Summary Flashcards
(16 cards)
What is happening at the start of The Tempest?
A fierce storm threatens to sink the ship.
Quote: “All lost! To prayers, to prayers! All lost!”
How do the noble passengers behave towards the sailors?
The nobles, including Alonso and Antonio, are bossy and interfere with the sailors’ work, causing tension.
Quote: “You mar our labour: keep your cabins.” – (Boatswain)
How does the Boatswain react to the nobles’ interference?
He says the storm doesn’t care about social rank.
Quote: “What cares these roarers for the name of king?”
What does Gonzalo say to comfort everyone?
The Boatswain won’t drown because he’s meant to be hanged.
Quote: “He hath no drowning mark upon him.”
What is the mood and tone of Act 1 Scene 1?
The mood is chaotic, fearful, and tense, with a sense of powerlessness against nature.
Key theme introduced in Act 1 Scene 1?
Power and order — human control vs nature’s power.
“All lost! To prayers, to prayers! All lost!” (Boatswain)
The sailors think they are about to die.
Analysis:
• The repetition of “all lost” shows total despair.
• The call to “prayers” suggests that in the face of nature’s power, human effort becomes meaningless.
• Highlights fate vs human control — a major theme.
“You mar our labour: keep your cabins.” (Boatswain)
The nobles are getting in the way of the sailors’ work.
Analysis:
• Shows class tension — workers vs rulers.
• The Boatswain asserts practical skill is more important than status in a crisis.
• Shakespeare challenges the idea that nobility = competence.
“What cares these roarers for the name of king?” (Boatswain)
The storm doesn’t respect kings or rank.
Analysis:
• Nature is shown as democratic — it treats everyone equally.
• Power based on titles is meaningless against natural forces.
• Foreshadows how authority will be tested on the island.
“I have great comfort from this fellow. Methinks he hath no drowning mark upon him.” (Gonzalo)
Gonzalo jokes that the Boatswain looks like he’ll be hanged, not drowned.
Analysis:
• Dark humour under pressure shows Gonzalo’s optimism.
• Fate vs free will — Gonzalo believes destiny is written on the body.
• Suggests a belief in predestination (key in Shakespeare’s time).
The government I cast upon the sea.” (Boatswain)
The sea rules now, not human governments.
Analysis:
• Shows total loss of human control.
• Chaos and disorder break down society’s rules.
• Prepares audience for the breakdown of power structures on the island.
How are the Nobles (Alonso, Antonio, Sebastian) presented? What does Shakespeare show?
Arrogant, entitled, powerless in nature’s chaos.
Despite political power, they are ineffective — nature strips away their authority.
• Shakespeare hints that titles mean nothing without real power.
How is Gonzalo presented?
Wise, calm, optimistic even in crisis.
How is Nature presented almost like a “character”?
Powerful, uncontrollable, indifferent to humans.
Analysis:
• “What cares these roarers for the name of king?” — shows nature’s superiority.
• Nature acts as an agent of justice, stripping away human pride.
• Introduces fate, power, and the illusion of control.
What is the overall impact of character presentation in this scene?
Power is fragile.
• True leadership = skill, not title.
• Nature > human control.
Mimic to remember
“Brave Nobles Get Nothing”
• B = Boatswain (brave, bold)
• N = Nobles (nothing without real power)
• G = Gonzalo (good-hearted)
• N = Nature (nothing respects human power)
