made the scenes similar but the motives different to show that although people may take similar actions, their personalities and reasoning may be very different.
- Emi L.
Ferdinand and Miranda's love has not only deepened but changed since the first time they met. Upon meeting, Ferdinand and Miranda became interested in each other and supposedly fell in love. However, I believe they were both just awestruck. Miranda had hardly seen a man besides her father in twelve years, so I can only imagine her excitement when she first saw Ferdinand. Ferdinand had just survived a shipwreck that could have killed him. Just coming out of each of their situations, I believe Miranda and Ferdinand needed somebody to love. Ferdinand says right away, "O, if a virgin, and your affection not gone forth, I'll make you the Queen of Naples," (1,2, 449-450) Although they clearly have a connection between them, it doesn't seem intense, just serious and ever lasting. In modern times it would be like saying "I would like to spend the rest of my life with you." Starting in Act Three, it seems that they begin to say "I need to spend the rest of my life with you." In the first passage Ferdinand states, "The mistress which I serve quickens what's dead," (3,1,6) Here, Ferdinand feels so passionately about Miranda that he believes she gives life to what is dead, brings happiness in sad situations or makes the most most boring things interesting. Throughout Act Three, their love deepens as they begin to not only love but also lust each other as the scene goes on. I think that Shakespeare is trying to say that love can happen quickly, and if it happens it is unbreakable. (I guess there was no such thing as divorce in Shakespeare's time.) Also, I believe Shakespeare is trying to show how two people that don't know each other really well or shouldn't be together can easily fall in love.
-Katarina
Everyone has dreams of some sort no matter who they are. Caliban, although just a slave, is someone who also has admirations and dreams of his own. Throughout his enslavement with Prospero, he has been treated wretchedly, with no opportunity for freedom or fun. When Stephano arrived on the island, new opportunity for Caliban and the island emerged. Stephano represented a new leader, and someone who Caliban could look to, to help solve his problem. By creating and maintaining a plot against Prospero, I think Caliban is finally fulfilling a revenge on Prospero that he has felt for a long while.
The conspiracy of the nobles, is a plot against the king, Alanso, carried out through both Antonio and Sebastian. By creating a subplot, Shakespeare is showing the desire and hungriness for power that all of these characters are yearning for. I think the reason why Shakespeare did create this subplot was to show the similarity between both plots, and show the desire for power that all of those characters yearned for. By having this parallel structure flowing throughout the book, it gives the reader a much better sense of depth, into the back round of the characters.
E $
(Question 1) Miranda and Ferdinand’s love has definitely intensified within the past few hours in the book. As said in previous quotes, Miranda and Ferdinand merely liked each other, and were attracted physically to each other. However, throughout Act 3 Scene 1, they discover that they truly love each other, and that they really did fall in love at first sight. They both realize that they will do whatever it takes to be together. Ferdinand expresses his love toward Miranda as he works for Prospero, not wanting to stop so he can eventually win Miranda, “O my dear mistress, the sun will set before I shall discharge what I must strive to do,” (3.1 21-23). This shows that Ferdinand doesn’t care about anything else but Miranda. When he first arrived on the island, he wanted to find the rest of his party that was on the ship, but now Miranda and Ferdinand’s love has deepened, so that is no longer at the front of his mind. Also, Miranda no longer cares if Prospero may have another plan for her, or if he disapproves of Ferdinand. She wants to take care of Ferdinand, “My father is hard at study. Pray now, rest yourself; he’s safe for these three hours,” (3.1 19-21). Not only does she want to take care of him despite Prospero’s possible feelings, she wants to help him and be with him. She doesn’t care about the work; she just wants to be near Ferdinand. “It would become me as well as it does you and I should do it with much more ease, for my good will is to it, and yours is against it,” (3.1 28-31). Miranda and Ferdinand become desperate to be with the other and please the other and help the other that they have already decided to get married, and they have only known each other for a few hours. We as readers can now tell that their love is very real, and it was actually love at first sight. Shakespeare is suggesting to the reader that love must come when two people first meet, or else it isn’t love. In Romeo & Juliet, they immediately fall in love, and after a short time frame of 5 days, they die for each other. In The Tempest, it has barley been more than a few hours and Miranda and Ferdinand are already planning to get married. Shakespeare intends for his couples to immediately love, rather than falling into love over time, which is in my opinion, just as powerful.
