Question

The Tempest, Lines 9-19: Based on the exchange between the boatswain and passengers in these lines, infer how the boatswain feels about his passengers and explain how you can tell. What can you infer about the characters of Alonso, Antonio, and Gonzalo? What evidence supports your inference?

Answer 1

Answer:

The Tempest written by Wiilliam Shakespeare and first performed in 1611, is the story of an exiled ruler.

Explanation:

In Act I, Scene i, we are introduced with the character "Boatswain" a commoner and the noble characters, whose names are not mentioned but introduced later in the play. The story begins with the characters stuck in the middle of the raging storm. Boatswain and his crew, in the lines 9-19 are trying to save the ship and commands the nobles to go under-deck.

"ALONSO

Good Boatswain, have care. Where’s the Master?

Play the men

BOATSWAIN

I pray now, keep below."

The nobles get offended by the rudeness of the commoner "Boatswain."

GONZALO

Good, yet remember whom thou hast aboard.

Boatswain's main motive is to save the ship regardless of who his passengers are.

"BOATSWAIN

None that I more love than myself. You are a councilor. If you can command these elements to silence and work the peace of the present, we will not hand a rope more. Use your authority. If you cannot, give thanks you have lived so long and make yourself ready in your cabin for the mischance of the hour, if it so hap.—Cheerly, good hearts!—Out of our way, I say."