Curated set · answers marked
Who is the spirit that Prospero instructs to perform his magical tasks in The Tempest?
ACaliban
BFerdinand
CAriel✓
DTrinculo 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.
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?
AAriel
BTrinculo
CCaliban✓
DFerdinand
Rationale
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.
At the beginning of The Tempest, why did Prospero lose his position as Duke of Milan?
AHe was defeated in battle by the King of Naples.
BHe became so focused on magic and his books that his brother Antonio took advantage and seized power with the King of Naples' support.✓
CHe chose to give up his dukedom to pursue a life of sorcery on the island.
DHe was exiled by the people of Milan for practicing dark magic.
Rationale
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.