The Tempest | William Shakespeare

“The Tempest” is a play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written in 1610–1611, and thought by many critics to be the last play that Shakespeare wrote alone. Here’s a summary:

Act I: The play begins with a violent storm, a tempest, that wrecks a ship carrying the King of Naples and his entourage. The storm was conjured by Prospero, the former Duke of Milan, who now lives on a remote island with his daughter Miranda. Prospero tells Miranda the story of how his brother Antonio betrayed him and overthrew him, leading to their exile on the island. With the help of his magical powers and a spirit named Ariel, Prospero has brought the ship to the island.

Act II: The survivors of the shipwreck are scattered around the island. They include Antonio, the King of Naples, and other nobles. Antonio and Sebastian, the King’s brother, plot to kill the King, but Ariel thwarts their plan. Meanwhile, the King’s son Ferdinand meets and falls in love with Miranda.

Act III: Ariel leads Ferdinand to Prospero, and he and Miranda continue to fall in love. Elsewhere on the island, Caliban, another inhabitant of the island who is in servitude to Prospero, plots with two drunkards, Stephano and Trinculo, to overthrow Prospero.

Act IV: Prospero creates a magical show for Ferdinand and Miranda but then becomes angry, reminding them of the importance of chastity before marriage. He then tells Ariel to prepare for the confrontation with his enemies. Meanwhile, Caliban’s plot to kill Prospero is foiled.

Act V: Prospero confronts his enemies and forgives them, revealing his true identity. He renounces his magic and declares that he will return to Milan to reclaim his dukedom. Ferdinand and Miranda’s love is revealed to their families, leading to celebration. Caliban regrets his actions, and Prospero sets Ariel free.

Epilogue: In a closing soliloquy, Prospero speaks directly to the audience, asking for their applause to set him free from the island, as he has given up his magical powers.

“The Tempest” explores themes of power, betrayal, forgiveness, and redemption. It’s often seen as a reflection on art and the artist, with Prospero’s control over the island and its inhabitants symbolizing the creative power of the playwright.

Quotes

“We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep.” (Act IV, Scene I)

“Full fathom five thy father lies; Of his bones are coral made; Those are pearls that were his eyes: Nothing of him that doth fade, But doth suffer a sea-change Into something rich and strange.” (Act I, Scene II)

“O brave new world, That has such people in’t!” (Act V, Scene I)

“Hell is empty and all the devils are here.” (Act I, Scene II)

“The rarer action is in virtue than in vengeance.” (Act V, Scene I)

“You do look, my son, in a moved sort, as if you were dismayed: be cheerful, sir.” (Act I, Scene II)

“You taught me language; and my profit on’t is, I know how to curse.” (Act I, Scene II)

“I would not wish any companion in the world but you.” (Act III, Scene I)

“This thing of darkness I Acknowledge mine.” (Act V, Scene I)

“Now would I give a thousand furlongs of sea for an acre of barren ground.” (Act I, Scene I)

“Good wombs have borne bad sons.” (Act I, Scene II)

“What’s past is prologue.” (Act II, Scene I)

“Misery acquaints a man with strange bedfellows.” (Act II, Scene II)

“Be not afeard; the isle is full of noises, Sounds and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not.” (Act III, Scene II)

“My library was dukedom large enough.” (Act I, Scene II)

“I’ll break my staff, bury it certain fathoms in the earth, and deeper than did ever plummet sound I’ll drown my book.” (Act V, Scene I)

“All things in common nature should produce Without sweat or endeavor.” (Act II, Scene I)

“I am your wife, if you will marry me; If not, I’ll die your maid.” (Act III, Scene I)

“Do not infest your mind with beating on The strangeness of this business; at picked leisure Which shall be shortly, single I’ll resolve you, Which to you shall seem probable, of every These happened accidents.” (Act I, Scene II)

“But this swift business I must uneasy make, lest too light winning Make the prize light.” (Act I, Scene II)

