ACT IV
THE CONFUSION OF THE PLOTTERS
Show how the story of Act IV consists in the smoothing down of all that disturbs Prospero's designs, and foreshadows the complete reconciliation of the last act. The lovers, whose readiness to fall in with Prospero's plan has made his task light so far as they are concerned, could only imperil his and their future by a premature union; and Ferdinand, having stood the test of hard work, is now induced, by an awed and holy mood, produced by art, to keep his good resolutions. Describe the mask, and show its meaning and fitness for Prospero's purposes. Why is Prospero so disturbed at the reminder of so paltry a plot as that of Caliban and his associates? Is it likely that these drunken fellows could frame any plot that would be but as gossamer before his art? Is it natural that so low a creature as Caliban should show more intelligence than Stephano and Trinculo in disregarding Ariel's 'stale' set to catch them? How do you explain his superior caution? Describe the device employed by Prospero and Ariel to rout these plotters. Would it be effective on an English stage?
POINTS. 1. Explanation of classical allusions. 'Hymen's lamps,' 'Phoebus' steeds,' Ceres, Iris, Juno, etc.; 'dusky Dis,' 'Paphos,' etc. 2. The botany of Act IV. What is 'stover,' 'furze,' gorse? 3. Was Prospero's 'line' a lime-tree or a clothes-line? 4. Explanation of the jokes of the act. 5. Natural history on the island again: the 'blind mole,' 'barnacles,' 'apes,' 'pard,' etc.
QUERY FOR DISCUSSION
Why is the punishment devised for the lesser plotters corporal and for the greater ones psychical?