Ti-Jean and His Brothers-- Essay Writing

 So, you're writing an essay for marks and suddenly you realise those periods of sleeping actually had a class in the background? I gotchu bro...

Sample Essay

"Audiences find the play Ti-Jean and His Brothers appealing because it reflects the Caribbean experience."
Write an essay in which you describe TWO incidents that can be considered Caribbean. You must also discuss why you find ONE of these incidents appealing or not appealing, and examine ONE dramatic technique the playwright uses to explore Caribbean culture.

35 Marks

The Caribbean experience is one that involves music, folklore and a range of historical events. Derek Walcott’s Ti-Jean and His Brothers highlights various scenes and events that are truly Caribbean. This is what makes the play an interesting one. In relation to the Caribbean experience, this essay will describe two incidents, discuss the appeal in one incident and examine a dramatic technique used to explore Caribbean culture.

Firstly, the prologue reflects a Caribbean experience, in particular, when the animals open the play by introducing the characters. The Frog, Cricket, Firefly and Bird narrate the play and are accompanied by music and song. These animals are characters in the play as well. In Caribbean folklore, animals are commonly used as characters in stories that teach morals. The same occurs in this play; the animals highlight important morals such as humility and truth.

Secondly, when Gros Jean begins working for the white planter, this reflects the Caribbean experience in terms of its history. The territories in the Caribbean were once run by white planters who had slaves working in the sugar cane fields. Similarly Gros Jean works for the white planter and receives no salary nor does he get to rest. He is given menial tasks such as counting cane stalks which is similar to the lowly job of a slave.

From the two incidents listed above, Gros Jean’s encounter with the planter is not appealing. The planter clearly takes advantage of the eldest son by over-working him. He further degrades him by repeatedly calling him by the wrong names such as Joe, Mac

and Henry. The planter disregards the fact that Gros Jean is human and cannot work endlessly. He says people like him ‘forget that you people aren’t machines’. These things trigger Gros Jean into a rage and he becomes the first victim of the Devil and loses his life.

A technique that the playwright uses to portray Caribbean culture would be music or sound. The Caribbean region is known for its upbeat tempo, drums, cymbals, flute and cuatro. In addition, the calypso music is indigenous to the region. These features are incorporated into the play to enhance the action in the scenes. The music is played when the brothers are introduced by the animals in the prologue. The music of the flute is synonymous to the mother while the cymbals and drums accompany the Devil.

The playwright skillfully showcases aspects of the Caribbean in the play, Ti Jean and His Brothers. This essay described two Caribbean incidents, discussed its appeal and one technique that showed Caribbean culture. By representing the Caribbean, audiences are entertained and also get a glimpse of the region’s uniqueness.

Sample Essay

!Next a Break down of the Essay!

• Use of Caribbean history; ESSAY BREAKDOWN- Ti-Jean and his brothers

"Audiences find the play Ti Jean and His Brothers appealing because it portrays Caribbean history".

Write an essay in which you describe TWO incidents that are connected to or influenced by Caribbean history. You must also discuss the impact of ONE of these incidents on ONE character. Finally, you must examine ONE dramatic technique that the playwright uses to explore Caribbean history.

• Choose dramatic technique/literary device

• Write to explain how it shows the theme

• Give example

References of Caribbean History in the play:

