Question 1

SOURCE TEXT:
Read the following extract from Act 1 Scene 2 of The Tempest and then answer the question that follows.

At this point in the play, Ariel has completed various tasks for Prospero and there is now some disagreement about Ariel being given more work to do.

PROSPERO
Ariel, thy charge
Exactly is performed; but there's more work.
What is the time o'th'day?
ARIEL
Past the mid-season.
PROSPERO At least two glasses. The time 'twixt six and now
Must by us both be spent most preciously.
ARIEL Is there more toil? Since thou dost give me pains,
Let me remember thee what thou hast promised,
Which is not yet performed me.
PROSPERO
How now? Moody?
What is't thou canst demand?
ARIEL
My liberty.
PROSPERO Before the time be out? No more.
ARIEL
I prithee,
Remember I have done thee worthy service,
Told thee no lies, made no mistakings, served
Without or grudge or grumblings. Thou didst promise
To bate me a full year.
PROSPERO
Dost thou forget
From what a torment I did free thee?
ARIEL
No.
PROSPERO Thou dost! And think'st it much to tread the ooze
Of the salt deep,
To run upon the sharp wind of the north,
To do me business in the veins o'th'earth
When it is baked with frost.
ARIEL
I do not, sir.
PROSPERO Thou liest, malignant thing. Hast thou forgot
The foul witch Sycorax, who with age and envy
Was grown into a hoop? Hast thou forgot her?
ARIEL No, sir.
PROSPERO Thou hast. Where was she born? Speak. Tell me.

QUESTION:
Starting with this conversation, explore how far Shakespeare presents Prospero as a good master in The Tempest.

Write about:
• how far Shakespeare presents Prospero as a good master in this conversation
• how far Shakespeare presents Prospero as a good master in the play as a whole.

Accepted Answer

1. Analyse the extract, focusing on the power dynamic between Prospero and Ariel. Note Prospero's commanding language and Ariel's plea for 'liberty'.
2. Formulate an argument about the complexity of Prospero's role as a master. Avoid a simple 'yes' or 'no' answer.
3. Structure your essay to explore different aspects of his mastery. Dedicate paragraphs to his relationship with Ariel, his relationship with Caliban, and his control over Ferdinand and the other nobles.
4. Consider the context of colonialism and power, which are key themes in the play.
5. Discuss Prospero's development, particularly his decision to give up his magic and forgive his enemies at the end.
6. Conclude with a balanced judgement on whether he can be considered a 'good master'.

Question 2

What mistakes do candidates make on this AQA GCSE question?

Accepted Answer

A common mistake is to present a one-sided argument, either condemning Prospero as a tyrant or praising him as a benevolent ruler. The best answers will explore the shades of grey in his character. Another pitfall is forgetting to discuss his relationship with Caliban, which provides a crucial contrast to his relationship with Ariel.

How to approach this question

Full Answer

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