The Tempest- quotations to annotations

The King of Naples, being an enemy to me, inveterate

Assonance and repetition of 'e' sounds - creates flow, poetic sound, and foregrounds an unshakable and articulate hatred.

inveterate

Adjective, positioned at end of sentence - forceful; choice of complex language shows Prospero's intelligence. 'Inveterate' means long-established and unchanging hatred.

Should presently extirpate me and mine

Particularly forceful verb choice suggests Prospero feels violently by the King's betrayal - to 'extirpate' is to be completely and utterly uprooted from Milan.

A treacherous army levied

Adjective 'treacherous' foregrounds how Prospero feels invaded in his world: violated, backstabbed and deceitful.

the dead of darkness

Bitter diurnal alliteration - poetic feature emphasizing the power and timing of Antonio's betrayal; 'dead' and 'darkness' suggest lifelessness, fear and a violent night.

the crying self

Emotive language highlights the trauma Prospero faced - isolated, violated, and distraught; enhances sympathy and character depth.

I'll cry it o'er again: it is a hint / That wrings mine eyes to't

This is redundant in terms of plot, but reveals how fresh the betrayal still feels for Miranda and how painful it was for Prospero.

That wrings mine eyes to't

The metaphor of symbol that 'wrings' intensifies the emotional pain. Miranda sympathizes and feels Prospero's grief - not every drop of fear came out.

PROSPERO: Hear a little further…

Shared line of verse between Miranda and Prospero continues the power dynamic between them - the father is determined to dominate the dialogue, giving imperative tone.

the present business / Which now's upon's

In this context, the archaic means 'current' - Prospero has a protector narrative for his daughter, but his emotional intensity also reveals an ulterior direction.

destroy us?

Strong end of line question - the final emphasis on 'destroy' reflects Miranda's sense of betrayal and disbelief - nearly the full power of Prospero's fall is revealed in this discovery.

Dear, they durst not

Repetition allows Prospero to randomly switch tones from angry to fatherly - tone is condescending and protective - his love for Miranda clouds his view of the people of Milan.

So dear the love my people bore me

Emphasises how far the people admired Prospero and how much he has lost - hyperbolic portrayal of political downfall.

not rigg'd

Repetition of same verse from earlier emphasizes that the conspirators knew their plot was fatal and that Prospero and Miranda were deliberately sent to die.

Nor tackle, sail, nor mast

Cumulative negative language highlights the brutal neglect and careful planning to leave them to the 'cruelest' sea.

not rigg'd (2nd mention)

Metaphor compares doomed boat to a dead carcass; 'not rigg'd' emphasizes total lack of supplies or safety; highlights vulnerability.

Alack, what trouble / Was I then to you!

Emotional exclamation - Miranda responding to revelation, portrayed as deeply moved and remorseful. Shows her love for Prospero and their relationship.

O, a cherubim / Thou wast that did preserve me

Angel imagery suggests that Prospero idealizes his beautiful, innocent daughter and her role in keeping him going.