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Questions and Answers
Considering the context of Miranda's exclamation, "O, father, surely that is spirit, Lord! How it looks about!", what deeper thematic element of The Tempest does this initial perception of Ferdinand highlight?
Considering the context of Miranda's exclamation, "O, father, surely that is spirit, Lord! How it looks about!", what deeper thematic element of The Tempest does this initial perception of Ferdinand highlight?
- The deceptive nature of appearances and the constant shift between illusion and reality within the play. (correct)
- The importance of social status and lineage in determining one's worth and suitability for marriage.
- The power of nature to inspire awe and reverence in those who have been isolated from civilization.
- The conflict between freedom and enslavement, as Prospero manipulates the other characters.
If a Shakespearean scholar argues that the misattribution of the line "Some are born great, others achieve greatness" to Richard II, instead of Twelfth Night, reveals a critical misunderstanding of Shakespeare's intentions, what could be a valid justification for this argument?
If a Shakespearean scholar argues that the misattribution of the line "Some are born great, others achieve greatness" to Richard II, instead of Twelfth Night, reveals a critical misunderstanding of Shakespeare's intentions, what could be a valid justification for this argument?
- The quote's thematic resonance is universal, rendering its specific attribution secondary to its broader commentary on human ambition.
- The quote encapsulates the tragic downfall of Richard II, whose perceived greatness is stripped away, aligning with the play's central theme.
- Attributing the quote to Richard II diminishes the comedic complexity of _Twelfth Night_, where the line is used to mock Malvolio's social aspirations. (correct)
- Both plays explore themes of social mobility and the illusion of power, making the misattribution insignificant in scholarly analysis.
How does the historical context surrounding the assassination of Richard II, as portrayed in Shakespeare's play, influence the play's interpretation of political legitimacy and power?
How does the historical context surrounding the assassination of Richard II, as portrayed in Shakespeare's play, influence the play's interpretation of political legitimacy and power?
- It romanticizes the concept of chivalry and honor, presenting Richard as a tragic hero betrayed by his own virtues.
- It portrays the divine right of kings as an immutable principle, justifying Richard's rule regardless of his personal failings.
- It satirizes the excesses of the English monarchy, portraying Richard and his rivals as equally corrupt and self-serving.
- It emphasizes the brutal realities of political maneuvering, suggesting that power is always obtained and maintained through violence. (correct)
If a director chooses to stage Macbeth's "Present fears/Are less than horrible imaginings" speech as a soliloquy delivered directly to the audience, how might this choice affect the audience's perception of Macbeth and his moral decline?
If a director chooses to stage Macbeth's "Present fears/Are less than horrible imaginings" speech as a soliloquy delivered directly to the audience, how might this choice affect the audience's perception of Macbeth and his moral decline?
Considering 'The Tempest' as a commentary on colonialism, how does the depiction of Miranda and Ferdinand playing chess in the final scene contribute to or challenge a postcolonial interpretation of the play?
Considering 'The Tempest' as a commentary on colonialism, how does the depiction of Miranda and Ferdinand playing chess in the final scene contribute to or challenge a postcolonial interpretation of the play?
What is the most plausible motivation behind Robert Greene's criticism of Shakespeare as an "Upstart Crow"
What is the most plausible motivation behind Robert Greene's criticism of Shakespeare as an "Upstart Crow"
In what ways might the psychoanalytic interpretation of Hamlet as having an Oedipus complex, affect a modern stage production of the play?
In what ways might the psychoanalytic interpretation of Hamlet as having an Oedipus complex, affect a modern stage production of the play?
How does Hamlet's famous line, questioning "What a piece of work is man", reflect broader philosophical shifts occurring in Shakespeare's time?
How does Hamlet's famous line, questioning "What a piece of work is man", reflect broader philosophical shifts occurring in Shakespeare's time?
Flashcards
O, father, surely that is spirit, Lord! How it looks about
O, father, surely that is spirit, Lord! How it looks about
In The Tempest, Miranda exclaims this upon seeing Ferdinand, believing him to be a spirit.
"Some are born great, others achieve greatness"
"Some are born great, others achieve greatness"
These lines are spoken by Malvolio in Twelfth Night, not by a character in Richard II.
Who kills Richard II?
Who kills Richard II?
Piers Exton kills Richard when he hears of Henry's coronation in Richard II.
"Present fears/Are less than horrible imaginings"
"Present fears/Are less than horrible imaginings"
Macbeth speaks this line, expressing his inner turmoil and dark thoughts.
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Miranda and Ferdinand in the final scene of 'The Tempest'
Miranda and Ferdinand in the final scene of 'The Tempest'
In The Tempest, Miranda and Ferdinand are playing chess in the final scene.
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Who called Shakespeare "An Upstart Crow"?
Who called Shakespeare "An Upstart Crow"?
Robert Greene called Shakespeare "An Upstart Crow."
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Shakespearean hero with Oedipus complex
Shakespearean hero with Oedipus complex
Hamlet has been described as melancholic and neurotic, displaying an Oedipus complex.
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"What a piece of work is man" - Play?
"What a piece of work is man" - Play?
Hamlet contains the lines "What a piece of work is man".
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- William Shakespeare lived from 1564 to 1616.
Miranda and Ferdinand
- Upon seeing Ferdinand, Miranda exclaims, "O, father, surely that is spirit, Lord! How it looks about".
- Miranda is described as a charming and graceful girl and one of the most charming heroines in 'The Tempest'.
- In the final scene of 'The Tempest', Miranda and Ferdinand were playing chess.
- 'The Tempest' is a comedy, has five acts, was first written and performed around 1611, and was published in the First Folio of 1623.
Incorrectly Matched Quotation
- "Some are born great, others achieve greatness" is incorrectly attributed to Richard II, this line was spoken by Malvolio in Twelfth Night.
- Twelfth Night is a comedy with twins Viola and Sebastian separated in a shipwreck.
- The main source is Apollonius and Silla (1581) by Barnabe Riche and the sub-title is 'What You Will'.
Richard II
- Piers Exton kills Richard in Richard II after hearing of Henry's coronation which is a history play circa 1595.
- The play is based on the life of King Richard II, his downfall, and the machinations of his nobles.
- Shakespeare wrote 37 plays and 154 sonnets in his career.
- Richard II was performed at the Globe Theatre on June 12, 1631.
- Shakespeare's historical plays cover about 350 years of English history.
Macbeth
- Macbeth speaks the lines "Present fears are less than horrible imaginings" in Act 1, scene III.
- Macbeth is a tragedy written around 1606, first published in the First Folio of 1623.
- Heminges and Condell published Macbeth.
- The source of the play is Holinshed's Chronicles (1587).
- The hero is Macbeth, and the heroine is Lady Macbeth.
Shakespeare as "An Upstart Crow"
- Robert Greene is known for his connections with Shakespeare calls him "an upstart crow, beautified with our feathers" in "Groat's-Worth of Wit".
- This is the first reference to Shakespeare as a London dramatist.
- Greene's "Pandosto" provided the source for "The Winter's Tale".
Hamlet
- Hamlet is described as melancholic and having an Oedipus complex, he is therefore the hero of a Shakespearean play.
- Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, is a five-act tragedy written between 1599 and 1601 and published in quarto in 1603.
- In psychoanalytic theory, the Oedipus complex is the mind's unconscious emotions and ideas that relate to a boy's desire to sexually possess his mother.
Excerpt from Hamlet
- Hamlet contains the lines "What a piece of work is man?".
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