(i) Who is the "poor worm" referred to? What has the "worm' been "infected" with?

Question

Read the passages and answer briefly :

Prospero : [aside] Poor worm, thou art infected! This visitation shows it.

Miranda : You look wearily.

Ferdinand : No, noble mistress, 'tis fresh morning with a 

When you are by at night. I do beseech you,- 

Chiefly that I might set it in my prayers,-

What is your name?

Miranda : Miranda-O my father, 

I have broke you hest to say so !

Ferdinand : Admir'd Miranda,

Indeed the top of admiration; worth ban 

What's dearest to the world! Full many a lady

I have eyed with best regard; and many a time

Th' harmony of their tongues hath into bondage

Brought my too diligent ear.

(i) Who is the "poor worm" referred to? What has the "worm' been "infected" with?

(ii) What makes Ferdinand "look wearily"? How does Ferdinand feel in Doum Miranda's presence?

(iii) Why does Ferdinand wish to know Miranda's name? What compliments does he bestow upon Miranda ?

(iv) Explain: "Th' harmony of their tongues hath into bondage. Brought my too diligent ear."

(v) What are Prospero's feelings on knowing about the couple's feelings for each other?

Answer 1

(i) Miranda is referred to as Ferdinand, the crown price. poor worm and is infected with love for Fedinand, the crown price.

(ii) Tiredness from hard physical labour makes Ferdinand look weary. But the very presence of Miranda refreshes him.

(iii) Ferdinand wishes to know Miranda's name so that he could pray for her. "Admired Miranda-to of all admiration" is the compliment that he bestows upon her.

(iv) Ferdinand's attention was drawn toward the melodious manner of women talking among themselves.

(v) Prospero is filled with fatherly love when he comes to know about the feelings of love that the couple has for each other, and he wishes that the grace of Almighty may rain "on that which breeds between them."