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Katie Barranquero
Discovery: The Tempest
Related Text: Life of Pi
(book)

The Tempest
Syllabus themes
Discovery entails the gaining of information about one's self and the world, and can have a profound impact on an individual.
First time discovery
 Miranda learns of Prospero's past and how he lost his Dukedom
o This was concealed by Prospero for many years, despite them being the only ones on the island
o Miranda's discovery of her past has huge ramifications on her perception of herself, her father, and the world
o “I, not rememb’ring how I cried out then, Will cry it o’er again”
 Being stranded on an island challenges the men physically, spiritually and emotionally
o The men are thrust onto the island by the tempest that Prospero conjured
o They are forced to make discoveries about themselves that they would not have otherwise made
 o "Thou the seas threaten, they are merciful; I've cursed them without cause" - Ferdinand acknowledges that the
tempest has led him to make great discoveries
 Discovery of Miranda's first love
o Miranda has never known love for a man other than her father
o Her perception of men has always been negative - Caliban, Alonso, etc.
o "This is the third man that e'er I saw; the first That e'er I sighed for."

Rediscovery - lost, forgotten or concealed

 Miranda's discovery of life beyond the island
o Concealed by her father to protect her of the treachery of others
o "O, wonder! How many goodly creatures are there here! How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world, that has
such people in’t!"
 Questioning of morality - Alonso & Caliban
o Rediscovery of their treatment of Prospero
o Forgotten about him - preoccupied with the comfort of their royalty

Sudden and unexpected

 Miranda learns of Prospero's past and how he lost his Dukedom
o Prospero tells her of his past at a seemingly random time
 Being stranded on an island challenges the men physically, spiritually and emotionally
o Thrust upon the island by a tempest caused by Prospero
o Catalyst for many discoveries
 Discovery of Miranda's first love
o Miranda has only known of men other than her father that treat her wrongly
o Ferdinand's fascination and infatuation with Miranda is unexpected
o "I might call him a thing divine, for nothing natural I ever saw so noble"

Fresh and intensely meaningful

 Discovery of Miranda's first love
o Miranda and Ferdinand's love is very meaningful, as it empowers her to stand on her own without her father
o "The very instant that I saw you, did my heart fly to your service."
 Prospero's realisation of a more forgiving self
o The brave decision to give up his magic and forgive the men has given Prospero a fresh start, as he returns to Milan
without his magic or his books
o "For you, most wicked sir, whom to called brother Would even infect my mouth, I do forgive thy rankest fault"
o "Now my charms are all o'erthrown, And what strength I have's mine own"

Confronting and provocative

The process of making discoveries is often challenging, as it usually demands of individuals that they reconsider their pre-
existing values and attitudes. Although the discoveries that emerge from such reflection and re-evaluation are often
uncomfortable, they are ultimately significant for their capacity to reveal to individuals a greater knowledge of themselves,
others and the world.
The power of discovery resides in its unwavering ability to provoke an emotion or action from an individual
 Miranda learns of Prospero's past and how he lost his Dukedom
o The story of Prospero's past instils fear in Miranda, as she learns of more men who have betrayed her and her father
o "Good wombs have borne bad sons" - Miranda learns that the men in her life (ie. Her uncle Antonio) have betrayed
her father, and she feels empathy for her father
 Being stranded on an island challenges the men physically, spiritually and emotionally
o It serves as a catalyst for many emotional revelations
o "Even here I will put off my hope and keep it No longer for my flatterer" - Alonso abandons hope of returning to his
son and to Naples
 Repentance - Alonso
o Alonso is so rapt with guilt that he feels that death is the only punishment
o "Their great guilt, Like poison given to work a great time after, Now 'gins to bite the spirits"
 Prospero's realisation of a more forgiving self
o Prospero's desire for revenge prevents him from discovering the restorative power of compassion and forgiveness
o 'false brother'
o "why, that’s my spirit!" -Prospero's delight in the suffering inflicted upon his enemies
o "trust … had indeed no limit" - old Prospero
o Caliban believes he punishes "for every trifle"