• Planter

• Rebellion

• Plantation House/ Great House being burnt

• Plantation system - slaves working in the sugar cane fields

• Slavery

• White Man as ruler and white superiority

• Racism towards Black people/ Africans

• Folklore characters - Papa Bois, Bolum

• Colonization by the white man

Section	Description of incident
Introduction	The history of the Caribbean finds its way amongst many literary works in the region. The play ‘Ti Jean and His Brothers’ highlights the theme of Caribbean history through its references of the white planter, slavery, sugar cane estates and many others. This essay would explore the theme of Caribbean history in relation to two events, how one event affects a character and a dramatic technique.
Two incidents connected/influenced by Caribbean history	One incident that is connected to Caribbean history is racism. The white planter being racist to Mi Jean. The Old Man refers to Mi-Jean as a monkey, this is an intentional reference to racist ideologies that compare black people to apes and suggest that black people have not reached the same stage of evolution as white people. Ti- Jean and his brothers also show colonization through the use of cane fields and the “white plantation owner.” Ti- Jean burning down the sugar cane fields can represent the rebellion against white supremists thus showing the event of the rebellion for slavery to end. Another incident that is connected to Caribbean history is colonization. This is where one group/country ruled over another group/country.  Colonization is seen where the white planter ruled over his estate and was in charge of the slaves, including the brothers.  The planter/colonizer is in charge of Gros Jean and instructs him to do menial tasks.  Rebellion is another incident in the play which is seen where Ti Jean instigated the slaves to burn the sugar cane fields.
Impact of one incident on one character How does the incident affect the character	Ti-Jean's act of resistance at the end of the play corresponds with both successful and failed slave rebellions across Caribbean islands. In leading the slaves in rebellion, Ti Jean gained an upper hand on the Planter. The Planter got frustrated and angry while Ti Jean became confident and brave. The effect of Ti-Jeans resistance led to his life being spared and in return the Devil rewarded him by granting the Bolom life. Though Ti-Jean obtained success and was victorious by defeating the Devil, he felt a sense of sadness as he lost his family along the way but also gained one,referring to the Bolom. Gros Jean resisted the main tenet of colonialism which was the white Planter’s dominance over black people. In the beginning, he followed the Planter’s orders such as counting the leaves of sugar cane and dividing the stalks. Then he became impatient and felt his strength was being wasted. Gros Jean also wanted to rest and indicated how the workers or slaves had to toil endlessly without a break from the white ruler. This leads to his demise when the Planter provokes him further. Gros Jean wants to rest but the colonial rule of the whites did not afford the workers any rest from their work.
One dramatic technique that explores Caribbean History
Conclusion	It can be seen that Ti Jean and His Brothers depict the theme of Caribbean history. This is seen through incidents in the play, the negative effects on the characters and the dramatic technique which enhances the theme. The historical aspect of the play highlights the ideas of slavery and plantation society which worked in favour of whites while African slaves were disadvantaged. In the play, history is significant because it brings awareness of colonial challenges that our ancestors faced.

Allegory	Dramatic conflict	Symbolism
Is shown with the many meetings with the devil as the brothers each meet the devil at different times their stories represent different times where slaves were forced to confront the planters to fight for their freedom, Gros-Jean being strength, Mi-Jean being intelligence and Ti-jean being kindness, common sense and Faith(the black mans meetings with the White devil i.e slavery)                        It teaches about good and evil,if you stay on the path of good like ti-jean you will be successful. If linked to history it has a more political meaning which is the evils of colonialism. The allegory is seen in a political way which highlights/shows the evils of colonialism and the white man's rule and how it affected the black people. Even after slavery  had ended the people of African descent had still suffered under the white rule i.e. whites were still in positions of power and aristocrats etc. The play shows the unequal treatment of the blacks and how the whites used the blacks as a labour force.(White=land owning class Blacks=People taken advantage of)	The three brothers vs The Planter. This explores Caribbean history as it displays conflict between the planter and the ‘slave workers’. In other terms, Rebellion of the slave workers towards the white planters.	The moon that is shown throughout the play, represents Ti-Jean, it signifies that he is a ‘light’ in the world, because he defeated the devil. The sugar cane and cotton plantation the planter owns symbolizes colonial rule in the Caribbean:) When Gros-Jean goes to work for the planter, his choice to work on the plantation represents black men’s choice to participate in the colonial system:)

• Use of Forest Creatures; ESSAY BREAKDOWN - Ti-Jean and His Brothers

 Derek Walcott uses forest creatures in the play to add a folklore element. 

       Normally questions are based on a theme. However this question wants you to focus on an element of Caribbean drama - which is folklore. This element of folklore is represented by the forest animals in the play.

Write an essay in which you discuss the attitude of Gros Jean and Mi Jean to the forest creatures. In this essay, you must highlight how their attitudes differ from Ti-Jean’s, as well as explain the consequences EACH of the brothers suffer or enjoy as a result of his treatment of the forest creatures.