Characters

Prospero – The rightful Duke of Milan who has become a powerful magician.
Miranda – Prospero’s daughter, who has been stranded on the island since she was a child.
Ariel – A spirit who serves Prospero and helps him carry out his plans.
Caliban – The son of a witch, Sycorax, and an inhabitant of the island, now in servitude to Prospero.
Ferdinand – The Prince of Naples and son of King Alonso. He falls in love with Miranda.
Alonso – The King of Naples.
Antonio – Prospero’s brother, who usurped his position as Duke of Milan.
Sebastian – Alonso’s brother, who plots with Antonio.
Gonzalo – An honest and kind old councilor.
Trinculo – A jester.
Stephano – A drunken butler.
Boatswain – An officer on the ship.
Ship’s Master – The commander of the ship that wrecks in the storm.

Themes

Power and Control

Throughout the play, various characters seek, use, and abuse power. Prospero’s control over the island and its inhabitants, including Ariel and Caliban, reflects a larger exploration of authority and dominion.

Prospero’s Mastery: As the rightful Duke of Milan, Prospero was betrayed by his brother Antonio and stripped of his political power. On the isolated island, he becomes a master of magic, gaining control over the island’s supernatural inhabitants, such as Ariel, and the natural environment itself, as seen in the tempest he conjures to shipwreck his enemies. His power extends to his control over his daughter Miranda and the native islander Caliban. This dominion represents a complex mixture of wisdom, benevolence, manipulation, and tyranny.

Caliban’s Subjugation: The character of Caliban represents another facet of power and control. He is portrayed as a “savage” native of the island, and Prospero’s relationship with him is one of master and slave. This dynamic is central to the play’s exploration of colonization and the “civilizing” mission, where power is exercised not just through physical coercion but also through language and education. Caliban’s resistance to Prospero’s authority is a significant element of his character.

Ariel’s Servitude: Ariel’s relationship with Prospero is more collaborative than Caliban’s, yet it’s still defined by control and subservience. Ariel serves Prospero in the hope of gaining freedom, following his commands and playing a crucial role in enacting Prospero’s plans. Ariel’s desire for freedom and Prospero’s eventual granting of it are pivotal to the play’s development.

Political Power and Betrayal: The theme of power extends to the political realm, with the play exploring betrayal and usurpation. Antonio’s overthrow of Prospero, as well as the plotting between Antonio and Sebastian to kill King Alonso, highlights the fragility and corruptibility of political power.

Magic as a Metaphor for Power: Prospero’s magic can be seen as a broader metaphor for the power of creativity, imagination, and art itself. His control over the characters and the island’s environment is akin to a playwright’s control over the world of a play, blurring the lines between creation and manipulation.

Renunciation of Power: In the end, Prospero’s renunciation of his magical powers and his forgiveness of his enemies reflect a conscious choice to relinquish control. This act of renunciation is open to various interpretations and symbolizes a return to a more humane and compassionate form of authority.

Colonialism and Imperialism

The relationship between Prospero and Caliban has been interpreted by some critics as a symbol of European colonization. Caliban’s subjugation and “civilizing” can be seen as reflecting the dynamics of colonial power.

Caliban’s Subjugation: Caliban, the native inhabitant of the island, symbolizes the indigenous populations that were often subjugated during European colonization. His enslavement by Prospero and forced assimilation (learning Prospero’s language and adopting his customs) can be read as a representation of the cultural imposition that often accompanied colonial rule.

Prospero as a Colonial Ruler: Prospero’s control over the island and its inhabitants mirrors the way European powers exerted control over colonized lands and people. His use of magic to dominate the island’s resources and inhabitants can be seen as a metaphor for technological superiority often used to justify and facilitate colonization.

The “Civilizing Mission”: The relationship between Prospero and Caliban also reflects the paternalistic attitude that colonizers often had toward indigenous people, viewing them as “savage” or “uncivilized” and in need of guidance and education. Prospero’s teaching of language to Caliban and his attempts to “civilize” him are emblematic of this aspect of colonialism.