-Lindsay Levine
(1)
Personally I think Miranda and Ferdinand's love is delusional, and has hardly deepened at all. Though they speak of how they love each other so deeply, and that they care for each other on a passionate level that they cannot understand, they know nothing of each other. Ferdinand is most likely taken by her beauty. Blind to reason, he sees her as perfect. Miranda, on the other hand, has never even seen someone aside from herself and her father. She does not no what love is, and is taken by the fact that she is meeting someone new. "I do not know one of my sex, no woman’s face remember— Save, from my glass, mine own. Nor have I seen more that I may call men than you, good friend, And my dear father." (3.1 lines 48-52) Much like Caliban meeting Sebastian and being instantly loyal, she is too naive and is instantly in “love”. This is a social commentary that Shakespeare is very familiar with. He is showing how true love happens quickly, but may not always be true.
-Devan Herbert
In his plot to kill Prospero, Caliban is not only trying to prove to himself that he is not weak, or submissive. But, he is also trying to prove to Prospero that he is a human, and that he has power. As with many countries, and people who take over a foreign territory, they need to find a way to dehumanize the native population. Many do this by calling the natives savages, or brutes. In this case, Prospero says of Caliban "A freckled whelp, hag-born-not honour'd with A human shape" (Act 1 scene 2 Lines 283-284) In response to this cruel inhumane treatment, and upon meeting Stephano, Caliban renounces his loyalty to Prospero, and declares his service for Stephano. But as the night goes on and the wine continues to pour, Caliban begins to feel more powerful, and less of a peon. He decides he needs to prove to Prospero, and himself that he is not a peon, he is a human. Something he can't truly believe about himself without following through on this scheme. In presenting this mirrored plot with the nobles in Milan, Antonio and Sebastian, and now Caliban and Prospero. Shakespeare is trying to get a point about human nature across. He is implying that humans are always wanting more. Interestingly enough, it is also shown in Stephano when he is talking about his part in the scheme, "His daughter and I will be king and queen-save our graces-and Trinculo and thy self shall be viceroys". This coming from a man who not a couple hours ago had no respect from anyone anywhere. He just wants more. Be it friends, power, or currency, we are never satisfied with what we have. John Rusbarsky
(Question 1) Miranda and Ferdinand grow closer together with the belief that Prospero is trying to prevent their love. (What else would they think with Prospero relentlessly providing Ferdinand with chores?) The idea that Miranda can't have Ferdinand makes her desire even stronger. Miranda gives Ferdinand her name, even when she has been told not to, "What is your name?","Miranda.--Oh my father, I have broke your hest to say so." Ferdinand only complies with Prospero's requests because he will have the company of Miranda. This conflict is what drives the relationship between Miranda and Ferdinand. Although it is a fake conflict, because Prospero wants them to fall in love, Miranda and Ferdinand do not know that. Shakespeare is showing that the heart wants something that it can't have. For example, when a child is in a store and they want a toy that their mom says they can't have, do they stop crying? No, usually that makes them beg and plead more. Shakespeare is also showing that conflict can be the ultimate test in a relationship, because Miranda has to choose between Ferdinand and her father.
Grace Donahoe
In allying himself with Stephano, Caliban hopes to get revenge on Prospero. Prospero took control of the island after kicking Caliban out, and Caliban wants to give him what he deserves. By having Stephano kill Prospero, there is a chance that the new ruler of the island will be on his side, meaning that he has more power over the island. By helping Stephano to get control of the island, it makes it so that he trusts Caliban. Similarly to how Antonio usurped Prospero’s power, eventually, Caliban could have the chance to usurp Stephano’s power. After gaining control of the island, there is also a better chance that Miranda would become interested in him. Women are often attracted to power, and having the companionship of the “so perfect and so peerless” woman in the world (3.1, 47), Caliban’s physical appearance would make less of an impression on people. Shakespeare includes this subplot in the story to show that when one person is successful, another person can do the exact same thing in the hope to become successful. Since he educated Prospero when Prospero and Miranda first came to the island, he knows that Antonio usurped Prospero’s power, and he was successful in becoming more powerful and more important. By eventually usurping Stephano’s power, he feels that he can achieve the same power and respect that Antonio did.
