The inference that can be made by reading these lines from Shakespeare's <em>The Tempest</em> is that Prospero uses bullying and intimidation to control Caliban. <u>The correct answer is C.</u>
Explanation:
According to these lines, Prospero uses all these threatens ("<em>to-night thou shalt have cramps, / Side-stitches that shall pen thy breath up / thou shalt be pinch'd / As thick as honeycomb, each pinch more / stinging</em>") as a method to control Caliban. By explaining with details how Caliban is going to feel in his body the consequences of his acts, Prospero intends to guide Caliban's behaviour.
The pun is related to the same pronunciation of the words <em>Ernest</em> and <em>earnest </em>which means<em> serious commited, dedicated </em>and etc. The pun is connected to the serious issue of choosing the right significant other, someone you can trust that is dedicated to you (<em>an earnest husband/wife</em>).<em> </em>