When Ferdinand first sees Miranda in act 1, scene 2, of Shakespeare's The Tempest, he mistakes her for a goddess of the isle on which he has been shipwrecked. He is shocked to see another living soul on what he had taken for a deserted island and delighted that they speak the same language. Almost immediately, he casts off thoughts of his drowned father in order to ask if Miranda is a maid. Ferdinand's infatuation at first sight could be due partly to shock, but in this introductory scene there is also a hint that he admires the qualities listed in your question. Ferdinand is a prince and accustomed to court and courtly ladies. He mistakes Miranda for a goddess not because she is so glamorous—she isn't—but because he's never seen a woman so earthy, natural, and free.
The best textual examples of Ferdinand's love for Miranda being based on her innocence, gentle nature, and unselfishness can be found in their next scene together, act 3, scene 1. In Ferdinand's speech that opens the scene, he calls Miranda "gentle creature." In the courting scene that follows between the two of them, Miranda's actions repeatedly betray the fact that she is ignorant of the ways of the world and the rules of courtly love, while Ferdinand grows more and more charmed by her and exclaims about her perfection. This is the scene to look at when harvesting your quotes for this assignment.
Friday, October 27, 2017
Miranda's appeal lies in her sweet innocence, gentle nature, and pure, unselfish love for Ferdinand. Referring closely to the text, bring out the truth of this statement.
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