The Tempest: Internal Assessment Titles

This is a compilation of some of the titles submitted by centres in Summer 2009. It is not a definitive
or prescriptive list of titles but it will give an idea as to different approaches to the task. Many titles
referring to a critical reading or viewpoint, which have not been included, can be adapted to include
bullets which direct students to address the Assessment Objectives for Section A.


Focus: Prospero
Prospero has been described as both a Godlike, magnanimous figure capable of forgiveness and a
cruel sorcerer who invades and dominates. Examine the dramatic methods used by Shakespeare to
present Prosperos character and the significance of his role in the play. Consider his appeal to
Shakespeares contemporary audience and a modern audience.
With reference to Shakespeares dramatic methods and use of language, how fundamental is magic
to Prosperos character and how would the use of magic be received by the audience of the time?
In The Tempest Prosperos power is clearly connected to his Art. How would a 17
th
century
audiences impression of Prospero have been influenced by their superstitions about the
supernatural? In your answer you should consider:
the ways in which the form and structure of the play contribute to Shakespeares treatment of
Prosperos power;
Shakespeares language (including imagery) in presenting Propseros power; and,
relevant contextual information about attitudes to magic and witchcraft in the 17
th
century.
In the play, Prospero has absolute power but is torn by tensions within himself With reference to
selected scenes show how this is the case. To what extent do you think these aspects of Prosperos
character reflect Shakespeares own view of his art? Consider:
dramatic methods in his presentation of Prospero; and,
Shakespeares life and career.
Discuss the view that Shakespeare presents Prospero as a malevolent tyrant, using magic for his own
gain yet struggling with inner conflict. To what extent do you agree with the above statement?
Refer to:
the presentation of Prosperos character;
Shakespeares use of language and imagery;
the staging of significant episodes; and,
relevant contextual information.
Some critics have suggested that Shakespeare presented Prospero as an autobiographical
characterisation rather than an ideal ruler. How far do you agree? In your answer you should
consider:
Shakespeares use of character interactions to present the character of Prospero;
the dramatic methods used to present the character of Prospero including Shakespeares use of
language; and,
relevant social, historical or biographical contexts.
Examine the dramatic methods used by Shakespeare to present the character of Prospero.
Shakespeares use of character interactions to present the character of Prospero;
Shakespeares use of language to present the character of Prospero; and,
relevant contextual information about the character of Prospero.
Give your response to the view that Prospero is a tyrant and a control freak. Include in your answer:
detailed analysis of the methods Shakespeare uses to present the character of Prospero (consider
character interactions: language including imagery: staging); and,
relevant historical and social contextual information..
Give your response to the view that Prospero is a symbol of cultural imperialism. Your response
should include:
detailed analysis of the methods Shakespeare uses to present the character of Prospero (consider
character interactions; language including imagery: staging); and,
relevant historical, political or social contextual information.
Matt Simpson says Prospero is a white magicianwho uses his art to do nothing but good.
George Garrett calls him a tyrant, a sorcerer and cunning. Examine the character of Prospero in
relation to these views and say which you think accurately describes the character of Prospero. You
should consider:
Shakespeares methods of characterisation;
the historical and social context; and,
use of language and imagery.
To what extent is Prosperos manipulation of people and the elements in The Tempest justified?
Examine Prosperos manipulation of characters and the elements;
Explore the language and dramatic methods used by Shakespeare; and,
Discuss the impact of Prosperos behaviour on a contemporary audience. Include dramatic
methods.
To what extent does Prospero use his power to manipulate others to his own ends?
Examine Prosperos manipulation of others;
Refer to language (including imagery) tone, form and structure; and,
Examine closely how a contemporary audience would have responded to the idea of manipulation
through the use of power.
Prospero plays God, controlling and creating each individual to fit the mould he desires. To what
extent is Prospero justified in controlling individuals for his own ends?
Refer to language (including imagery), tone, form and structure;
Examine closely how a contemporary audience would have responded to the idea of power; and,
Examine Prosperos right to power on the island.
Examine Shakespeares presentation of Prosperos magic as a force for good or evil. You should
consider:
the use of language and imagery;
staging issues related to the masque; and,
relevant aspects of the social contexts of the plays first performance in relation to attitudes towards
magic.


