The Tempest - Act II Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key characters, events, plot details, and notable quotes from Act II of Shakespeare's The Tempest.

Alonso

King of Naples and Ferdinand's father who believes Ferdinand died in the storm and is extremely upset.

Sebastian

Alonso's brother who is convinced by Antonio to try to kill Alonso and take the throne.

Antonio

Prospero's brother who stole Prospero's position and encourages Sebastian to betray his own brother Alonso.

Gonzalo

A kind and loyal nobleman who tries to comfort Alonso and imagines how he would govern the island.

Adrian and Francisco

Nobles traveling with Alonso; Francisco tries to give Alonso hope that Ferdinand may still be alive.

Alonso's Grief in Scene 1

Alonso's severe depression caused by believing his son Ferdinand drowned in the storm.

Gonzalo's Comfort

Gonzalo's reminder to Alonso that they survived the shipwreck, which is something they should be thankful for.

Antonio and Sebastian's Mockery

Their behavior toward Gonzalo, constantly mocking him and making jokes while he talks.

Gonzalo's Utopian Vision

Gonzalo's idea of governing the island: creating a peaceful society with no wealth, work, weapons, crime, or private ownership, where nature provides for everyone.

Ariel's Music in Scene 1

Magical music played by Ariel that causes Alonso, Gonzalo, and the others to fall asleep.

Awake Characters in Scene 1

Antonio and Sebastian, who remain awake after Ariel plays his music.

Antonio's Murder Scheme Opportunity

Notice made by Antonio while everyone is asleep that Alonso is defenseless, allowing Sebastian to kill him and become King of Naples.

Claribel

Alonso's daughter who is far away in Tunis, leaving Sebastian close to the throne since Ferdinand is believed dead.

Antonio's Betrayal Pattern

Antonio's history of betraying his own brother Prospero for power, which parallels his encouraging Sebastian to betray his brother Alonso.

Sebastian's Conspiracy Agreement

Sebastian's agreement to kill Alonso while he sleeps and take the throne.

Antonio's Plan for Gonzalo

Antonio's plan to kill Gonzalo because Gonzalo is loyal and could interfere with their plan.

Ariel's Intervention

Ariel preventing Alonso and Gonzalo from being murdered by waking Gonzalo with a warning.

Warning Method of Ariel

Ariel waking Gonzalo with a warning, causing everyone else to wake before Antonio and Sebastian can attack.

The Lion Alibi

The lie told by Antonio and Sebastian that they heard a frightening noise, like lions, to explain why their swords were drawn.

Alonso's Search at the End of Scene 1

Alonso continuing to search the island for Ferdinand while Ariel secretly says Prospero will know what happened.

Caliban at Act II, Scene 2 Opening

Caliban carrying wood for Prospero while cursing him and complaining about Prospero's spirits tormenting him.

Trinculo

Alonso's jester who survived the storm and encounters Caliban.

Caliban's Fear of Trinculo

Caliban hiding because he thinks Trinculo is one of Prospero's spirits coming to punish him.

Trinculo's Shelter Strategy

Trinculo crawling under Caliban's cloak to find shelter from an approaching storm.

Stephano

Alonso's drunken butler who survived the shipwreck with a bottle of alcohol.

Four-Legged Monster Illusion

Stephano's initial belief upon seeing Caliban and Trinculo together under the cloak.

Stephano's Liquor

The alcohol/wine Stephano gives to Caliban, which Caliban loves, leading him to think Stephano is amazing.

Caliban's Allegiance Shift

Caliban's decision to serve Stephano because he sees him as powerful and believes he can escape Prospero by choosing Stephano as his new master.

Caliban's Promises to Stephano

Caliban's promises to show Stephano the island, find fresh water and food, catch fish, and gather wood.

Conclusion of Act II

Caliban drunkenly celebrating being "free" from Prospero and following Stephano as his new master, singing "Freedom, high-day… freedom!".

"Beseech you, sir, be merry"

Words spoken by Gonzalo as he tries to comfort Alonso.

"Prithee, no more. Thou dost talk nothing to me"

Words spoken by Alonso telling Gonzalo to stop talking.

"All things in common nature should produce / Without sweat or endeavor"

Lines spoken by Gonzalo describing his ideal society.

"All the infections that the sun sucks up… on Prosper fall"

Opening lines of Act II, Scene 2 spoken by Caliban to curse Prospero.

"'Ban, 'Ban, Ca-caliban / Has a new master"

Song sung by Caliban celebrating leaving Prospero to serve Stephano.