The Tempest ACT 1 Cornell Note Questions

1. Why does Miranda have such immediate empathy for the men in the ship? Why is she so merciful
towards the shipwreck victims but has only contempt and hatred for Caliban? Since we learn that
she has lived on the deserted island with her father since childhood, where would she have
learned these ideas? Why do they differ between the men and Caliban?

2. What is your reaction to Prospero’s treatment of Caliban? Does Caliban have a legitimate complaint
against Prospero? Why does Prospero keep Caliban as his servant even when he despises him?

3. How has Caliban changed throughout his time with Prospero and Miranda? After they leave, how will
he respond to having the island to himself again?