Masque

Question : what do you understand about "Masque"? Give an account of masque

with reference to the Act IV, scene 1 of " The Tempest".
Or
Question : What is "Masque"? How is it carried out in "The Tempest"
Answer: A " masque " refers to an independent drama, during the Elizabethan
times, mainly consisting of music, song, dance, splendid costuming and stage
spectacle.
Its plot is slight and chiefly designed to entertain and to glorify the king. It was
taken as an opportunity to praise the king or monarch, a celebration of his presence
and of his authority.
Another objective of the masque was to recapture the past. The performance of
a masque traditionally took place on festive occasions and at marriage celebrations.
Main features of a masque were -
The masque was written in rhymed verse.
The objective of masque was to celebrate marriage in high society.
The subject of masque was generally allegorical and mythical.
The characters were generally gods and goddesses of ancient mythology.
The duration of a masque was shorter than that of a regular drama.
The Masque in "The Tempest"
The masque in the play is arranged by Prospero, who summons the
goddesses, to entertain Ferdinand and Miranda at their engagement ceremony in
Act IV. Thus, it is termed as betrothal masque.

The masque starts with the appearance of Iris, the goddess of rainbow and the
messenger of Juno.
Iris makes a long speech and summons Ceres, the goddess: of agriculture and
fertility.
Ceres is glad to know that Venus and her son Cupid will not be there, for she
has avoided their company since her daughter's abduction.
Juno, the wife of Jupiter, joins Ceres and informs her that she has been
summoned to bless the couple who have been engaged to each other and are likely
to be married soon.
Then, Juno showers her blessings on the couple and wishes them a long life,
riches, honour, many children, happiness in married life and long continuance and
increase of these blessings.
Ceres bless the couple with the plentiful produce of the earth, barnes and
granaries always full, vines laden with grapes, spring immediately following autumn
etc.
Iris then gathers a large number of nymphs who join the reapers and perform a
splendid dance.
Then, Prospero suddenly orders to end the spectacle of dance and song.
Ferdinand wants to know if the entertainment provided to them was by the
supernatural spirits.
 Prospero replies in the positive and remarks that just as the show is a mere
illusion so "the cloud - capped towers, the gorgeous palaces, the solemn temples"
the earth itself are illusion and will melt away, leaving no trace behind and that life
itself is a dream and "is rounded off with a sleep".
During the masque, the two lovers - Ferdinand and Miranda hear from the
goddesses Iris, Ceres and Juno. They demonstrate Prospero's magic because he
calls forth their images to bless the couple.
The masque promotes the element of magic and mystery in a less dreadful way
than we have seen it.
We learn that magic can be used to entertain and bless as well as for violence.
Purpose of Masque
Question : What is the purpose of Masque in Act IV in "The Tempest"?
Answer : " The Tempest " is a play about honour and loyalty. Prospero tries to lead
Ferdinand to fall in love with his daughter , but then he also tries to impress upon
him the fact that an oath of love is a serious thing.
Prospero is allowing his daughter Miranda to marry the king's son, Ferdinand
despite the king's role in his banishment. He wants to impress upon Ferdinand the
value of his daughter's hand and the marriage promise.
During the masque, the two lovers - Ferdinand and Miranda hear from the
goddesses Iris, Ceres and Juno. They demonstrate Prospero's magic because he
calls forth their images to bless the couple.
Prospero has magical power through which he has acquired control over the
supernatural spirits and gets all his tasks done with the help of the spirits. The whole
play is dominated by supernatural machinery. Now the masque arranged by
Prospero involves goddesses and nymphs.
The masque not only provides entertainment but it also serves a dramatic
purpose. The love - episode involving Ferdinand and Miranda has been made real
and natural by the addition of the masque in the play. The masque also helps in
furthering the development of this love - episode. It reaches its climax when
Ferdinand's father Alonso showers his blessings on the young lovers.
Thus, the masque is a significant part of the structure of the play. It provides
essential comic relief. It helps build up a romantic atmosphere, essential in a
dramatic romance like "The Tempest".