Introduction	Definition of folklore: Folklore is known in the Caribbean as oral story traditions passed down throughout the ages. How is folklore represented in the story?: Folklore is represented as the forest creatures who guide the three brothers throughout the play.  Briefly discuss the attitudes of the brothers towards the forest creatures: In the story Mi-Jean and Gros-Jean, they were proud of the knowledge and strength respectively thus causing them to pay no heed to the creatures. Thesis Statement (what the essay will entail) : “This essay will include a description of the attitudes of Gros-Jean and Mi-Jean towards the forest creatures, how their attitudes differ from Ti-jean’s ,and lastly an explanation of the consequences each of the brothers suffer or enjoy as a result of his treatment of the forest creatures.”
Body paragraph 1	Gros Jean was proud of his so-called “iron arm” so felt he did not really need the creature's advice, he calls the frog a “slimy bastard” this shows that he does not understand the value in asking for their assistance and he also doesn't appreciate all God’s creatures.. This shows his lack of faith. Mi Jean is not the kindest, he degrades the animals and insults the frog and tries to kick him saying “How could God make such creatures?’   He doesn't take the warnings of the creatures and scolds them. They are both cruel to the creatures and as a result they face the equal and fair consequences. Ti-jean compliments the frog.
Body paragraph 2	Ti-jean is kind to the forest animals and is assisted by them as a result Gros Jean insults the forest animals and also attempts to kick the frog as he states that it is in his way as he then calls the frog a “slimy bastard” and threatens to mash the cricket. He then tells the bird to show him a short cut quickly.  Mi Jean is arrogant towards the creatures and is annoyed by them as he states that the bird was disturbing him by whistling. The creatures tried to warn him of the dangers ahead but he doesn't take the seriously
Body paragraph 3	Ti-Jean cleverly defeats the Devil by burning down his plantation, and refusing to complete the menial tasks the Devil has assigned him. Through his defeat of the Devil, Ti-Jean demonstrates resistance, faith, and courage. Mi-Jean is an intellectual. He always has his head buried in a book, and because of this isn’t very good at fishing, or doing any other practical task. Mi-Jean insults Frog, whom he meets on his way to find the Devil. When Mi-Jean finds the Devil, disguised as the Planter, the Planter tasks him with chasing after and tying up an old goat, which Mi-Jean does successfully. when the Planter implies that man is no more intelligent than animals—meaning that Mi-Jean’s intellect may be no greater than the goat he is trying to capture—Mi-Jean loses his cool Because Gros Jean and Mi Jean thought highly of themselves, they were easily defeated and consumed by the devil.
Conclusion	This essay discussed how the attitudes of the brothers towards the forest animals were seen and the consequences or benefits gained from this treatment towards the forest creatures.  Gros Jean and Mi Jean treated the animals inhumanely while Ti Jean showed them kindness and respect. The former suffered grave consequences while Ti Jean survived. This shows that good deeds do not go unrewarded.

Impact of; incidents with forest -Drama Essay breakdown-Ti-Jean and his Brothers

“The forest is a fitting symbol for Walcott to tell his story.”

Write an essay in which you describe TWO incidents that occur in the forest. For ONE of the incidents described, you must discuss the impact of it on ONE character. Finally, you must examine how the playwright uses the forest to portray ONE theme in the play.

Total 35 marks

A symbol is something that represents something else. In the play, Ti-Jean and His Brothers, the forest is used as a symbol. The forest is where the brothers must pass through as they face the Devil’s challenge. It is a symbol of a journey or quest where the brothers must find the Devil who is in disguise. The forest is where many important events occur. In addition, it is the home of the animals that are there to guide the brothers. In this essay, two incidents that occur in the forest will be discussed, the impact on one character and how the forest helps to illustrate a theme in the play.

