How Shakespeare Presents the Encounter between Ferdinand and Miranda from Lines 450-499

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How Shakespeare Presents the Encounter between Ferdinand and

Miranda from Lines 450-499

The encounter between Miranda and Ferdinand in lines 450-499 of The

Tempest is presented using three characters, Miranda, Ferdinand, and

Prospero. Miranda and Ferdinand have fallen in love at first sight to

Prospero’s delight, though he doesn’t want them to fall in love too

quickly or interfere with his plans, so he lies to Miranda about

Ferdinand’s unworthiness and then charms Ferdinand from moving.

Miranda is presented as a helpless damsel distressed by the way her

father handled this situation.

“If the ill spirit have so fair a house,

Good things will strive to dwell with’t”

These are Miranda’s first words in these lines saying that physical

beauty is a sign of proper morals and righteousness. This was an axiom

during the renaissance period, hinting that she is only wise enough to

state the obvious argument.

After Ferdinand is charmed from moving she says,

“He’s gentle and not fearful.”

This sounding like she ...

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