The Tempest : Use of Supernatural

Question : Write a short composition on Shakespeare's use of the supernatural
in "The Tempest".
Or
Question : Discuss Shakespeare's treatment of the supernatural in 'The
Tempest'.
Answer : Prospero, the Magician-
 Prospero, the Duke of Milan, is a powerful magician in the play, " The
Tempest". He studied a large number of books on philosophy and magic and gained
a lot of Knowledge about magic. Then by his mental sharpness and knowledge, he
gained control over several supernatural spirits. The spirit works under his
command and carries out his tasks successfully.
A Large Number of Supernatural Situations
The whole action of the play is governed by magic. Practically every
important event in the play is a result of Prospero's magic power. The storm and the
supposed shipwreck, the rescue of the passengers and their being scattered in
groups on the island, the ship being safely brought ashore with the sailors sent to
sleep in the ships hold, the coming together of Ferdinand and Miranda, the defeat of
the conspiracy of Antonio and Sebastian, the foiling of Caliban's intrigue, the strange
banquet and its disappearance, the song and music of Ariel, the masque of Juno, the
teasing and tormenting of Caliban by the spirits all these are the situations which are
wholly related to supernatural.
Supernatural Beliefs of Shakespeare's Time
In Shakespeare's time, belief in magic and superstitions was widespread. In
those days there were two kinds of magicians, supposed to exist - one who
commanded the services of certain superior supernatural beings and second, those
who were believed to have entered into contract with the devil.

Prospero belongs to the first category. He commands elves, demons and goblins
through the medium of Ariel, and he uses this power for beneficent purposes.
Shakespeare has given due importance to Prospero' s use of his books, his
magic wand and his mantle. Prospero employs all four classes of spirits - spirits of
fire, water, earth and air - but always through the medium of Ariel. Through Ariel
Prospero uses his power of magic to manipulate the inferior spirits of the fire, water
and earth.
Ariel possesses the spirit of fire for he puts the vessel of Alonso on fire with him.
The spirits of water known as nymphs are also introduced in their play. There are
meaner spirits in the play who perform the masque of Juno. There are spirits of the
earth which Prospero employs as an instrument to punish and torment Caliban, who
hatches a plot to kill Prospero. Later they are introduced in the shape of dogs and
hounds to hunt Caliban and his drunken associates. All these spirits work under the
command of Prospero, the powerful magician.
Use of Magic
The attributes of magic used by Prospero are the robe, the wand and his books
on the subject. He doesn't make himself invisible bu the repeatedly changes his
magic robe. His robe represents his dominance over mortals. He derives magic
power from his books.
Prospero has made use of his magic in materialistic performances and not in
converting the human characters into mere puppets. For instance, the production of
a banquet and its disappearance and also creating the line of glittering garments. But
Ferdinand and Miranda do not fall in love with each other under the influence of
Prospero's magic. Prospero's magic only brings them together. Their falling in love is
natural. Thus it can be observed that the human characters are not converted into
mere puppets by the use of the supernatural.
No place of Supernatural in Real life
Towards the end of the play Prospero puts an end to his magic by burying his
magical wand and his books. He has no use for them in his coming life. In fact, he
has seen the negative use of magic and other supernatural agencies.
The study of magic cost him dearly in the first place. Had he not been possessed
by the passion for learning Black Arts, he would not have left the management of
state affairs to Antonio and would not have suffered isolation on a deserted island for
twelve long years.
Prospero finds that Ariel and Caliban are never happy under his magical control.
So towards the end he decides to say goodbye to the world of the supernatural.
Herein lies a message for humanity. The world of magic should not be allowed to
mingle with the world of reality. Both have their own independent existences, laws
and codes.

The Theme of Longing for Freedom

Question : Describe the theme of freedom in the play.

Answer : Every creature in this world yearns for freedom. No one wants to live in
slavery. The theme of freedom is best exemplified through the characters of Ariel
and Caliban. Both characters are essentially enslaved by Prospero.
Longing for freedom in Caliban
In "The Tempest" the position of Caliban is that of a slave. Prospero forces him
by his magic to do several hard chores for him. Caliban is given the tasks of bringing
wood for fuel, carrying heavy logs of wood etc.
Caliban grudges this labour and comes to hate Prospero. He feels that he is the
owner of the island and Prospero is a mere usurper. That is why he itches for
freedom.
But here the idea of freedom for Caliban is to change his master. It seems that
he will be satisfied if he does not have to serve Prospero any more . As Caliban says
-
"Ban, ban, Ca - Caliban
Has a new master; get a new man
Freedom, hey - day! hey - day freedom! freedom, hey - day freedom!"
Caliban firmly believes that his new master, Stephano will be able to release him
from his servitude to Prospero. His plot to kill Prospero is his desperate attempt to
gain freedom.
Though his evil intentions and acts cannot be ignored but at the same time his
desire for freedom also can not be dismissed.
Ariel's Longing for Freedom
Even Ariel, the faithful servant of Prospero, yearns for freedom. Being a spirit of
air, freedom seems to be the very essence and meaning of his life. It is only
Prospero's potent magic that can harness him into human service.
Over and above that Prospero's repeated promise of freedom, makes him prompt
and diligent in carrying out Prospero's order. Then Prospero has to promise to set
him free at the end of two days.