Lead us to new worlds and values, stimulate new ideas and enable us to speculate about future possibilities
 Miranda's discovery of life beyond the island
o Miranda is filled with a sense of wonder and awe, as she begins to speculate about the many possibilities of her future
o "O, wonder! How many goodly creatures are there here! How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world, that has
such people in’t!"
o "I am your wife, if you will marry me; if not, I'll die your maid"
 Prospero's realisation of a more forgiving self
o The brave decision to give up his magic and forgive the men has given Prospero a fresh start, and he is left to speculate
about his future in Milan
o "Now my charms are all o'erthrown, And what strength I have's mine own"

Offer new understandings and renewed perceptions of ourselves and others

 Miranda's discovery of life beyond the island
o Miranda's innocence is evident of how easily she is impressed with the many new faces on the island
o Seeing the other men on the island and their apologetic behaviour renews Miranda's faith in the world, and confirms
Ferdinand's unwavering love
o "O, wonder! How many goodly creatures are there here! How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world, that has
such people in’t!"
 Repentance - Alonso & Caliban
o Alonso feels such guilt that he no longer desires the power and authority that he once stole from Prospero
o "Thy dukedom I resign, and do entreat thou pardon me my wrongs."
 Prospero discovers forgiveness
o "The rare action is in virtue, than in vengeance"
o "Deeper than ever did plummet sound I'll drown my book"

Planning provoked by curiosity and wonder

Evoked by curiosity and wonder, deep and meaningful discoveries enable individuals to obtain a renewed understanding of
themselves and the world they live in.
Planned experiences can be manipulated by circumstance and often lead to unplanned discoveries.
 Prospero's plan for vengeance leading to discovery of forgiveness
o Prospero hadn't intended to have mercy on his enemies
o Ariel's expression of humanity influences Prospero to recall his wicked plan
o Prospero discovers his humanity and his ability to show forgiveness despite his ill intentions
o "For you, most wicked sir, whom to called brother Would even infect my mouth, I do forgive thy rankest fault"
 Ariel's discovery of freedom stemming from his year-long service to Prospero
o Ariel serves Prospero gladly in exchange for his freedom after one year
o As Prospero discovers his humanity and forgiveness, so too does he discover the freedom that Ariel deserves
o Ariel is free to discover the complexity of the world with his newfound freedom
o "All hail, great master, grave sir, hail! I come To answer thy best pleasure"
o "I shall miss thee, But yet thou shalt have freedom"

The Tempest
The Tempest as a play
Act 1
Scene 1
 The storm is a classic Shakespearean foreshadowing advice. The storm is the catalyst for Discovery throughout the entire
play
 Nature is established at the start as a powerful force and Prospero attempts to intervene and control it
 The colonial context is clear: boats, journey, destination unknown, adventure. It is human nature to explore and this was at
a peak during the age of Discovery during the Jacobean era
 The characters are facing a certain death at sea - the wider metaphor being the perils faced by adventures during this time
Scene 2
 Miranda is established as empathetic and compassionate
 Prospero wears his "magic garment" - a symbol of his adopted position of power on the island
 Prospero reveals the "foul play" that usurped him from his position of the Duke of Milan. Miranda's "heart bleeds" for the
deeds of her "false uncle'. The tone suggests betrayal.
 The collocations are words of treachery and corrupt behaviour
 The revelation about the past contributes to Miranda's immediate renewed understanding of relationships and her
worldliness grows
 Symbolic references to Jove and Neptune reflect beliefs about the universe that were popular at the time
 Ariel recounts the behaviour on the ship when confronted with serious adversity - magical elements
 The master servant relationship is introduced and could parallel the post colonial concerns with the acquisition of new
territories during the age of discovery
 Ariel is represented as the dutiful servant whose actions reflect his hope to achieve "my liberty". His story parallels many
throughout the history of mankind and stories of enslavement.
 The speech where Prospero describes Sycorax and Caliban's physical deformities can also be interpreted as a metaphor for
their moral deformity and evil nature
 "This island's mine", "which first was mine", "you do keep from me the rest of the island" - the position of those nations
and natives colonised by the British, They have had to adapt and survive and discover ways to exist. For Caliban, this
clashes morally with his attitude to Miranda. Ariel and Caliban are positioned as outsiders and juxtaposed to those in
power such as Prospero
 The natives are portrayed as brutal and uncivilised/sub human.
 Ariel's song is about transformation - a foreshadowing movement in the play
 Ferdinand suggests his eyes have been opened - a symbol for learning and the gaining of wisdom. Eyes are used as a motif.
 There is much discussion about Miranda's virginity and purity. She is on the cusp of discovering her womanhood and
feminine power
 Prospero's tone is autocratic