Two Incidents;

• Gros Jean and the forest animals or the Old Man/Papa Bois

• Mi Jean

• Ti Jean

Impact ;

• How does it affect the character

• Their reaction, behaviour, consequence

Linking the forest to a Theme ;

• Linking how the forest shows good vs evil

Part	Description/ Explanation
Two incidents that occur in the forest	In the plantation, Gros-Jean was working for the devil who is disguised as a planter. The planter, trying to irritate Gros-Jean, began calling him other names. The planter gave Gros-Jean tedious work without any breaks which enraged Gros-Jean. Gros-Jean realised that no matter how hard he worked, the planter did not realise it and he was frustrated. Gros-Jean then loses his temper causing him to lose his challenge he made with the devil. In Act 1 of Ti-Jean and His Brothers, it begins with the characterization of the brother, Gros-Jean who is the oldest and first to set out on the quest to conquer the devil’s challenge. Upon his journey through the forest, he came across the forest creatures to which he missed treated and attempted to hurt the frog showing his lack of respect for the creatures that god created in his image         Secondly, in act 3, during Ti-Jean’s journey through the forest where he meets the forest creatures, whom he showed respect and showed them kindness unlike his brothers, Gros-Jean and Mi-Jean who mistreated them with insults. Ti-Jean was also shown the resting spots of his two late brothers who had lost the challenge to the devil.
The impact on ONE character	Gros Jean was affected by the incident mentioned previously. Because of his arm of iron, Gros-Jean, felt as though he could do any task given to him. He thought that he was superior to the forest animals which led him to disrespect them both physically and emotionally. He also believed that he didn’t need intelligence to defeat the devil, his strength alone would do it. His overconfidence in his strength led to his defeat by the devil.
What theme is portrayed by the forest?	In Ti-Jean and His Brothers, the playwright uses the forest to portray the theme of Good vs Evil. The portrayal of evil is seen by the Devil and the various characters he embodies, one of which is Papa Bois, whereas the portrayal of good is seen by the forest creatures. The forest animals’ main purpose is to guide and help the brothers, although they are afraid of the old man, who they know is evil. Papa Bois is a folklore character who is known as the protector of animals but, in the play, the old man is a trickster, as he is the devil in disguise who tries to fool them with his cunning ways. He is used to lure Ti-Jean, Mi-Jean and Gros-Jean away from asking the forest creatures for help. This can be shown as their mother told them to 'trust in God' and to seek help. The play discusses the fine line between good, evil, as well as spirituality and political adversity in the West Indian region, thus allowing the audience the possibility of several different meanings and interpretations.

English B Exam Guide and Sudy Material

 ENGLISH B (English Literature)

Paper 01:

*The duration of the exam is 1 hr, 45 minutes (changed from 1 hr, 30 minutes)
*It is worth 29% of the total assessment (changed from 36%)
*All questions are compulsory
*It consists of 3 comprehensions
*Possible types of comprehensions are: drama / poetry / prose
*There are 5-7 questions on each comprehension
*Each comprehension is worth 20 marks

Total = 60 marks

PAST PAPERS FOR ALL SUBJECTS IN BOTH CSEC AND CAPE:

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ENGLISH B PAPER 02:

The duration of the exam is 2 hrs: 10 minutes (10 minutes added)

It is worth 50% of the total assessment (changed from 64%)

SECTION 1

Section 1 examines 1 Shakespearean drama and one modern drama

This section contains 2 questions (changed from 4 questions)

1 question from the Shakespearean text and 1 from the modern drama

Answer 1 question  

Type of Question- Type A (meaning a single text is used to answer the questions)

Each question is worth 35 marks

SECTION 2

Section 2 examines poems (from the selection of 20 poems)

This section has 2 questions

1 question is generic, or based on poems of the students choice (from the selection)

1 question names the two poems that are to be compared

Answer 1 question

Type of Question- Type B (meaning a comparison question- compare two poems)

Each question is worth 35 marks

SECTION 3

The student is asked to compare a West Indian text with other novels in English OR  to compare West Indian short stories with other short stories in English

This section contains 4 questions (changed from 6 questions)

1 question is type A, meaning a single text is used to answer the questions

1 question is from each prescribed novel, equaling 2 questions

Next is 2 type B questions, meaning a comparison

1 question is generic, or based on stories of the students choice from the prescribed list

1 question based on two named short stories from the prescribed list

Answer 1 question

Types of Question- Type A & B

Each question is worth 35 marks  

 

 

The Tempest- Essay Writing

You need Essay help again huh? I still gotchu Broooo!!!!!! 