Every time Prospero sets him a task and repeats his promise, Ariel performs his
task more promptly.
When Caliban, Stephano and Trinculo have been hunted by spirits whom Ariel
Simmons, Prospero is very pleased with Ariel's service and repeats his promise of
Ariel's freedom -
"Shortly shall my labours end and thou
Shalt have the air at freedom; for a
little fellow, and do me service".
Finally Prospero charges Ariel to provide calm seas and auspicious gales and then
he is free forever:
" That is thy Charge: Then to elements
Be free, and fare you well!".

The Tempest: True Freedom for Ariel

Question : " The true freedom of man consists in service". Discuss the statement
with reference to the character of Ariel.
Answer : Ariel is a spirit of air, but he is quite at home in sea and fire. Although Ariel
is not a human, but he is presented as a lovable and pleasing creature having
admirable human qualities. Prospero is Ariel's master. Ariel is the source of
Prospero's magical powers. Ariel works for Prospero with the hope of being freed by
Prospero for his devoted service

Ariel's Crave for Freedom

Being a spirit of air, freedom seems to be the very essence and meaning of his
life. It is only Prospero's potent magic that can harness him into human service. But
Ariel also yearns for freedom. Prospero's repeated promise of freedom makes him
prompt and diligent in carrying out Prospero's orders. Prospero wants Ariel to serve
him for some time more before he is finally set free.

Ariel's Love for his Master

Ariel is bound to Prospero by a feeling of gratitude and he loves Prospero. He
serves Prospero loyally, lovingly, cheerfully and wisely. He is grateful to Prospero for
having released him from a cloven pine tree where he had been captivated for
twelve years by Sycorax.
 Barring one occasion on which he shows impatience with Prospero for setting
him so many tasks and postponing his liberation, he shows a devotion to Prospero
that is rarely found in spirits.
Ariel's Sense of Duty
Although Ariel loves freedom, he also loves his master so he performs the duties
imposed on him cheerfully. He is proud of the manner in which he is able to carry out
Prospero's commands. He does not shrink from work and frequently reminds
Prospero of his usefulness.
"Remember, I have done thee worthy service", he says to Prospero on one
occasion.
His desire for praise is seen again when, after defeating the plot against Alonso's
life, he says to himself:
" Prospero my lord should know what I have done".
Prosperoalso from his side frequently praises him, using words of encouragement
and endearment.
"My brave spirit", " fine apparition ! my quaint Ariel !", "my tricksy spirit" are
some of the phrases with which Prospero acknowledges the service of Ariel.
This way Ariel believes that the true freedom of man consists in service.

The Tempest : Use of Dramatic Irony

Question :What is dramatic irony ? Give examples of dramatic irony in "The
Tempest".
Answer: Dramatic Irony:
Dramatic irony is a drama technique in which the audience knows something
that the character does not. Because of this understanding, the words and actions of
the characters take on a different meaning. Shakespeare has effectively used this
technique in "The Tempest " to fill the mind of the audience with grim horror and
awe.
Dramatic Irony in The Tempest:
"The Tempest" provides a few instances of dramatic irony which enter deep into
the conception of the play.
In "The Tempest" we can easily detect the instances of dramatic irony. For
instance, we are made aware of the fact that the sea storm is raised by Ariel on
Prospero's command, this remains unknown to Alonso and his party towards the
end.

Then Shakespeare makes use of dramatic irony when Prospero overhears the
conversation between Miranda and Ferdinand who are unaware of his presence.
Prospero's intentions are known to us, but Miranda and Ferdinand feel greatly
pained and upset at his hostility and unsympathetic towards Ferdinand.
 Ariel's interference in the plots against Alonso, hatched by Antonio and
Sebastian and even the plot against Prospero, hatched by Caliban, Trinculo and
Stephano is another instance of the use of dramatic irony. The villains do not know
how Ariel works to thwart their wicked plans while the audience is aware of Ariel's
action all through.