Resistance and Rebellion: Caliban’s resistance to Prospero’s authority, including his plot with Stephano and Trinculo to overthrow Prospero, reflects the theme of rebellion against colonial rule. Caliban’s defiance and his longing for autonomy can be seen as a symbol of anti-colonial struggle.

Cultural Exchange and Ambiguity: While the play certainly reflects colonial dynamics, some interpretations also point to a more complex and ambivalent relationship between Prospero and Caliban. Moments of empathy, understanding, and even interdependence can be seen in their interactions, suggesting a more nuanced depiction of cultural exchange and influence.

The Island as a Blank Slate: The remote island serves as a “blank slate” upon which Prospero imposes his will, reminiscent of how colonizers often viewed newly discovered lands. The island’s ambiguity and malleability contribute to its symbolic resonance as a site of colonization and contestation.

The Legacy of the Play in Postcolonial Studies: “The Tempest” has been reinterpreted and adapted by various postcolonial writers and scholars to critique and explore the legacy of colonization. Works like Aimé Césaire’s “Une Tempête” directly engage with “The Tempest” to provide a more explicit anti-colonial perspective.

Magic and Illusion

Magic serves as a central motif in the play, symbolizing both creativity and manipulation. It allows Prospero to control others and can be seen as an allegory for the art of theater itself, where illusion and reality are constantly intertwined.

Prospero’s Magic: Prospero’s mastery of magic allows him to control the elements and the supernatural beings of the island, particularly Ariel. This control is central to the unfolding of the play’s plot, allowing Prospero to manipulate the other characters and guide them toward his desired outcomes. His magic staff and books are symbols of this power.

Magic as a Tool: Magic in “The Tempest” is a tool for both creation and manipulation. Prospero uses it to create the storm that shipwrecks his enemies, but also to create illusions, such as the magical banquet or the illusion of Ferdinand and Miranda playing chess. These illusions serve to test, teach, or manipulate other characters.

The Art of Theater: The theme of magic and illusion is closely tied to the theatrical nature of the play itself. Just as Prospero controls the illusions on the island, the playwright controls the illusions on the stage. This connection between magic and art can be seen as a reflection on the nature of theater, creativity, and storytelling.

Illusion vs. Reality: The play constantly blurs the lines between illusion and reality, challenging the audience’s perceptions. Characters are deceived by magical apparitions, and the audience is led to question what is real and what is illusion. This theme extends to larger questions about the nature of existence and perception.

Magic as a Metaphor for Power: Beyond its literal presence in the plot, magic also serves as a metaphor for various forms of power, including political authority, intellectual mastery, and artistic creation. Prospero’s control over magic symbolizes his control over the world around him, both physically and morally.

Transformation and Healing: Magic in “The Tempest” is also associated with transformation and healing. Ariel’s songs and the magical effects they produce help guide the characters towards reconciliation and self-discovery. The restorative power of magic is central to the play’s themes of forgiveness and renewal.

The Ethical Dimensions of Magic: Prospero’s use of magic raises ethical questions about control, manipulation, and free will. His control over Ariel and Caliban, as well as his manipulation of his human enemies, leads to debates about the morality of using such power, even for ostensibly noble ends.

Renunciation of Magic: In the end, Prospero’s renunciation of magic symbolizes a return to a more natural and human state. By breaking his staff and drowning his book, he rejects the extraordinary power that magic gives him, embracing instead the complexities and limitations of human existence.

Betrayal and Revenge

The theme of betrayal runs deep, with several characters, including Antonio and Sebastian, engaging in plots and schemes. Prospero himself seeks revenge for his brother’s betrayal, though he eventually chooses forgiveness.

Prospero’s Betrayal: The central betrayal in the play is Prospero’s betrayal by his brother Antonio, who usurped his dukedom with the help of King Alonso. This act sets the events of the play in motion, as Prospero’s thirst for revenge leads him to conjure the storm that brings his enemies to the island.

Antonio’s Continuing Treachery: Antonio’s treachery is not confined to his betrayal of Prospero. On the island, he also conspires with Sebastian to kill King Alonso and take his throne. His actions underscore the theme of ambition leading to betrayal, a recurring motif in Shakespeare’s works.

