The Tempest – from Act 3 Scene 1, lines 42 to 73
In this extract, Ferdinand is talking to Miranda.
FERDINAND
For several virtues
Have I liked several women – never any
With so full soul, but some defect in her
Did quarrel with the noblest grace she owed, 45
And put it to the foil. But you – o you,
So perfect and so peerless – are created
Of every creature’s best!
MIRANDA
I do not know
One of my sex – no woman’s face remember,
Save, from my glass, mine own. Nor have I seen 50
More that I may call men than you, good friend,
And my dear father. How features are abroad,
I am skilless of – but, by my modesty,
The jewel in my dower, I would not wish
Any companion in the world but you – 55
Nor can imagination form a shape,
Besides yourself, to like of. But I prattle
Something too wildly, and my father’s precepts
I therein do forget.
FERDINAND
I am, in my condition,
A prince, Miranda: I do think, a King – 60
I would not so! – and would no more endure
This wooden slavery than to suffer
The flesh-fly blow my mouth. Hear my soul speak:
The very instant that I saw you, did
My heart fly to your service – there resides, 65
To make me slave to it – and for your sake
Am I this patient log-man.
MIRANDA
Do you love me?
FERDINAND
O heaven, O earth, bear witness to this sound
And crown what I profess with kind event,
If I speak true! If hollowly, invert 70
What best is boded me to mischief! I,
Beyond all limit of what else i’the world,
Do love, prize, honour you.

Explore how Shakespeare presents the character of Ferdinand in this extract.
Refer closely to the extract in your answer.

In this extract from Act 3 Scene 1 of Shakespeare’s play The Tempest, Ferdinand is expressing his deep admiration for Miranda. Throughout his speech, Shakespeare presents Ferdinand as a noble and romantic character, who is overcome with love for Miranda.

At the beginning of his speech, Ferdinand reflects on his past experiences with women, stating that he has liked several women, but never with such intensity as he does Miranda. He says, “For several virtues have I liked several women – never any with so full soul, but some defect in her did quarrel with the noblest grace she owed, and put it to the foil” (lines 42-45).