The Tempest - themes

Question 1

challenging authority

Answer 1

• act 1 scene 1: boatswain has lowest social status yet takes charge of the ship that’s facing storm, orders the king & other aristocrats off the deck
  
  • Boatswain: (to Antonio) “… you mar (spoil) our labour - keep your cabins. You do assist the storm”
    . . .
  • Gonzalo: “… remember whom thou hast abroad”
  • Boatswain: (to Gonzalo) “None that I more love than myself. … Out of our way, I say.”

Question 2

humans and nature

Answer 2

• act 1 scene 1: boatswain raises the theme of relationship btwn humans & nature
  
  • Boatswain: (to Gonzalo) “… if you can command these elements to silence, and work a peace of the present, we will not hand a rope more - use your authority”