Act Two
Scene One
 "weigh our sorrow with our comfort" - Gonzalo is positioned as optimistic and encourages Alonso, Antonio and Sebastian
to change their perception of the situation
 “Here is everything advantageous to life.” He wants them to look at the beauty in nature, “lush”, “how green!”
 Gonzalo wants to impart and share his knowledge but the others mock him and resist altering their views. He is clearly a
Renaissance man - someone who stands for enlightenment. He rediscovers many myths and stories but this is not valued
by the others.
 Weather and nature is a recurring motif. It mirrors human behaviour and emotions.
 Juxtaposition of Gonzalo and Antonio - classic good vs evil. Antonio reveals the depths of his evil and ambition and reveals
he has no conscience. A truly Machiavellian characteristic.
 Sleeping is used as a wider metaphor for ignorance - those who don’t want to learn and grow.
 Sebastian and Antonio’s plot is ironically subhuman and uncivilised.
Scene Two
 “Near Caliban’s cave” The setting is symbolic of Caliban’s heritage. It also suggests secrecy, concealment.
 The treatment of natives is often harsh, as explored by Caliban’s soliloquy.
 The language used to describe the natives is associated with the devil. Trinculo and Stephano hope to profit from Caliban -
as the colonised nations profited from the land of the natives.
 Caliban worships Stephano, thinking he is a God. He is spiritually poor and worships a false God and alcohol.
 The island symbolises opportunity and there is much that Caliban can teach his new friends about it.
 Caliban sings of freedom, yet the irony is that his servitude continues. The oxymoron “brave monster” suggests this conflict.
 There is a moral question for the audience to consider: What does it mean to be civilised?

Act Three
Scene One
 The depths of affection between Ferdinand and Miranda continue to grow as they are in the process of discovering their
first love. There is awe and wonder in the depths of their feelings for each other.
 The transformative power of love is explored through metaphors of pregnancy and new life.
Scene 2
 Caliban reveals his hatred of Prospero “his cunning hath cheated me of the island”
 Ariel is privy to the plot to overthrow Prospero and in doing so discovers the evil threat to the balance of power on the
island. Ariel proves a most loyal slave. Stealing books would steal his power.
Scene 3
 Alonso begins his journey towards self actualisation. His character undergoes spiritual growth on the island as he processes
the assumed loss of his son Ferdinand. He reassesses what is important to him. HIs grief actually enlightens him.
 “solemn and strange music”, “bringing in a banquet”
 “Thunder and lightning” precedes Ariel’s condemnation of Alonso, Sebastian and Antonio. “You are three men of sin.”
 “the banquet vanishes” - he strips them of enjoyment and indulgences just as they have done to Prospero.
 “Incensed the seas and shores” nature motif.
Act Four
Scene 1
 Miranda grows towards independence and Ariel moves closer to achieving his autonomy.
 Iris enters. She is the Goddess of earth/harvest foreshadowing Miranda’s discovery of her womanhood and transformation
from child to wife. The language and imagery is of fertility representing her duty as a wife to bear children.
 The masque scene is indicative of the renewed interest during Renaissance times of mythology.
 Does Ferdinand discover that happiness can be found in the simplicity of the island and the love of a woman? Away from
royalty and title/status he is just a man in love with a woman. The island provides some understanding of a utopia that
exists in nature and beauty, rather than royalty and materials.
 Prospero’s famous speech outlines the impermanence of human life and existence. He presents the audience with many
philosophical questions that are yet to be answered/ discovered. Not everything in life can be explained.
 Prospero represents mankind’s journey towards understanding. The island and new world has provided the opportunity to
learn this.
 Prospero also realises that he cannot control human nature.
 Stephano and Trinculo are distracted from their murderous plot by clothes “look what a wardrobe here is”