Focus: Caliban
Diana Devlin states that Prospero has changed Caliban from a loyal, loving servant to an imprisoned
slave and J onathan Miller describes Caliban as the demoralised, detribalised, disposed field hand.
With reference to Shakespeares methods of presenting Caliban and also to historical context,
explain to what extent you agree with this statement.
Discuss Shakespeares presentation of Caliban as a symbol of colonialism in The Tempest. Refer
to:
Shakespeares use of character interaction, language and staging to present Caliban; and,
relevant contextual information relating to colonialism.
This question is about the presentation of Caliban. Calibans role in The Tempest is not merely to
provide us with amusement, but to represent those unregenerate elements in man which Prosperos
art seeks to master. Explore the significance of Calibans role in The Tempest with the above
statement in mind. You should consider:
Calibans claim to the island;
his relationship with Prospero;
his use of language;
how he contrasts with other characters;
nature vs. nurture;
the significance of the New World; and,
anything else you find important.
A devil, a born devil, on whose nature/nurture can never stick (Act IV Scene I) This reflects the
prevailing view of Shakespeares day regarding newly discovered and colonised peoples. To what
extent is Prosperos view in this quotation supported by Shakespeares presentation of Calibans
character in The Tempest. In your answer you may consider:
how Shakespeares dramatic methods, including language, imagery, form and structure are used to
present the character of Caliban; and,
relevant historical, social or cultural contexts.
Explore Shakespeares portrayal of Caliban as an ambivalent character, a character paradoxically on
whose nature/nurture can never stick, as well as a character who will be wise hereafter and
seek for grace. In your answer you should:
examine the influence of the contexts in which Shakespeares drama was written and received;
and,
examine the methods employed by Shakespeare and analyse how these methods shape meaning.
At the end of the play, Prospero describes Caliban as a devil, a born devil, on whose nature/nurture
cannot stick. With reference to the play as a whole, assess the accuracy of his description. In your
answer you should:
examine the influence of the contexts in which Shakespeares drama was written and received;
and,
examine the methods employed by Shakespeare and analyse how these methods shape meaning
How does Shakespeare, in his portrayal of Caliban explore the theme of colonisation? In your
answer you should:
examine the influence of the context in which Shakespeares drama was written and received; and,
examine the methods employed by Shakespeare and analyse how these methods shape meaning.
Examine the methods used by Shakespeare to portray Caliban as an ambivalent character. In your
answer you should:
examine the influence of contexts in which Shakespeares drama was written and received; and,
examine the methods employed by Shakespeare and analyse how these methods shape meaning
How does Shakespeare create sympathy for the character of Caliban in The Tempest? In your
answer you should:
examine the influence of the contexts in which Shakespeares drama was written and received;
and,
examine the methods employed by Shakespeare and analyse how these methods shape meaning.
How does Shakespeare, in his portrayal of the character of Caliban, explore the theme of
colonisation? Demonstrate understanding of the significance and influence of the contexts in which
the drama was written and received. Identify and examine a range of methods employed by
Shakespeare and explore how these methods shape meaning.
Is the character of Caliban inherently brutish, or has he been made brutish by oppression? Examine
Shakespeares presentation of Caliban, in the light of this question. In your answer you should
consider:
the methods employed by Shakespeare to portray the character and shape meaning for the
audience (including language, imagery, tone, form and structure); and,
the significance and influence of context (social, cultural, historical, literary or readership).
By examining closely selected scenes in The Tempest and making use of relevant contextual
information examine the dramatic methods which Shakespeare uses to present the character of
Caliban. Consider Shakespeares use of:
character interaction to present the character of Caliban; and,
language (including imagery) to present the character of Caliban.
In the character of Caliban, Shakespeare may be said to present the opposite of the noble savage.
Discuss how Shakespeare presents the character of Caliban and explore how this characterization
reflects some of the themes of the play. In your answer you should consider:
Shakespeares use of character interactions to present the character of Caliban including
Shakespeares use of language; and
relevant social and/or historical context.
Explore the dramatic methods used by Shakespeare to present the character of Caliban, discussing to
what extent Shakespeares contemporary audience and a modern day one would agree that Caliban
is naturally evil.
