(i) Where are Prospero and Ferdinand? Mention two of the commands given by Prospero that Ferdinand has to obey.

Question

Read the passages and answer briefly :

Prospero : [To Ferdinand] Come on: obey: 

Thy nerves are in their infancy again. 

And have no vigour in them.

Ferdinand : So they are:

My spirits, as in a dream, are all bound up. 

My father's loss, the weakness which I feel. 

The wreck of all my friends, nor this man's threats.

To whom I am subdued are but light to me, 

Might I but through my prison once a day 

Behold this maid. All corners else o' th' earth 

Let liberty make use of-space enough

Have I in such a prison.

(i) Where are Prospero and Ferdinand? Mention two of the commands given by Prospero that Ferdinand has to obey.

(ii) Explain: "Thy nerves are in their infancy again."

(iii) What are "but light" to Ferdinand?

(iv) Who is "this maid" referred? What had shocked the maid a little while ago?

(v) Where will Ferdinand find "space enough" to live in? What should "liberty" make use of?

Answer 1

(i) Prospero and Ferdinand are on a lonely island where the latter is captivated by the former. 

The two commands given by Prospero that Ferdinand has to obey are:

(a) To carry and pile up logs of wood.

(b) To be obedient always to his commands by following them.

(ii) Prospero is treating Ferdinand harshly, as he is under trial. Prospero thus speaks to him that all his muscles are limp and lifeless.

(iii) Every loss and all the threats of Prospero are light for Ferdinand and he is ready to face it all.

(iv) Miranda is the "maid" referred to. She is shocked to find that her own father can be so cruel to someone.

(v) Ferdinand will have enough space in such a prison where he will have a chance at least once everyday to see the beautiful Miranda. Though he will be in prison liberty shall prevail in all corners of the earth.