Act Five
Scene 1
 Purification through trials and suffering. Eg. Alonso’s grieving has been cathartic. The atonement leads to harmony.
 Values have been changed and reformed through the isolation and suffering on the island.
 Redemption has healing powers as Prospero becomes human again, leaving his magic behind. “Being awake” confirms he is
ready to be awakened and enlightened.
 “I do forgive thy rankest fault” Prospero is now fully human again.
 The chess game reinforces the strategy and manipulation of Prospero and Ariel on the island.
 “How beauteous mankind is!”, “O brave new world” Miranda is exhaultant at her new perspective and maturation.
 Prospero admits his poor treatment of Caliban and that he was motivated by “darkness.”
 Prospero’s language becomes increasingly reflective and meditative as he embraces his humanity without his magic.
 The mood is calm and contrasts with the opening of the play.
 The characters have been stripped bare.
 The play concludes with a final rediscovery of relationships as well as social order. There is a renewed understanding of
what it means to be human and our responsibility to each other and to nature.

Life of Pi
Syllabus themes
Pi's journey begins with his abandonment at sea.
Pi's discovery is a solitary experience.

Rediscovery - lost, forgotten or concealed

 Rediscovers hope and spirituality
o Pi rediscovers this through Richard Parker
o The presence of Richard Parker, though initially terrifying, eventually soothes him and saves him from utter existential
loneliness.
o "Without Richard Parker I wouldn’t be alive today" alludes to his self-discovery as Martel conveys the need for
persistence from Pi in order to survive the distress encapsulating him at sea
o “It is true that those we meet can change us, sometimes so profoundly that we are not the same afterwards, even
unto our names.”

Sudden and unexpected

 Sudden shipwreck leaves Pi stranded on the ocean, vulnerable and weak
o “I could not stay in the position I was in forever” – realising that staying helpless and weak in the middle of the ocean
served no beneficial purpose
Fresh and intensely meaningful
 Self-discovery of values, inner strength and the human will to survive
o "I gripped the railing and faced the elements. This was adventure … I felt very brave"
o "Something in me did not want to give up on life, was unwilling to let go, wanted to fight to the very end."

Confronting and provocative

 Storm serves as a catalyst for discovery
o Storm also represents Pi's great suffering
o The audience is swept away on the journey of discovery and forced to reflect on the metaphorical significance of the
scene and its relevance to their real lives
o "I stood nailed to the spot, frightened and incredulous and ignorant of what I should do next"
 Moral dilemma
o Vegetarian lifestyle challenges him emotionally

Lead us to new worlds and values, stimulate new ideas and enable us to speculate about future possibilities
 Pi has left his comfort zone and must now discover his own values and beliefs in order to navigate and survive the 'sea of
life'.
 Spiritual discovery
o Suffering was an unavoidable occurrence in life
o "So as long as God is with me, I will not die."

Offer new understandings and renewed perceptions of ourselves and others

 Provoked by the storm, Pi accepts the fate of his death
o "I had to get back to the world, or die trying"
o "By the next morning I had lost all fear of death, and I resolved to die"
o “I suppose in the end, the whole of life becomes an act of letting go”
o "It's no use. Today I die. I will die today. I die"