Caliban’s Betrayal: Feeling subjugated and mistreated, Caliban betrays Prospero by plotting with Stephano and Trinculo to kill him. This subplot mirrors the larger themes of betrayal and revenge in the play, adding complexity and nuance to the portrayal of these themes.

Desire for Revenge: Much of the play’s tension stems from Prospero’s desire for revenge against those who wronged him. He uses his magic to manipulate and torment his enemies, leading them through a series of trials and illusions. His carefully orchestrated plan reflects a calculated and determined pursuit of vengeance.

Moral Complexity: The theme of betrayal and revenge raises ethical questions about justice, morality, and the human tendency to seek retribution. While the audience may sympathize with Prospero’s desire for revenge, his methods and the extent of his manipulation can also be viewed critically.

Reconciliation and Forgiveness: In the end, the theme of revenge gives way to a higher theme of forgiveness and reconciliation. Prospero’s decision to forgive his enemies rather than continue to seek revenge represents a significant character transformation. It also elevates the play’s conclusion, turning it into a story of human redemption and the power of mercy.

Reflection on Human Nature: The betrayals and conspiracies within “The Tempest” offer a reflection on human nature, ambition, and the corrosive effects of power. The characters’ actions and motivations provide insights into the complexities of trust, loyalty, and the moral choices that people face.

Interconnectedness of Betrayal: The various acts of betrayal in the play are interconnected, reflecting a web of human relationships and the ripple effects of treachery. From familial betrayal to political conspiracy, the multifaceted depiction of betrayal paints a complex picture of human interactions.

Forgiveness and Redemption

The play explores the power of forgiveness and the possibility of redemption. Despite his desire for vengeance, Prospero ultimately forgives those who wronged him, highlighting a human capacity for compassion and growth.

Prospero’s Transformation: At the heart of the theme of forgiveness is Prospero’s own transformation from a figure consumed by revenge to one who forgives his enemies. Though he initially seeks to punish those who betrayed him, his ultimate decision to forgive represents a profound moral journey.

The Tempest as a Test: Prospero’s conjuring of the tempest can be seen as a test for both himself and his enemies. While it initially serves his desire for revenge, it also leads the characters (including Prospero) through a series of trials that culminate in self-awareness, repentance, and forgiveness.

Reconciliation with Antonio and Alonso: Prospero’s forgiveness extends to his brother Antonio and King Alonso, both central figures in his betrayal and loss of the dukedom. Despite their wrongdoings, Prospero’s decision to forgive them exemplifies the play’s larger theme of mercy triumphing over vengeance.

The Romance Between Ferdinand and Miranda: The love story between Prospero’s daughter Miranda and Ferdinand, the son of King Alonso, symbolizes reconciliation between families and the possibility of a fresh start. Their union is emblematic of healing and the joining of formerly divided parties.

Caliban’s Redemption: The relationship between Prospero and Caliban is fraught with tension and antagonism, but by the play’s conclusion, there is a sense of understanding and forgiveness, as Prospero acknowledges Caliban’s right to the island and Caliban recognizes his own folly.

Ariel’s Role in Forgiveness: Ariel, Prospero’s magical servant, plays a significant role in the theme of forgiveness. Ariel’s compassion and his gentle urging for Prospero to forgive his enemies contribute to Prospero’s transformation. Ariel’s own desire for freedom and Prospero’s eventual granting of it reinforce the theme of mercy and liberation.

Renunciation of Magic: Prospero’s renunciation of magic is symbolic of his full embrace of forgiveness and humanity. By giving up the power that allowed him to control and manipulate others, he chooses a path of compassion, empathy, and human connection.

A Universal Message: The theme of forgiveness in “The Tempest” transcends the specific circumstances of the characters and speaks to a universal human experience. It explores the difficult process of forgiving serious wrongs and illustrates the healing and redemptive power of forgiveness.

