The tempest
Act 3 Scene 2
IOC – Practice
Act 3 Scene 2 compromises and clarifies the theme of seeking power. In previous contexts, we were introduced to Stephano and Trinculo, a butler and a jester respectively. The two characters were the last and final minor characters to be introduced by Shakespeare in The Tempest. The usage of these minor characters by Shakespeare, emphasize further on the theme of colonialism, as they are deduced to be a parallel to the main plot. Stephano and Trinculo both resemble the two main characters Antonio and Sebastian, as both pairs seek and plan murder in order to thrive and be powerful. The idea of Antonio and Sebastian planning to murder King Alonso is being metaphorically enhanced by Shakespeare, being relevant to Stephano and Trinculo planning to murder Prospero. Both Prospero and King Alonso represent great power in the previous context. Shakespeare’s intention by adding these two characters was to create some comic relief, in order to drive the audience’s attention away from the seriousness of the main plot.
Lines 98-138
The lines start by Stephano asking whether Miranda was beautiful (line 98), Caliban then replies by saying, “Ay, lord; she will become thy bed, I warrant, And bring thee forth brave brood”(99-100). The reply made by Caliban starts by him referring to Stephano as ‘Lord’, which settles the condition that Caliban is in, showing that once again he is being looked down upon. Caliban’s response also indicates Miranda’s innocence and virtue, as he relates being beautiful will mean being good in bed, without mentioning the fact that she is a virgin.
Stephano then speaks, “Monster, I will kill this man: his daughter and I will be king and queen – save our graces – and Trinculo and thyself shall be viceroys”(101-104). The previous lines by Stephano further enhances the innocence of Miranda, as long ago it was known that queens are to be married virgins. As Stephano Continues, he demonstrates dominance by referring to Caliban as “Monster” and asking Trinculo and Caliban to be his viceroys. Caliban tends to seek self-power, even though it will mean that he will have to give up Miranda for Stephano, this shows that Caliban’s main intention is to seek power and to be freed from Prospero.
“Give me thy hand: I am sorry I beat thee; but, while thou liv’st, keep a good tongue in thy head”(105-106), Stephano said. These two lines indicate how loving and caring Stephano can be to be people how support him. This brings us back to theme of dominance, as the more powerful tends to be harsh on the weak.
Caliban then adds, “Within this half hour will he be asleep: Wilt thou destroy him then?”(107-108). After Caliban asking whether or not Stephano will kill Prospero in the next half an hour, Stephano replies by saying “Ay, on mine honour”. This emphasizes on the idea of dominance and power. Showing that murdering the powerful will only mean more power and honor for the murderer.
Ariel has been sent by Prospero in order to inform him of the plan set against him. Ariel being invisible and listening the three character’s conversation, he then tells himself “This will I tell my master”(109). Shakespeare made Ariel say this in this scene, in order to portray the divergence between the two spirits, Caliban and Ariel. Caliban and Ariel both tend to find freedom from Prospero, yet each of them approaches it in a different way. Caliban tends to do so by complaining, betraying and cursing Prospero. While on the other hand, Ariel tends to maintain his dignity and his freedom by serving Prospero willingly.
Caliban then reassures that he is being very happy, “Thou mak’st me merry”(110). This further shows Caliban’s character, believing that happiness only comes through revenge. This again shows contrast between Ariel and Caliban, both seek happiness and freedom, but having different mind sets about how to approach it.
(120-125) In these lines Shakespeare uses the two minor characters to further explain the theme of monster versus man. By showing that the two characters were scared when they were confused whether Ariel was a monster or an invisible man.
Caliban then asks, “Art thou afeard” (127). This is ironic since Caliban in the beginning of this scene was expressing his hatred towards Prospero, then he hides under cloak fearing that one of Prospero’s spirits were sent to torment him.
This is followed by a quote from Stephano saying, “No, monster, not I”(128). This shows a bit of an irony, because just before Caliban asked his question, Stephano was asking for mercy from the invisible Ariel showing how scared he was.
“The isle is full of noises,
Sounds and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not.
Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments
Will hum about mine ears, and sometime voices,
That, if I then had waked after long sleep,
Will make me sleep again: and then, in dreaming,
The clouds me thought would open and show riches
Ready to drop upon me, that, when I waked,
I cried to dream again” (129–137)
In the previous speech by Caliban, we are reminded by the close connection Caliban has with the island. This shows that Caliban is not just a symbolic “native” of the colonial surrounding theme of the play. But we now know that he is in fact a native of the island. “Sounds and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not”, this line shows the relationship between him and the island, further emphasizing his love and deep attraction towards the island and that he is deeply affected by the foreigners colonial invasion of his land. Irony is conveyed in the rest of the lines because, at the beginning of the scene Caliban shows hatred towards Prospero, the island, and the spirits sent by Prospero to chase Caliban around the island; however he is now portraying his deep passion for the island and it’s beautiful aspects, such as the harmonious sounds that “That hum about Caliban’s ears” as he sleeps, the clouds that seem so heavenly to Caliban in which he believed that they would open up and release their riches, and finally he talks about how he doesn’t want to wake up from his sleep because of how restful the island is. All this exhibits Caliban’s self interest for seeking power, as he is only started to tolerate Ariel’s actions that has once made him fear and curse Prospero. Caliban’s intentions is to show Stephano and Trinculo that there is nothing to fear, which is in order for the plan to work out, and then Caliban will thrive for power.