-Kate Claman
Caliban is longing for revenge after his enslavement by Prospero. Through out Caliban’s enslavement Prospero had enormous amounts of power over him. Now Caliban feels like he has a chance to fight back. Caliban greatly desires to reverse the roles in this relationship by expressing his own power over Prospero. Shakespeare is showing that it is part of human nature to strive for power, and that when an opportunity to obtain more power arises it is part of human nature to seize it. This is part of the reason why Caliban’s conspiracy against Prospero mirrors the conspiracy towards the nobels. It is showing the reader/audience that all people are greedy to some extend and it reinforces the belief that all intelligent beings crave power and superiority.
-Mitchell
Question 1:
When Ferdinand and Miranda first met, Miranda was unexcited, thinking he may be made up by Prospero, but soon realizes she loves him. Ferdinand does the same. However, this situation is mainly instigated by Prospero. When they meet again in Act 3, Scene 2, Miranda and Ferdinand are madly in love. It hints that Ferdinand may only be in this relationship to gain power over Miranda. I think Shakespeare may be suggesting that the true nature of love is that it is formed to gain superiority or you are attracted to the easiest person available that brings you the best gain. I don't know if I agree with Shakespeare.
- Caleb
Like many have said before I believe that Ferdinand and Miranda's love has grown since their first meeting. After a few conversations, they are ready to get married. They obviously have created a deep passion for one another in short oder. It is surprising how instantaneously and fast their relationship has developed. Although their love is strong I wonder if their speedy relationship will cause trouble in the future.
-Ally
(1)
Miranda and Ferdinand's love started out quietly but then rapidly increased to full force. Even though this was only their second interaction, they were ready to spend the rest of their lives together and to marry. Since Miranda's view of the world beyond her island is mostly imagined, the sight of a real young man sparks a longing for companionship in Miranda. Ferdinand automatically takes on the role to convince her that he is worthy. Although he may have no clue how naive Miranda is, I believe he is taking advantage of this characteristic in Miranda. Prospero had triggered the beginning of their relationship, but as Julia said, it was not the sole cause. Miranda and Ferdinand have a connection that is real and, considering their quick developement, they are in love.
Shakespear is sending out a message that there can be love at first sight. Even with a set up to create a "perfect couple", there is always hope for love to form and make a sustainable relationship.
-Chloë
answer to # 2.:
Caliban is hoping to, in a way have some freedom from Prospero by having Prospero killed. With Prospero as his master, Caliban can not do anything that he likes, and is not treated with respect. When Caliban interacts with Stephano, there is definitely a lot more respect for Caliban. This is the way Prospero talks to Caliban. “Thou poisonous slave, got by the devil himself upon thy wicked dam, come forth!” (1.1.319-320). This is how Stephano talks to Caliban. “At thy request, monster, I will do reason, any reason.” (3.2.116). Stephano is fulfilling a request made by Caliban. Caliban has always wanted someone to at least treat him as if he meant something to someone.
-Albert
Ferdinand And Miranda's love have grown since they have met. Even though they have only had a couple conversation they feel like they should get married, but why does Miranda accepts because Ferdinand is the only person her age that she has met. What's interesting is that they have created a deep passion with one another. I wonder what else Prospero is thinking about be cause he says, "Fair encounter Of two most rare affections! Heavens rain grace On that which breeds between ' em!"(3.1.74-76) He says that this is rear to find a love like this. I wonder if their love will stay the same or grow stronger because i believe that they will soon be tested on how much they love each other.--Chely
#1 Ferdinand and Miranda's love continually deepens simply from the presence of each other. Often when you are denied something it makes you desire it even more. In this case Prospero tries to thwart their love for each other, but this only strengths their affection for each other. Ferdinand‘s labor makes him more aware of his true love for Miranda. He says, “I am, in my condition, a prince, Miranda; I do think a king I would not do so! and would no more endure this wooden slavery that to suffer the flesh-fly blow my mouth” (3.2 59-63). Ferdinand, understanding his old life as prince, would rather suffer if it would mean he could be with Miranda. Miranda feeling the same, “I am your wife if you will marry me; if not, I’ll die your maid” “but I’ll be your servant” (3.2 83-86). Ferdinand and Miranda have a undeniable love for each other that only becomes stronger simply with the thought and presence of each other. Shakespeare exposes so much of basic human nature. He displays the love between Miranda and Ferdinand to show the true nature of it. Shakespeare suggests that true love is undeniable, the strongest bond in human nature, that can not be broken by others.