• MAGIC IN THE TEMPEST

‘Magic is pivotal to the plot of the play.’

Examine how magic contributes both to the creation and resolution of conflict. in the play. In your essay, also comment on Shakespeare’s use of dramatic techniques in assisting with his presentation of magic.

Magic - the creation of conflict	Conflict is seen in the play when Prospero uses magic to create a storm to bring his enemies on the shore on his island  together to seek his revenge and restore himself as the Duke of Milan. Prospero creates thunder and roaring waves, Antonio reveals his murderous tendencies by threatening the boatswain with hanging if he doesn’t rescue them from peril. Magic was used to create conflict in the tempest when Prospero created a storm to bring his enemies to shore so that he could get revenge and claim his place as Duke of Milan. A secondary conflict involves Prospero and Caliban, an ill-tempered son of Sycorax, a witch. Using powerful magic, Prospero conjures up the tempest with the aid of Ariel to force his enemies onto the shores of his island, where he can get revenge and restore himself to power as Duke of Milan. The conflict in the play was caused by prospero’s magic. The conflict aspect was introduced as he used his magic to create an illusion of a storm which aided his plot to distract and seek revenge from Antonio and King Alonzo. Magic created conflict at the beginning of the play when Prospero conjures up the tempest with the help of Ariel. Prospero forced his enemies onto his island to get revenge. Prospero created the tempest to trap those who have betrayed him.  Before Prospero landed on the island, his devotion to the study of magic got him into big trouble. While Prospero's nose was buried in his extensive library, his  brother managed to steal his title "Duke of Milan" and get him thrown out of Italy.  isolated on the isle,  making his magic his number one priority. Caliban had the island to himself but he was overcome by Prospero's magic, and Caliban now plots against Prospero with Alonso's jester, Trinculo, and buffoonish Stephano, who were shipwrecked on the island along with Antonio and Alonso caused by a storm with the use of prospero's magic One of the major conflicts is between Prospero and Antonio who was aided in his overthrow of Prospero by Alonso. Prospero uses his powerful magic to make a violent storm which shipwrecks Antonio, Alonso, and others onto Prospero's island. Prospero intends to effect some kind of revenge against Antonio and Alonso, although Prospero's not quite sure what form that ultimate revenge will take, except to punish Antonio and Alonso with the help of his magic and Ariel and restore himself as Duke of Milan. Conflict is seen when magic was used by Prospero to create a storm to bring his enemies to shore so that he can seek vengeance. The conflict in the play was a result of Prospero's magic which he used to create the Tempest (storm). He used his magic to help him in regaining what was rightfully his. The storm was an illusion which was mainly to distract and seek revenge from Antonio and King Alonzo. When Prospero has his enemies, he uses magical illusions to play upon their emotions. In the Tempest, Prospero uses his magic to make Antonio and Alonso repent and restore him to his rightful place. An example of magic being used for this purpose was at the beginning, where Prospero conjured up a storm, causing their ship to be wrecked and forcing them onto the island. Magic was used to create the tempest. It was misused for revenge and to take over leadership of the island. Prospero used his magic to make the creatures fear him and used that fear to control him. In the beginning of the play Prospero, who is seen as the most powerful character because of his magic. He uses his magic as a way of establishing himself as a ruler. His magic brings about conflict as this is what he uses to seek vengeance on enemies and bring them ashore on the island he was on through the illusion of the storm.  In the play the Tempest conflict is seen when magic is used to create a storm by Prospero to bring his enemies to shore so that he can seek revenge and claim his place as the Duke of Milan.  Conflict is seen at the beginning of the play where Prospero commanded Ariel to conjure up the Tempest at sea, using his magic, which wrecked the ship amidst great confusion. Throughout the play Prospero uses his magic to whip up a dramatic storm, to bully his servants, to manipulate his enemies, and to orchestrate his daughter's marriage to the Prince of Naples which all bring forward conflict Prospero who was the former duke of Milan was betrayed by his brother Antonio. He uses the power of his books to seek revenge as he created a tempest in other words a storm to cause destruction in act 1 scene 1, causing those who were on the ship to crash onto the shore of an island. In the Tempest, Prospero heavily depends on powerful magic. At  the beginning of the play, a violent tempest (storm) was formed by Prospero using magic. The goal of the tempest was to force Propsero enemies onto the island he resides on so that he can seek revenge. Throughout the play, Prospero sends his servant Ariel to do a lot of tasks with the aid to madic. For example; to punish Caliban, and to start a conflict between Antonio, Sebastian, Gonzalo and Alonso. Magic is used to portray conflict in the play by the storm tempest which was the main conflict in the play.The storm was used to lure the royal party onto the island for Prospero to do what he desires with them.
