act 1 scene 1 section a Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is the form of Act 1, Scene 1 in The Tempest and how does it affect the audience?
The scene uses prose instead of verse, highlighting the lower-class characters (sailors/boatswain) and focusing on realistic chaos. Starting in medias res (mid-action) throws the audience straight into tension and disorder.
What is the effect of starting in medias res?
starting mid-storm grabs the audience’s attention and creates immediate tension. The lack of context makes the scene feel chaotic and disorienting, just like the ship’s situation.
How does Shakespeare use structure to reflect panic?
Characters speak in short, fragmented lines, interrupt each other, and shout. This structure mirrors the confusion and fear during the storm.
What structural feature reflects the theme of power?
There’s no clear leader—the nobles and crew argue. This reflects a breakdown of social order, where rank means nothing in the face of nature.
Quote and explain a personification of nature.
A: “What cares these roarers for the name of king?”
Nature is personified as rebellious, not respecting human power—challenging the divine right of kings.
What metaphor suggests societal collapse?
A: “We split, we split!”
This isn’t just about the ship—it reflects the breakdown of class and social order in crisis.
auditory image- How does sound create tension?
A: “A plague upon this howling!”
“Howling” uses auditory imagery to bring the storm to life, showing how loud and terrifying it is.
How is religion referenced?
A: “To prayers, to prayers! All lost!”
This reflects desperation and the belief that only divine help can save them. Adds to the scene’s emotional intensity.
How is sarcasm used to challenge power?
A: “Let’s all sink wi’ the king.”
A sailor mockingly suggests dying with the nobles. This shows bitterness about class privilege, even in death.
What makes this scene theatrically intense?
Thunder, lightning, shouting, and chaos make it visually and audibly overwhelming—engaging for an audience and showing nature’s power.
What conflict drives tension in the scene?
Class conflict between sailors and nobles. Boatswain says: “You are a counsellor; if you can command these elements to silence…” mocking the nobleman’s uselessness.
What effect does this opening have on the audience?
It creates a mood of danger and mystery. The audience doesn’t know who will survive or what caused the storm—inviting curiosity and fear.
sensory immersion
stage directions ‘‘a temptestorous noice’’
would have created a powerful auditory specticle in the globe theatre
what does uditory specticle mean
dramatic sound effects that create tension, mood, or impact on stage.
iambic pentameter
A poetic meter with 10 syllables per line, following a pattern: da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM.
Shows nobility, control, or importance of a character.
Changes in meter = changing emotional state or tone.
prose vs verse
Prose is everyday speech; verse (often iambic pentameter) is poetic.
Prose doesn’t have line breaks at regular intervals; verse does.
Prose often shows casual speech, madness, or lower status. Verse = status, formality.
Antithesis
Two contrasting ideas presented in the same sentence or phrase.
Effect: Highlights inner conflict, duality, or dramatic contrast.
“The rarer action is / In virtue than in vengeance.”
Shows tension between revenge and forgiveness.
Enjambment & Caesura
Enjambment = sentence flows over the line break.
Caesura = pause mid-line (often marked by punctuation).
Parallelism
Repetition of structure across lines or ideas.
How to spot it: Repeated patterns (e.g., “if… then…”, “not only… but…”)
Dramatic Irony
When the audience knows something the characters don’t.