Life of Pi
Themes, motifs & symbols
Themes
The will to live
 A story about struggling to survive through seemingly insurmountable odds
 The shipwrecked inhabitants of the little lifeboat don’t simply acquiesce to their fate: they actively fight against it
 As Martel makes clear in his novel, living creatures will often do extraordinary, unexpected, and sometimes heroic things to
survive
 At the end of the novel, when Pi raises the possibility that the fierce tiger, Richard Parker, is actually an aspect of his own
personality, and that Pi himself is responsible for some of the horrific events he has narrated, the reader is forced to decide
just what kinds of actions are acceptable in a life-or-death situation

The importance of story telling

 One version may be factually true, but the other has an emotional or thematic truth that the other cannot approach
 Storytelling is a means of survival
 By creating the character of Richard Parker, Pi can disavow the ferocious, violent side of his personality that allowed him to
survive on the ocean
 He believes that the tiger-like aspect of his nature and the civilized, human aspect stand in tense opposition and occasional
partnership with one another, just as the boy Pi and the tiger Richard Parker are both enemies and allies

The nature of religious belief

 Storytelling and religious belief are two closely linked ideas in the novel
 To him, the important thing is to believe in something, and Pi can appreciate an atheist’s ability to believe in the absence of
God with no concrete proof of that absence

Motifs
Territorial dominance
 If Richard Parker is seen as an aspect of Pi’s own personality, the notion that a distinct boundary can be erected between
the two represents Pi’s need to disavow the violent, animalistic side of his nature

Hunger and thirst

 The repeated struggles against hunger and thirst illustrate the sharp difference between Pi’s former life and his current one
on the boat
 His transition from modern civilization to the more primitive existence on the open sea is marked by his attitudes toward
fish.
 As time goes on, Pi’s increasing comfort with eating meat signals his embrace of his new life.

Ritual
 Throughout the novel, characters achieve comfort through the practice of rituals
 Without rituals, routines, and habits, the novel implies, people feel uneasy and unmoored
 Rituals give structure to abstract ideas and emotions—in other words, ritual is an alternate form of storytelling

Symbols
Pi
 Pi has so many decimal places that the human mind can’t accurately comprehend it, just as, the book argues, some realities
are too difficult or troubling to face
 These associations establish the character Pi as more than just a realistic protagonist; he also is an allegorical figure with
multiple layers of meaning

The colour orange

 In Life of Pi, the colour orange symbolizes hope and survival
 Orange cat recalls big orange cat (Richard Parker), orange whistle on the lifejacket, orange lifebuoy on the boat - all help Pi
survive his days at sea
 Orange Juice - orang-utan provides emotion support

Life of Pi
Life of Pi as a book
Narrative device distances the reader from the truth. We don't know whether Pi's story is accurate or what pieces to believe.
This effect is intentional; throughout Pi emphasizes the importance of choosing the better story, believing that imagination
trumps cold, hard facts. In his interviews with the Japanese investigators after his rescue, he offers first the more fanciful
version of his time at sea. But, at their behest, he then provides an alternative version that is more realistic but ultimately less
appealing to both himself and his questioners. The structure of the novel both illustrates Pi’s defining characteristic, his
dependence on and love of stories, and highlights the inherent difficulties in trusting his version of events.

The disaster serves as the catalyst in his emotional growth; he must now become self-sufficient. Though he mourns the loss of
his family and fears for his life, he rises to the challenge. The devastating shipwreck turns Pi into an adult, able to fend for
himself out in the world alone.

Questioning his own values, he decides that his vegetarianism is a luxury under the conditions and learns to fish.

Pi’s belief in God inspires him as a child and helps sustain him while at sea. In Pondicherry, his atheistic biology teacher
challenges his Hindu faith in God, making him realize the positive power of belief, the need to overcome the otherwise
bleakness of the universe. His burgeoning need for spiritual connection deepens while at sea. Throughout his adventure, he
prays regularly, which provides him with solace, a sense of connection to something greater, and a way to pass the time.

Richard Parker symbolizes Pi’s most animalistic instincts. Out on the lifeboat, Pi must perform many actions to stay alive that
he would have found unimaginable in his normal life. Parker is the version of himself that Pi has invented to make his story
more palatable, both to himself and to his audience.