Explain the dramatic methods Shakespeare uses to present the character of Caliban as a victim of
colonisation. Your response should explore:
the presentation of the character;
the use of language and imagery;
staging of significant episodes; and,
relevant contextual material.
Caliban is a noble savage (Montaigne) or thing of darkness (Prospero Act 4).
Through an examination of Shakespeares dramatic methods discuss these differing interpretations
of Caliban. Your answer should explore:
the presentation of the character;
the use of language and imagery;
staging of significant episodes; and,
relevant contextual material.
In the list of characters in The Tempest, Caliban is describes as a savage and deformed slave.
What dramatic methods does Shakespeare use to present the character of Caliban and do you think
audiences today would judge Caliban differently from Shakespeares contemporaries?
Shakespeares presentation of Caliban in The Tempest is far from one-sided portrayal we might
have expected from a J acobean perspective. Examine Calibans character in light of this statement
and include comments on:
language, including imagery;
character interaction;
dramatic methods; and,
relevant contextual detail.
This is a devil and no monster. Stephano refers to Caliban as evil however he is referred to in
sections of The Tempest as a natural man. How would Caliban be perceived in the 21
st
century?
Explore Shakespeares presentation of Caliban in a modern context. Consider the following:
the significance and context in which Shakespeares drama was written; and,
dramatic methods used in the presentation of Caliban.
As wicked dew as eer my mother my mother brushed Caliban is referred to several times as a
natural man. Explain how Shakespeare perceives Caliban as a natural man, consider:
what it meant in Elizabethan society to exist as a natural man; and,
the dramatic methods used by Shakespeare to present Caliban.
How does Shakespeare present Caliban in the light of what the play terms the Brave New World?
In your answer you should consider:
the use of staging;
language;
imagery;
characterisation; and,
context.
Devil, a born devil, on whose nature Nurture can never stick (Act 4 Scene I, 188-189). How
does Shakespeare within The Tempest make it difficult to distinguish between Caliban the monster
and Caliban the human?
Consider the context and social situation in which The Tempest was written and the dramatic
methods employed by Shakespeare to present his ideas within The Tempest.
In dreaming/The clouds methought, would open and show riches/ Ready to drop upon me, that
when I waked/ I cried to dream again (III.ii.). To what extent does Shakespeare present Caliban
sympathetically? Consider:
how historical context influenced audiences perceptions of Caliban; and,
Shakespeares use of dramatic methods such as imagery, irony, the bare stage, form and structure,
tone and characterisation to assist his presentation of the character.
A devil, a born devil on whose nature / Nurture can never stick. Be not afeared, the isle is full of
noises
Caliban is shown as a brutal savage yet is given the plays most eloquent speech. How does
Shakespeare present Caliban, and therefore the colonised?
Do you view Caliban as a noble savage or a primitive monster? Your response should include:
detailed analysis of the methods Shakespeare uses to present the character of Caliban (consider
character interactions: language including imagery: staging); and,
relevant historical contextual information.
Kermode called Caliban a repugnant character whereas Bloom describes him as a half wild man,
half a sea beastwho can be interpreted as somehow admirable. Examine the character of Caliban
and say which of these statements you agree with. You should consider:
Shakespeares methods of characterisation;
the historical and social context; and,
the use of language and imagery.
Caliban is Prosperos convert, colonised by language and excluded by language. Do you agree?
Your answer should include:
detailed analysis Shakespeare uses to present the character of Caliban (consider character
interaction; language and imagery; staging); and,
relevant social and historical contextual information.
Caliban is unrelentingly malignant Prosperos treatment of Caliban is fully justified How far
would a contemporary audience agree? Discuss:
the language used to suggest Prosperos power over Caliban,
the staging of significant episodes; and,
how a contemporary would react to Prosperos treatment of Caliban.
To what extent was civilisation of benefit to Caliban?
Examine the effects of civilisation on Caliban;
Refer to language (including imagery), tone, form and structure; and,
Examine closely how a contemporary audience would have responded.
Caliban is left alone after his mothers death, he is even less fitted to rule than she, lacking her
supernatural powers and at the same time being servile by nature. Sandra Clark
To what extent must Caliban be servile and unfit to rule for the play to succeed? Consider:
language;
stagecraft and dramatic methods; and,
how a contemporary audience would have considered Caliban.
