In Act IV, Prospero uses his magic to put on a “masque” (a traditional form of courtly entertainment involving acting, singing, & dancing) in celebration of Miranda and Ferdinand’s engagement. Then, in the middle of the performance, Prospero remembers the plots against his life and everything vanishes into thin air. What is the purpose of this masque? What causes Prospero to interrupt the masque?

Learning Goal: I’m working on a english multi-part question and need an explanation and answer to help me learn.

Focus Questions: The Tempest, Acts IV, V, and Epilogue

Read Acts IV, V, and the Epilogue of Shakespeare’s The Tempest.
Answer all 4 questions, making sure to address *all parts* of each questions.

• In Act IV, Prospero uses his magic to put on a “masque” (a traditional form of courtly entertainment involving acting, singing, & dancing) in celebration of Miranda and Ferdinand’s engagement. Then, in the middle of the performance, Prospero remembers the plots against his life and everything vanishes into thin air. What is the purpose of this masque? What causes Prospero to interrupt the masque?
• At the same time, Caliban is having some trouble keeping his confederates (Stephano and Trinculo) focused on the task of killing Prospero. Do you feel sorry for Caliban (for whom nothing ever appears to go smoothly), or is this what he deserves for plotting to take his master’s life?
• Who first asks Prospero for forgiveness? Who might you expect to ask Prospero for forgiveness?
• Analyze Prospero’s “but this rough magic I here abjure” speech in Act V, Scene 1. What does Prospero mean when he says he’ll “abjure” his magic? Is he giving it up forever, or just ending the particular spell he has over his enemies? If the former, why is he deciding to give up his magic? Was his magic a passion, or just a means to an end?