The Tempest Act 2

What is Alonso's emotional state at the beginning of Act 2 Scene 1?

He is despondent because he believes Ferdinand is dead.

How does Gonzalo try to comfort Alonso?

He suggests they should be thankful for their survival.

What does Sebastian blame Alonso for?

He blames Alonso for Ferdinand's death, saying it was his fault for allowing his daughter to marry an African.

What utopian vision does Gonzalo describe?

He envisions a society without leaders or language, where people live in harmony and share everything.

What does Ariel do to Alonso and Gonzalo?

Ariel plays music that makes them fall asleep.

What plot do Antonio and Sebastian discuss while Gonzalo and Alonso are asleep?

They plot to murder Alonso so Sebastian can become King of Naples.

How does Sebastian initially react to Antonio's murder plot?

He hesitates and questions if Antonio feels guilty about what he did to Prospero.

What happens when Gonzalo and Alonso awaken?

They catch Antonio and Sebastian with their swords drawn, and the conspirators claim they were protecting against a beast.

Who enters carrying wood in Act 2 Scene 2?

Caliban.

What does Caliban curse in his monologue?

He curses Prospero and describes the torments inflicted on him by Prospero's spirits.

What does Trinculo mistake Caliban for?

He mistakes Caliban for a strange fish or a lightning-struck islander.

What does Stephano think when he sees Caliban?

He thinks Caliban is a two-headed, four-legged monster.

What effect does wine have on Caliban?

He gets drunk and believes Stephano and Trinculo are gods.

What does Caliban offer to Stephano after drinking wine?

He offers to show them around the island and declares himself Stephano's subject.

What does Stephano fantasize about after meeting Caliban?

He fantasizes about becoming the ruler of the island.

What does Trinculo comment on during the scene with Caliban and Stephano?

He comments on the absurdity of the situation, calling Caliban a 'poor drunkard.'

What does Gonzalo think about the state of their clothing?

He finds it strange how fresh their clothing seems despite the shipwreck.

How does Antonio respond to Sebastian's hesitation about the murder plot?

Antonio dismisses Sebastian's concerns about his conscience.

What is the significance of Gonzalo's vision of governance?

It reflects his idealistic views and contrasts with the corrupt political realities of the other characters.

What does Ariel plan to do after foiling the murder plot?

Ariel plans to inform Prospero about the plot.

What theme is highlighted by the interactions between the characters in Act 2?

The theme of power dynamics and the absurdity of ambition.

What literary device is used when Trinculo refers to Caliban as a 'monster'?

It exemplifies irony, as Caliban is a victim of circumstance rather than a true monster.

What does the scene with Caliban, Trinculo, and Stephano reveal about human nature?

It reveals the absurdity and folly of humans when faced with power and intoxication.