Act 3 Scene 2
IOC – Practice
Act 3 Scene 2 compromises and clarifies the theme of seeking power. In previous contexts, we were introduced to Stephano and Trinculo, a butler and a jester respectively. The two characters were the last and final minor characters to be introduced by Shakespeare in The Tempest. The usage of these minor characters by Shakespeare, emphasize further on the theme of colonialism, as they are deduced to be a parallel to the main plot. Stephano and Trinculo both resemble the two main characters Antonio and Sebastian, as both pairs seek and plan murder in order to thrive and be powerful. The idea of Antonio and Sebastian planning to murder King Alonso is being metaphorically enhanced by Shakespeare, being relevant to Stephano and Trinculo planning to murder Prospero. Both Prospero and King Alonso represent great power in the previous context. Shakespeare’s intention by adding these two characters was to create some comic relief, in order to drive the audience’s attention away from the seriousness of the main plot.
Lines 98-138
The lines start by Stephano asking whether Miranda was beautiful (line 98), Caliban then replies by saying, “Ay, lord; she will become thy bed, I warrant, And bring thee forth brave brood”(99-100). The reply made by Caliban starts by him referring to Stephano as ‘Lord’, which settles the condition that Caliban is in, showing that once again he is being looked down upon. Caliban’s response also indicates Miranda’s innocence and virtue, as he relates being beautiful will mean being good in bed, without mentioning the fact that she is a virgin.
Stephano then speaks, “Monster, I will kill this man: his daughter and I will be king and queen – save our graces – and Trinculo and thyself shall be viceroys”(101-104). The previous lines by Stephano further enhances the innocence of Miranda, as long ago it was known that queens are to be married virgins. As Stephano Continues, he demonstrates dominance by referring to Caliban as “Monster” and asking Trinculo and Caliban to be his viceroys. Caliban tends to seek self-power, even though it will mean that he will have to give up Miranda for Stephano, this shows that Caliban’s main intention is to seek power and to be freed from Prospero.
“Give me thy hand: I am sorry I beat thee; but, while thou liv’st, keep a good tongue in thy head”(105-106), Stephano said. These two lines indicate how loving and caring Stephano can be to be people how support him. This brings us back to theme of dominance, as the more powerful tends to be harsh on the weak.
Caliban then adds, “Within this half hour will he be asleep: Wilt thou destroy him then?”(107-108). After Caliban asking whether or not Stephano will kill Prospero in the next half an hour, Stephano replies by saying “Ay, on mine honour”. This emphasizes on the idea of dominance and power. Showing that murdering the powerful will only mean more power and honor for the murderer.
Ariel has been sent by Prospero in order to inform him of the plan set against him. Ariel being invisible and listening the three character’s conversation, he then tells himself “This will I tell my master”(109). Shakespeare made Ariel say this in this scene, in order to portray the divergence between the two spirits, Caliban and Ariel. Caliban and Ariel both tend to find freedom from Prospero, yet each of them approaches it in a different way. Caliban tends to do so by complaining, betraying and cursing Prospero. While on the other hand, Ariel tends to maintain his dignity and his freedom by serving Prospero willingly.
Caliban then reassures that he is being very happy, “Thou mak’st me merry”(110). This further shows Caliban’s character, believing that happiness only comes through revenge. This again shows contrast between Ariel and Caliban, both seek happiness and freedom, but having different mind sets about how to approach it.
(120-125) In these lines Shakespeare uses the two minor characters to further explain the theme of monster versus man. By showing that the two characters were scared when they were confused whether Ariel was a monster or an invisible man.
Caliban then asks, “Art thou afeard” (127). This is ironic since Caliban in the beginning of this scene was expressing his hatred towards Prospero, then he hides under cloak fearing that one of Prospero’s spirits were sent to torment him.
This is followed by a quote from Stephano saying, “No, monster, not I”(128). This shows a bit of an irony, because just before Caliban asked his question, Stephano was asking for mercy from the invisible Ariel showing how scared he was.
“The isle is full of noises,
Sounds and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not.
Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments
Will hum about mine ears, and sometime voices,
That, if I then had waked after long sleep,
Will make me sleep again: and then, in dreaming,
The clouds me thought would open and show riches
Ready to drop upon me, that, when I waked,
I cried to dream again” (129–137)
In the previous speech by Caliban, we are reminded by the close connection Caliban has with the island. This shows that Caliban is not just a symbolic “native” of the colonial surrounding theme of the play. But we now know that he is in fact a native of the island. “Sounds and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not”, this line shows the relationship between him and the island, further emphasizing his love and deep attraction towards the island and that he is deeply affected by the foreigners colonial invasion of his land. Irony is conveyed in the rest of the lines because, at the beginning of the scene Caliban shows hatred towards Prospero, the island, and the spirits sent by Prospero to chase Caliban around the island; however he is now portraying his deep passion for the island and it’s beautiful aspects, such as the harmonious sounds that “That hum about Caliban’s ears” as he sleeps, the clouds that seem so heavenly to Caliban in which he believed that they would open up and release their riches, and finally he talks about how he doesn’t want to wake up from his sleep because of how restful the island is. All this exhibits Caliban’s self interest for seeking power, as he is only started to tolerate Ariel’s actions that has once made him fear and curse Prospero. Caliban’s intentions is to show Stephano and Trinculo that there is nothing to fear, which is in order for the plan to work out, and then Caliban will thrive for power.