Caliban is dangerous and poetically sensitive, brutish and endearing. Examine Shakespeares
presentation of Caliban and how the audiences views would affect this. Consider:
language, tone, form and structure;
stagecraft and dramatic methods used to present Caliban; and,
the views held by both contemporary and modern audiences.
Examine Shakespeares presentation of Caliban as a native figure. You should consider
the use of language and imagery;
staging; and,
relevant aspects of the social context of the plays first performance.
Discuss the role and significance of Caliban in The Tempest. In your answer you should consider:
how the character of Caliban is presented;
Calibans contribution to the themes of and dramatic effects of the play (in use of language
including imagery, tone, form and structure); and,
the social, historical or literary context in which the play was written.
In the character of Caliban, Shakespeare may be said to present the opposite of the noble savage.
Discuss how Shakespeare presents the character of Caliban and explore how this characterisation
reflects some of the themes of the play. In your answer you should consider:
Shakespeares use of character interactions to present the character of Caliban including
Shakespeares use of language; and,
relevant social and/or historical context; or,
contemporary and modern interpretations of the play.
In Act 1, Scene 2 of The Tempest Miranda says to Caliban Abhorred slave/which any print of
goodness wilt not take/being capable of all ill. Explore the dramatic methods used by Shakespeare
to present the character of Caliban, discussing to what extent Shakespeares contemporary audience
and a modern one would agree that Caliban is naturally evil.


Focus: Other characters
Miranda, fulfilling the ideal of Elizabethan womanhood, personifies the ultimate source of good in
the play and provides the ultimate foil for the evil character of Caliban. Discuss. In your answer
you should consider:
Shakespeares use of character interactions to present the character of Miranda;
the dramatic methods used to present the character of Miranda including staging and
Shakespeares use of language; and,
relevant social and/or historical contexts.
Miranda is a woman atypical of her time. Give your response to this view. Your response should
include detailed analysis of the dramatic methods used by Shakespeare to present the character of
Miranda (consider character interactions, language including imagery, staging) and relevant
historical, political or social contextual information.
Is Miranda so perfect and so peerless or as Mike Brett refers to her a pawn in a patriarchal
society? Examine the character of Miranda and say which of these three statements best describe
her character. You should consider:
Shakespeares methods of characterisation;
the historical and/or social context; and
use of language and imagery.
With particular focus on Miranda, show the extent to which you agree that Prospero is a benign
father who manipulates to his own ends.
Examine the relationship of Prospero and Miranda;
Refer to dramatic methods: staging of significant events, language (including imagery), tone, form
and structure; and,
Examine closely how a contemporary audience would have responded to the power that Prospero
has over Miranda and the father-daughter relationship.


Focus: Linked characters
In The Tempest, Caliban maintains that the tyrant Prospero by his cunning hath cheated me of
the island. Propsero, however, refuses to acknowledge that a beast like Caliban could rule the
island, in an attitude which resembles the divine right of kings at the time. By examining the
interactions between the characters in The Tempest, demonstrate your understanding of how
Prospero can be seen as the imperial oppressor, a prince of power, and Caliban as the oppressed
native who is disinherited, exploited and subjugated. Ensure you show a detailed understanding of
the following: knowledge of generic conventions; the ways in ways Shakespeares stagecraft and
dramatic methods shape meaning; the ways in which Shakespeares drama is determined by the
social and historical context in which it was written.
Explore the characters of Caliban and Prospero and their relationship. In your answer you should:
examine the influence of the contexts in which Shakespeares drama was written and received;
and,
examine the methods employed by Shakespeare and analyse how these methods shape meaning.
How does Shakespeare explore the Elizabethan attitudes to freedom and slavery through the
characters of Caliban, Trinculo and Stephano? In your answer you should:
examine the influence of the contexts in which Shakespeares drama was written and received;
and,
examine the methods employed by Shakespeare and analyze how these methods shape meaning.
With relevant contextual references discuss Shakespeares use of dramatic methods in presenting
Ariel and Caliban in the play.
