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Difficulty: MediumTextual Analysis of Prescribed Non-African Drama

Read the extract below from William Shakespeare's prescribed Non-African drama, *The Tempest*, and answer the question that follows:

CALIBAN:
Be not afeard; the isle is full of noises,
Sounds and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not.
Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments
Will hum about mine ears, and sometimes voices...

In this passage, what is Caliban's primary purpose in addressing Stephano and Trinculo?

  1. To reassure his companions and explain the magical, harmless nature of the island's soundsAnswer
  2. B
    To warn Prospero about the dangerous spirits plotting against his ruler position
  3. C
    To mock Ferdinand for becoming emotionally overwhelmed by Ariel's music
  4. D
    To express his deep fear and agony caused by Prospero's tormenting spirits

Answer

Caliban's primary purpose is to reassure his companions, Stephano and Trinculo, explaining that the island's mysterious sounds and music are harmless and enchanting.
In Act III, Scene 2 of *The Tempest*, Stephano and Trinculo are startled by the mysterious music produced by Ariel. Caliban steps in with a renowned lyrical speech ('Be not afeard...') to comfort them, explaining that the island is naturally filled with enchanting, harmless sounds and voices.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the dramatic context of the extract
The excerpt is from Act III, Scene 2 of Shakespeare's *The Tempest*, where Caliban, Stephano, and Trinculo are wandering the island and hear mysterious music played by Ariel.
Establishing context helps identify the speaker, addressee, and immediate situation.
2
Analyze the speaker's tone and message
Caliban uses gentle, sensory imagery ('Be not afeard', 'give delight and hurt not') to explain the island's auditory phenomena.
Evaluating the diction clarifies the character's intent and emotional posture toward his listeners.
3
Determine the correct character attribution and intention
Caliban is addressing Stephano and Trinculo to soothe their panic caused by the invisible music.
Directly matches the option describing his intent to reassure his companions.

Key Concept

Textual analysis of prescribed Shakespearean drama: speaker intention, character interaction, and tone analysis.
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Textual Analysis of Prescribed Non-African Drama

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