-Aislinn Martin
(1)
Ferdinand and Miranda were definitely attracted to each other when they first met, but the connection wasn’t very real. Miranda quickly fell in love, but that was only because she had never experienced any kind of similar emotion. After being isolated on the island for most of her life and then all of a sudden experiencing love for the first time was a huge shock that made her rush into things too quickly. The only reason Ferdinand and Miranda fell in love after seeing each other twice was because they each had questionable motives. Miranda wanted to experience a new emotion and Ferdinand did think Miranda was perfect, but also wanted power and is using her to gain that. By marrying her, he would have more authority and would be closer to the royals. Shakespeare is suggesting that weather or not someone is in love can be unclear and that selfish desires can sometimes be more powerful than emotion.
-Hannah Hylton
Miranda and Ferdinand's love has transformed from physical attraction to a vehement desire to coexist and eventually wed. In act 1 scene 2, Miranda and Ferdinand commented on the attraction to each others appearance. In act 3 scene 1, the desire to be together fortified and verbal exchanges indicated the mutual appeal. Miranda nearly becomes desperate to be with Ferdinand when she exclaims that if marriage is not an option, she will serve him, just to experience an ongoing interaction. Miranda and Ferdinand's love has changed by become much stronger and urgent.
-Kevin Mellin
Ferdinand’s and Miranda’s love becomes much more passionate and intense in this scene even up to the point of them getting married. This scene that portrays love at first sight seems to resemble that of Romeo and Juliet. The line “Have I lik’d several women, never any with so full soul but some defect in her” (line 43 scene 1) greatly resembles many of Romeos declarations of his love with Juliet before they even met. This same manner applies in this situation for they have only met once before and are already proposing marriage. I think this means that Ferdinand might care more about Miranda’s looks then her personality, but in Miranda’s case she hasn’t really been exposed to the slightest bit of love and can’t really be blamed for the rapid advancement in their relationship. Also Miranda tells Ferdinand that she would love to be his wife but if he doesn’t except, then she will be his slave. “You may deny me, but I’ll be your servant whether you will or no” (line 83 scene 1) Miranda is proclaiming that she will be with him forever whether it be his wife or his slave. What I find interesting is that those words resemble the ones of Caliban talking to Stephano. Both Miranda and Caliban are willing to give themselves as a slave for someone who they just met. Shakespeare is suggesting that love is a powerful influence that can cause people to go to drastic measures just for the one they love. -Trevor
Caliban hopes to convince Stephano to murder Prospero, destroy his magic books, and adopt Miranda as his wife. Caliban hopes that through his plot he will gain a new, nicer master who treats him with more respect, and also wishes to regain possession of his island. He may have also wanted revenge on Miranda for rejecting him by forcing her to be with Stephano. Before Miranda snaps at Caliban, he is talking about using her to populate the island with a stronger race of people, "Thou didst prevent me-I had peopled else the isle with Calibans." (1.2. 349). Later, as he is persuading Stephano, he speaks of a similar theme, saying, "Ay, lord, she will become thy bed, I warrant, and bring thee forth brave brood." (3.2. 101-2).
I believe that Shakespeare includes this subplot mirroring the conspiracy of Antonio and Sebastian to show that all of the men of the ship are blackhearted and untrustworthy, always trying to double-cross someone. The audience is being brought up to dislike and mistrust all of the people from the boat, and whether this trend will continue or not I'm not sure. However, neither plot seems promising because in both cases, Prospero has information on them from Ariel.
-Eric Zeitz
Question 1-Ferdinand and Miranda are clearly falling very deeply in love. From their very first meeting when Miranda sees Ferdinand for the first time and she says "I might call him a thing divine, for nothing natural I ever saw so noble" (1.2.418) now only a short time later the two are declaring their love for each other and plan on marrying. It is clear that this quick love is not natural. If Prospero took the spell off them would they continue to love each other so deeply? Probably not. This shows that true nature of love comes much more gradually and should not be forced as Miranda and Ferdinand's is.
-Lotte Off
I think everyone has already given very good descriptions of how Miranda and Ferdinand’s love changes. I think Shakespeare uses these two's love that appearance and love is all relative. Because Miranda has only ever seen 3 men, she finds Ferdinand gorgeous, even though he could be very plain, and Ferdinand loves her because there is no other girl on the island. I think Shakespeare may also be saying that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.- Hannah B
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