Question

3. Read the following excerpt from William Shakespeare's The Tempest:

PROSPERO: Abhorred slave, Which any print of goodness wilt not take, Being capable of all ill! I pitied thee, Took pains to make thee speak, taught thee each hour One thing or other: when thou didst not, savage, Know thine own meaning, but wouldst gabble like A thing most brutish, I endow'd thy purposes With words that made them known. But thy vile race, Though thou didst learn, had that in't which good natures Could not abide to be with; therefore wast thou Deservedly confined into this rock, Who hadst deserved more than a prison.
CALIBAN: You taught me language; and my profit on't Is, I know how to curse. The red plague rid you For learning me your language!


Discuss two of this excerpt's themes. How does Shakespeare develop these two themes over the course of the entire play? Support your argument with evidence from the text. (30 points)

Answer 1

Let me review please ;D

Step-by-step explanation:

The excerpt from William Shakespeare's The Tempest explores the themes of power and revenge.

Power: The excerpt depicts the power dynamics between Prospero and Caliban. Prospero, who once taught Caliban language and endowed his purposes with words, now holds power over him, having confined him to the island. This theme is developed throughout the play, as Prospero's use of magic and manipulation reflects his control over the other characters. The play also examines the responsible exercise of power and the transfer of power, as seen in Prospero's eventual decision to forgive his enemies and relinquish his magical abilities.

Revenge: The excerpt also touches on the theme of revenge, as Caliban's ability to curse in the language that Prospero taught him reflects his resentment towards his former master. This theme is further developed as Prospero's initial desire for revenge drives the plot of the play, but he ultimately learns the value of forgiveness and chooses not to punish his enemies. The play thus presents a complex exploration of revenge and forgiveness, highlighting the emotional journey of its characters.

These themes are central to the play's exploration of human nature and morality, and they are developed through the interactions and conflicts of the characters, ultimately leading to a resolution that emphasizes the power of forgiveness and the limitations of revenge.