Introduction
The play begins in Milan, where Prospero, the Duke, is buried among the parchments of his library, studying the magical arts. His brother Antonio, however, feels that what Milan needs is not a wizard but a decent Duke, and Antonio thinks he knows just who that should be.
PROSPERO, Duke of Milan, a keen student of spells and enchantments, was so wrapped up in his books of lore that his brother Antonio thought the duchy would be better in other hands. So he conspired with Alonso, King of Naples, to have Prospero and his three-year-old daughter Miranda taken out to sea, and set adrift.
Fortunately, Prospero and little Miranda landed safely on a remote island; and fortunately, it was not entirely uninhabited. A miserable creature named Caliban, whose mother Sycorax had once held the island under her spells, still lived there, and grudgingly he helped Prospero and Miranda to settle.
Twelve years passed. Then one day, a tremendous storm lashed the island, summoned up by Prospero with the aid of Ariel, a spirit he had released from Sycorax’s enchantments. This great tempest had one purpose: his brother Antonio, with King Alonso and Alonso’s son Ferdinand, were all nearby in a ship, and Prospero meant to bring them ashore.
Précis
Prospero was ousted as Duke of Milan by his envious brother Antonio, and marooned together with his baby daughter Miranda on a remote island. However, Prospero knew something of magic, and with the help of a friendly sprite Ariel not only survived, but contrived to have his enemies brought to the island twelve years later. (55 / 60 words)
Prospero was ousted as Duke of Milan by his envious brother Antonio, and marooned together with his baby daughter Miranda on a remote island. However, Prospero knew something of magic, and with the help of a friendly sprite Ariel not only survived, but contrived to have his enemies brought to the island twelve years later.
Variations: 1.increase the length of this precis to exactly 60 words. 2.reduce the length of this precis to exactly 50 words. 3.introduce one of the following words into the precis: about, although, despite, or, otherwise, unless, whereas, whether.
Word Games
Sevens Based on this passage
Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.
Variations: 1.expand your answer to exactly fourteen words. 2.expand your answer further, to exactly twenty-one words. 3.include one of the following words in your answer: if, but, despite, because, (al)though, unless.
Jigsaws Based on this passage
Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.
Post Box : Ask Nicholas
Grok : Ask Grok
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