Magic - contributes to the resolution of conflict	Prospero also uses his magic to resolve the conflict to bring all of them together and forgives them all for the betrayal Conversely, Ferdinand shows his love for Miranda to be true when Prospero binds him with a charm. Within these two characters. Magic was used to resolve conflict when Prospero gathered Alonso and Antonio in the ending and forgave them for their betrayal. The Tempest ends with a general sense of resolution and hope. After four acts in which Prospero uses magic to split up, disorient, and psychologically torture his enemies, in the final act he lures everyone to the same spot on the island and forgives Alonso and Antonio for their betrayal twelve years prior. Prospero used his magic in order to bring everyone together and eventually bring forgiveness upon them all. With the aid of his magic, Miranda met Ferdinand and fell in love. Prospero uses magic to split up, disorient, and psychologically torture his enemies, in the final act he lures everyone to the same spot on the island and forgives Alonso and Antonio for their betrayal twelve years prior. Magic also resolved the conflict as Prospero talks about his study of magic and that it cost him his dukedom therefore he uses magic to reclaim himself to power. Although Prospero uses a lot of his magic for revenge, in the end he has a change of heart and feels bad for what he has done to Alonso, Antonio and the others. He gathers them in the ending and forgives them for the betrayal they have caused him. Prospero lures everyone using his magic to the same spot on the island  and forgives Antonio and Alonso for their behaviour. Prospero used his magic in order to bring everyone together and eventually forgave them all. With the help of his magic, Miranda met Ferdinand and a bond was formed. He continues to show his power by trying to set up Miranda and Ferdinand for marriage but allowing them to believe it was their idea and not his. Prospero uses his magic to set out a banquet before them, bringing them all together, where accusations were made and those who wronged were forgiven by Prospero. In the end his magic was used to free the island and its creatures. He used his magic to bring back his family together and to bring together his daughter and Sebastien. Propsero then uses his magic to resolve the conflict by luring everyone to one spot on the island to explain what was happening, where he forgave Alonso and Antonio. In the final act Prospero lures everyone using his magic to the same spot on the island and forgives Alonso and Antonio for their betrayal. At the end of the play magic could have been seen as an interconnected for example Prospero uses his magic to gather everyone. The power of his books showed repentance and forgiveness. It helped solve conflicts in the play for instance one of the characters who was Alonso ,the king of Naples was remorseful and also had a major character development. During the final act of the play, after Propsero uses his magic to split up and torture emotionally, mentally and physically his enemies. He uses Ariel (magic) to lure his enemies to one location of the island where everyone meets face to face and he eventually forgives both his brother and the King of Naples, Antonio and Alonso for the betrayal his daughter and himself had to face. Magic was used when to resolve this conflict was at the end of the play where everyone was rejoined for the wedding of Miranda and Ferdinand which was put together by prospero and ariel
Dramatic technique that presents magic	Imagery- this is used in the tempest to  conjure vivid images in the audiences or reader's mind of what is happening, it helps them to become fully invested into the plot of the play. This is because when the play was first written it was not acted out but first read by many who didn't see the story but instead read it.  It helped to give small insights to the nature of the characters and show their dramatic effect of the script. An example of this is when Prospero was calling Miranda  to tell her about the many creatures that inhabited the island before they came he says in act 1 of scene 2 “to cry, to the sea…”  Shakespear used these to dramatize the event for the audiences to enjoy and vest themselves into it. Another example is when Ariel made his appearance during the banquet scene of act3. The use of words such as ‘Thunder’ and ‘Lightning’. It made the scene strike fear into the audiences. Symbolism- There are a few examples of symbolism in the tempest such as: The Tempest-  itself is symbolism in the first act as Prospero used  the storm that was created by his magic to set the stones into action.  At a first read the storm would seem like the tool Prospero used to begin his revenge of the Royals that wronged him but in fact it was revealed through some analyzing that the storm was used to show Prospero's Power, his thirst for revenge was so strong that he acquired this power to defeat those who had stolen from him. Prospero's Books- They symbolise that knowledge is power to whomever wields it, as these texts have taught him all he knows, to control people and the spirits as he pleases. Examples of this include Caliban telling his ‘new master’ stephano if he wants to rid Prospero of his power ‘get rid of the books’. Though this was said as the ranting of a drunkard it does show that Prospero relies highly on those books that give him his supernatural powers. Prospero's Staff- Though it wasn’t as prominently spoken about as the other this was shown to be equally as important as Prospero had made his amends he broke his staff to bury them along with his books. The staff also gave him enhanced powers to do as he pleased so that he could accomplish his revenge.  Water- is used throughout the play as a Motif to emphasize the significance of the Tempest itself. Motif is a literary technique that consists of a repeated element that has symbolic significance to a literary work. Sometimes, a motif is a recurring image. Other times, it's a repeated word, phrase, or topic expressed in language. A motif can be a recurring situation or action. <google definition made me think of the water in the play….it was a lil sneaky but it seemed odd cause it constantly came up: Act  1 well the whole storm leaving the royals shipwrecked. Act2 when the royals washed up onto the island soaked and drenched. Act3 When the king thinks Ferdinand is dead [via drowning might I add?] he threatens to drown himself???Act 4 I think when Ariel leads Caliban, Trinculo and Stephano to the ‘Foul lake’ as a punishment or something..?Act 5 when Prospero says he’s gonna drown his books?

