Question

question 20 of 20
in shakespeares the tempest, prosperos dukedom is taken from him, and he is set adrift. gonzalo, however, provides him with not only clothing and food, but also books prospero prized above his dukedom. prospero then proceeds to teach both miranda and caliban from his books and to take charge of the island.
this backstory illustrates which two central themes in the play?
a. the power of the supernatural and the value of travel
b. the desire to rule and the value of knowledge
c. betrayal and the difficulty of distinguishing heroes from monsters
d. the imperialist attitude and the questionable value of freedom

Explanation:

• Desire to rule: Prospero takes charge of the island, showing a desire for authority.
• Value of knowledge: He prizes his books (knowledge) above his dukedom and teaches from them.
• Option A: No mention of supernatural power or travel value in the backstory.
• Option C: No betrayal or hero - monster distinction focus here.
• Option D: No imperialist attitude or freedom - value questioning shown.

Answer:

B. The desire to rule and the value of knowledge