Question

Read this excerpt from the tempest: miranda if by your art, my dearest father, you have put the wild waters in this roar, allay them. the sky, it seems, would pour down stinking pitch, but that the sea, mounting to the welkin's cheek, dashes the fire out. o, i have suffered with those that i saw suffer: a brave vessel, who had, no doubt, some noble creature in her, dash'd all to pieces. o, the cry did knock against my very heart. poor souls, they perish'd. had i been any god of power, i would have sunk the sea within the earth or ere it should the good ship so have swallow'd and the fraughting souls within her. prospero be collected: no more amazement: tell your piteous heart there's no harm done. (act i, scene ii, lines 1 – 15) what does miranda's questioning of prospero's decision to cause the shipwreck most clearly indicate about her character?

a) She doesn't understand what her father is doing.
b) She is not fully under her father's control.
c) She is worried the people on the ship will come ashore.
d) She believes her father will always do what is best.

Answer 1

Miranda's questioning of Prospero about the shipwreck in 'The Tempest' reveals her empathy and independent morality, showing she is not fully under her father's control. The correct answer is option b.

Step-by-step explanation:

What does Miranda's questioning of Prospero's decision to cause the shipwreck most clearly indicate about her character in the excerpt from The Tempest? Miranda expresses concern and empathy for the victims of the shipwreck, which Prospero has caused through his magic. Her lines reveal a compassionate nature and a kind heart, pained by the suffering she witnesses. She also shows a moral compass that is opposed to causing harm, regardless of the reason behind it.

In contrast to her father, who is calm and assures her that no harm is done, Miranda's words reflect her deep empathy for others and a yearning to use power for good, if she had any. This juxtaposition highlights the key character trait of Miranda's: she is not fully under her father's control (option b), as shown by her willingness to question his actions and her independent sense of morality.

Therefore, the correct option is b) She is not fully under her father's control.