Examine how magic contributes both to the creation and resolution of conflict in the play. In your essay, also comment on Shakespeare’s use of ONE dramatic technique in assisting with his presentation of magic.

1. How magic creates conflict?

• Prospero conjures up a storm which creates a problem where the King, courtiers and sailors end up shipwrecked on the island

• Caliban, Stephano and Trinculo -Ariel was present/invisible and mimicking Trinculo’s voice 

2. How magic resolves conflict?

• Prospero used magic to bring the sailors back

• Used magic to spark off the romance between Ferdinand and Miranda - this brought two feuding parties at peace/resolve differences

3. One dramatic technique that helps to present magic-

‘Magic is pivotal to the plot of the play.’

Asides	Asides are instances in the play where a character speaks to the audience and is unheard by the other characters. Shakespeare uses it in Act 1 Scene 2 by Prospero when he sets up the meeting between Ferdinand and Miranda. This helps to present magic in that Prospero uses his art to lure Ferdinand towards his cell. Ariel sings a song about the King whom Ferdinand presumes as dead. The asides reveal the hidden intentions of Prospero to the audience and why he used his magic to bring these two together. Magic helps him to control this scene, even to the point where Miranda looks up and spots Ferdinand, as seen in Prospero’s aside, “Raise the curtains of your eyelids and go take a peek”. Prospero is elated when the prince takes a liking to his daughter and vice versa. In Act 3 Scene 1, Prospero says “thou art infected” to show his contentment that the two have fallen in love. His magic influences the entire love scenario between the two characters.
Dramatic Irony	Dramatic irony helps to present magic in the scene where Ariel interferes with a conspiracy to murder Prospero. In Act 3 Scene 2, Ariel appears invisible to Stephano, Trinculo and Caliban. He magically changes his voice to that of Trinculo and says “thou liest” repeatedly. Caliban gets angered and the latter begin to fight. The audience realizes it is Ariel’s magic that makes him invisible and the source of bickering between Caliban and Trinculo. However, the characters are unaware and end up with a foolhardy plan to depose Prospero.
Soliloquy	One soliloquy which highlights magic is found in Act 3 Scene 3 when Ariel appears as a Harpy to remind Alonso and his companions of their ‘sins’. The scene is full of intense magic with thunder, Ariel flapping his wings and the banquet suddenly vanishing. Prospero uses magic to manipulate and humiliate the men which is affirmed when Ariel states that he and Prospero are “ministers of fate”. Ariel's rebuke forces them to realize that everything they have lost is a result of their own sinful actions. Magic gives Prospero and Ariel the power to render the men “vulnerable” and continue their plan of vengeance.
Spectacle	A spectacle involves an unusual and entertaining segment of a play and in the Tempest, this technique is achieved through the use of magic. The play begins with a violent storm and characters who are in a frenzy trying to survive its impacts. Prospero sends Ariel to magically start this storm and bring the ship with its crew to the island. The scene is very intense with the characters shouting and arguing at one another, for instance, the Boatswain’s orders to Gonzalo, “To cabin, silence! Trouble us not.” As the scene continues, the storm grows fiercer, the howling wind gets louder and stronger, there is thunder and lightning and even the mention of fire. There is total chaos on board and magic is used to break the ship apart. Ariel’s magic renders the crew helpless and prepares them for further plans which Prospero has in store.
