Quiz questions
The Tempest
William Shakespeare
Reading comprehension quiz questions for The Tempest — use them as a reading-check starter, a self-study tool, or a quick assessment. Answers are included below each question.
**Quiz Question — *The Tempest* by William Shakespeare** Who is the spirit that Prospero instructs to perform his magical tasks in *The Tempest*? A) Caliban B) Ferdinand C) Ariel D) Trinculo **Correct Answer: C) Ariel** *Ariel is the ethereal spirit who serves Prospero, having agreed to do so in return for his freedom, which Prospero promised after saving him from being trapped by the witch Sycorax.*
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**Quiz Question — *The Tempest* by William Shakespeare** Which character in *The Tempest* is referred to as "a savage and deformed slave" in the play's character list, and is the son of the witch Sycorax? - A) Ariel - B) Trinculo - C) Caliban - D) Ferdinand **Correct Answer: C) Caliban** *Explanation: Caliban is the offspring of the witch Sycorax and the island's original inhabitant. After Caliban tried to assault Miranda, Prospero took control of him. Throughout the play, Caliban harbors resentment towards Prospero's dominance and schemes against him.*
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**Quiz Question — *The Tempest* by William Shakespeare** At the beginning of *The Tempest*, why did Prospero lose his position as Duke of Milan? A) He was defeated in battle by the King of Naples. B) He became so focused on magic and his books that his brother Antonio took advantage and seized power with the King of Naples' support. C) He chose to give up his dukedom to pursue a life of sorcery on the island. D) He was exiled by the people of Milan for practicing dark magic. **Correct Answer: B** *Explanation:* In Act I, Scene 2, Prospero reveals to Miranda that his passion for his library and the study of the liberal arts caused him to overlook his responsibilities as duke. His treacherous brother Antonio, working with Alonso, the King of Naples, took advantage of this oversight and usurped his title, ultimately leaving Prospero and the young Miranda adrift at sea.
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These quiz questions are part of Storgy's free teacher toolkit for The Tempest. For a full study guide with chapter summaries, characters, themes, and key quotes, visit the The Tempest study guide. To browse quiz questions for other works, return to the Quiz Questions hub.