The Tempest – Quotes
Prospero (Miranda’s father and former Duke of Milan):
“There’s no harm done.”
o This is after the storm and shows a lack of empathy.
“To my state grew stranger, being transported and rapt in secret studies.”
o Prospero neglected his duties as Duke prior to being overthrown.
“Thou shalt be pinched” & “Thou shalt have cramps.”
o Highlights his cruelty, often towards Caliban.
“… and these mine enemies are all knit up in their distractions. They are now in my
power.”
o Very controlling of the people around him.
o “All thy vexations were but my trials of the love and thou hast strangely stood
the test. Here, afore Heaven, I ratify this my rich gift.
o He tested Ferdinand and therefore gifts him his daughter (Miranda).
“We are such stuff as dreams are made on. And our little is rounded with sleep.”
o Ends with a moment of humanity.
“I’ll break my staff” & “I’ll drown my book.”
o Offer to give up magic, only after he has gotten everything he has wanted.
Miranda (Daughter of Prospero)
“If by your art, my dearest father, you have put the wild waters in this roar, allay
them.”
o Empathetic character, concerned about the ships in the storm.
“Your tale sir, would cure deafness.”
o Admires Prospero greatly and treats with upmost respect.
“I pitied thee, took pains to make thee speak, taught thee each hour.”
o She taught Caliban to speak, etc. yet her still tried to rape. Hence, she detests
him.
“I would not wish any companion in the world but you.”
o Miranda’s love for Ferdinand is pure, mainly due to her naivety.
“How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world.”
o Miranda has full faith in humanity and is fascinated by the new, rather strange
group, of men on the island. She is very trusting and naïve.
Ariel (Leader of the spirits & Prospero’s servant)
“To thy strong bidding, task Ariel and all his quality.”
o Other spirits speak highly of him as he respectful and loyal servant.
“Is there more toil?” & “Let me remember thee what thou hast promised.”
o Wishes to be free and is therefore, constantly reminding Prospero of his
promise.
o Prospero feels he must “once in a month” recount that Ariel is indebted to
him as he saved him.
“Your charm so strongly works ‘em that if you now beheld them, your affections
would become tender.”
Prospero (Miranda’s father and former Duke of Milan):
“There’s no harm done.”
o This is after the storm and shows a lack of empathy.
“To my state grew stranger, being transported and rapt in secret studies.”
o Prospero neglected his duties as Duke prior to being overthrown.
“Thou shalt be pinched” & “Thou shalt have cramps.”
o Highlights his cruelty, often towards Caliban.
“… and these mine enemies are all knit up in their distractions. They are now in my
power.”
o Very controlling of the people around him.
o “All thy vexations were but my trials of the love and thou hast strangely stood
the test. Here, afore Heaven, I ratify this my rich gift.
o He tested Ferdinand and therefore gifts him his daughter (Miranda).
“We are such stuff as dreams are made on. And our little is rounded with sleep.”
o Ends with a moment of humanity.
“I’ll break my staff” & “I’ll drown my book.”
o Offer to give up magic, only after he has gotten everything he has wanted.
Miranda (Daughter of Prospero)
“If by your art, my dearest father, you have put the wild waters in this roar, allay
them.”
o Empathetic character, concerned about the ships in the storm.
“Your tale sir, would cure deafness.”
o Admires Prospero greatly and treats with upmost respect.
“I pitied thee, took pains to make thee speak, taught thee each hour.”
o She taught Caliban to speak, etc. yet her still tried to rape. Hence, she detests
him.
“I would not wish any companion in the world but you.”
o Miranda’s love for Ferdinand is pure, mainly due to her naivety.
“How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world.”
o Miranda has full faith in humanity and is fascinated by the new, rather strange
group, of men on the island. She is very trusting and naïve.
Ariel (Leader of the spirits & Prospero’s servant)
“To thy strong bidding, task Ariel and all his quality.”
o Other spirits speak highly of him as he respectful and loyal servant.
“Is there more toil?” & “Let me remember thee what thou hast promised.”
o Wishes to be free and is therefore, constantly reminding Prospero of his
promise.
o Prospero feels he must “once in a month” recount that Ariel is indebted to
him as he saved him.
“Your charm so strongly works ‘em that if you now beheld them, your affections
would become tender.”