Stage Directions	Stage directions work hand in hand with magic to set the scene in the play. For example, Ariel and Prospero send spirits shaped like hunting dogs to chase off Caliban, Stephano and Trinculo in Act 4 Scene 1. This magical ploy is successful in frightening these three conspirators and preventing their plot. Another instance where the stage directions emphasize magic is seen in Act 5 Scene 1 when Prospero draws a circle with his staff, a major symbol of his magical power. In this circle, Prospero gathers his enemies where they “stand charmed”. At this point, Prospero is about to reveal himself and make the men repent for their actions.
Imagery	The images of the sea and water help to present magic in the play. The raging sea in Act 1 Scene 1 is magically conjured up by Ariel to shipwreck the mariners on the island. It is all part of Prospero’s plan to exact vengeance on those who betrayed him. For example, the Boatswain explains, “When the sea is. Hence! What cares these roarers for the name of king?” to describe his agitation because he is desperately trying to steer the crew safely. In addition, Miranda mentions the “wild waters” in Act 1 Scene 2 after witnessing the violent storm. This emphasizes the might of the storm and by extension Prospero’s powerful magic.

NOTES ON;  ACT 3 SCENE 2

Read Act 3 Scene 2. Complete the table below by answering the questions on the left box.

LINES	STEPHANO	TRINCULO	CALIBAN
1-39 Attitudes of each of the three to each other. Find a quote to support the answer.	Is ‘loyal’ to trinculo but treats Caliban as an unearthly monster/ servant. Shown when he calls him a ‘servant monster’ and constantly orders him to drink more.	“Servant-monster! the folly of this island!”	Begins to distrust Trinculo when ariel interjects with:  “Thou liest”  when he speaks of being cheated out the island
40-84 What effect do Ariel’s interjections have on each of the three? Find quotes.		Ariel makes it sound like Trinculo is interrupting which causes the others to become mad. When Caliban says he was enslaved ariel says” thou liest”	“What a pied ninny’s this! Thou scurvy patch! I do beseech thy Greatness, give him blows,”
85-120 What do each of the three characters contribute to the plan to kill Prospero and take over the island?	“ Monster, I will kill this man: his daughter and I will be king…”	“Excellent.” Trinculo agrees with Stephano	“There thou mayst brain him, having first seized his books; or batter his skull; or paunch him with a stake; or cut his weasand with thy knife”
120-end How do each of the characters react to the invisible music and drumming they can hear? What do they decide to do at the end?	“If thou beest a man, show thyself in thy likeness. If thou beest a devil, take ’t as thou list”	“This is the tune of our catch played by nobody!”	“Be not afeared; the isle is full of noises, sounds, and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not.” Caliban ensures Stephano and Trinculo that the music they are hearing isn’t dangerous.