Prospero calls Ariel a malignant thing and refers to Caliban as a poisonous slave. Explore the
dramatic methods used by Shakespeare to present Prosperos treatment of his servants Ariel and
Caliban, discussing to what extent Shakespeares contemporary audience and a modern one would
agree that Prospero mistreats both Ariel and Caliban.
Go charge my goblins that they grind their jointsand more pinch-spotted make them Prospero
says this to the spirits about Caliban. How does the relationship between Prospero and Caliban
evoke the themes and questions that are portrayed in the play? Consider:
the dramatic methods employed by Shakespeare; and,
the historical context of The Tempest.
The Tempest with its unlikely events and impossible characters has more in common with a
fairytale than any other genre. Examine how Shakespeare develops this atmosphere in the play
through his presentation of the relationship between Prospero and Ariel. Consider:
the use of language;
staging issues related to the masque; and,
relevant aspects of the social contexts of the plays first performance.
How does Shakespeare explore the theme of power through his presentation of Caliban and
Prosperos relationship in the Tempest. You should consider:
the use of language and imagery;
staging; and,
relevant aspects of the social context of the plays first performance.
The Tempest has been read by some as a story of forgiveness and regeneration. Examine how
Shakespeare explores this theme through his presentation of Prosperos relationship with Miranda.
You should consider:
the use of language and imagery;
staging; and,
relevant aspects of the social context of the plays first performance.


Focus: Themes
To what extent is The Tempest a showcase for a stereotypical J acobean viewpoint on magic and its
use? How does Shakespeares use of dramatic methods and language effectively present this in the
play?
Shakespeare portrays the theme of rightful authority in The Tempest. With reference to his linguistic
techniques and dramatic methods, how successful is Shakespeare in exploring variations in the
stereotypical master-servant relationship.
In what way does Shakespeare, through his use of language and dramatic methods, present The
Tempest as a revenge play and how does he explore the power of mercy?
Virtually every character in the play expresses some desire to be lord of the island. Explore the
dramatic methods used by Shakespeare to present the use and abuse of power and consider what the
play suggested about this issue to Shakespeares contemporary audience and what it conveys to a
modern audience.
Consider the dramatic effectiveness of Shakespeares use of the supernatural in The Tempest for
audiences both then and now. In your answer refer to the language and dramatic methods he uses.
With close reference to appropriately selected parts of the play, write about the dramatic methods
Shakespeare uses to explore the theme of colonisation. Consider character interactions, use of
language (including imagery), the staging of significant episodes relevant to the theme and relevant
historical contextual information.
With close reference and appropriately selected parts of the play, write about the dramatic methods
Shakespeare uses to explore the theme of enslavement. Consider character interactions, use of
language (including imagery), the staging of significant episodes relevant to the theme and relevant
historical contextual information.
With close reference to appropriately selected parts of the play, write about the dramatic methods
Shakespeare uses to explore the theme of magic. Consider character interactions, use of language
(including imagery), the staging of significant episodes relevant to the theme and relevant historical
and social contextual information.
Magic drives The Tempest. Considering the J acobean audience, discuss the role of magic in the
drama. Discuss the dramatic methods used by Shakespeare to present magic in the play?
The Tempest has much to tell us about power. With reference to relevant historical, social and/or
literary contextual information discuss the dramatic methods Shakespeare uses to present power in
the play.
Discuss the presentation of romantic love in The Tempest, by examining at least two episodes from
the play in detail. In your response you need to consider:
the social context and its impact on the presentation of romantic love; and,
the dramatic techniques used by Shakespeare to present romantic love.
Examine the dramatic methods used by Shakespeare to present the theme of usurpation in The
Tempest and consider what the play suggested about this issue to Shakespeares contemporary
audience and what it conveys to a modern one.
Examine how Shakespeare presents the theme of revenge and reconciliation. In your answer you
should:
consider Shakespeares dramatic methods in detail (language, imagery, tone, form, structure and
the effectiveness of costumes, music and contrasts from the audiences point of view); and,
discuss the historical and social contextual factors.
The Island straddles two worlds, that of Mediterranean Europe and a separate world of dreams.
How does Shakespeares presentation of this magical landscape suggest the importance of
contemporary issues. Consider:
language and imagery;
dramatic methods and staging; and,
the contemporary audiences response.