Contrast with Other Themes: The theme of forgiveness stands in stark contrast to the themes of power, betrayal, and revenge. This juxtaposition enriches the play’s complexity and allows for a multifaceted exploration of human emotions and moral choices.

Nature vs. Nurture

The contrasting characters of Ariel and Caliban raise questions about innate nature versus upbringing and education. The debate over civilization versus wildness also extends to a broader exploration of human nature.

Ariel and Caliban: The contrasting characters of Ariel and Caliban represent different aspects of the nature versus nurture debate. Ariel’s ethereal and obedient nature contrasts sharply with Caliban’s earthy and rebellious character. These differences raise questions about whether personality and behavior are determined by inherent nature or environmental influences.

Caliban’s Education: Caliban’s upbringing under Prospero’s guidance further illustrates the theme of nature versus nurture. Despite Prospero’s efforts to educate and “civilize” Caliban, he remains resistant and retains his “wild” nature. This tension between education and innate character prompts a deeper examination of what shapes an individual.

Civilization vs. Wildness: The island itself embodies the dichotomy between civilization and wildness. The shipwrecked courtiers, representing European civilization, are contrasted with the untamed, magical nature of the island and its inhabitants. The play explores how civilization can both elevate and corrupt, while wildness can be both innocent and chaotic.

Miranda’s Innocence: Miranda’s innocence and purity, having been raised away from the corrupting influences of the court, reflect the theme of nature versus nurture from another angle. Her untainted view of humanity provides a counterpoint to the more cynical and power-driven perspectives of the other characters.

The Influence of Power: The theme also extends to the question of how power and control can shape character and behavior. Prospero’s dominion over the island and its inhabitants allows him to manipulate their actions and perceptions, raising questions about free will and the extent to which environment and control can influence identity.

Transformation and Redemption: The characters undergo significant transformations throughout the play, influenced by both the magical environment of the island and their inner nature. These transformations highlight the interplay between inherent qualities and external influences, contributing to the play’s exploration of personal growth and redemption.

Literary and Philosophical Context: The theme of nature versus nurture reflects broader intellectual debates of Shakespeare’s time, including discussions about human nature, ethics, education, and the role of civilization. The play’s nuanced exploration of this theme offers a rich literary contribution to these ongoing questions.

Ambiguity and Complexity: The play does not offer simple answers to the nature versus nurture debate but rather explores the complexity and ambiguity of human character and motivation. The interplay between nature and nurture is portrayed as a dynamic and multifaceted relationship, contributing to the play’s enduring relevance and depth.

Criticisms

Colonialism and Imperialism: Some critics have interpreted the play as an allegory for European colonialism, especially given its portrayal of the relationship between Prospero and Caliban. The subjugation and “civilizing” of Caliban has been seen by some as a metaphor for the colonization and exploitation of native peoples.

Characterization of Caliban: Caliban’s portrayal as a savage and deformed slave has led to debates about race and otherness in Shakespeare’s works. Some view the character as a stereotype that reflects racist attitudes of the time, while others interpret him more sympathetically as a symbol of resistance to colonization.

Gender Roles: Miranda’s role in the play has been a subject of feminist critique. Her lack of agency, innocence, and dependence on her father have led to debates about the representation of women and gender roles in Shakespeare’s time.

Magic and Art: Prospero’s use of magic has been both lauded for its poetic symbolism and criticized for its potential associations with deceit and manipulation. The play’s exploration of illusion and art has led some to view “The Tempest” as a reflection on the nature of theater itself.

Romanticization of Power: Some critics have taken issue with the play’s resolution, particularly Prospero’s forgiveness of those who wronged him and his ultimate restoration to power. This has been interpreted by some as an uncritical endorsement of monarchical authority and social hierarchy.

Linguistic Complexity: While many admire Shakespeare’s poetic language, others find “The Tempest” to be dense and challenging, particularly in its use of symbolism and allegory. This has led to differing opinions about the play’s accessibility and effectiveness.

The Genre: “The Tempest” is often classified as a romance, but it includes elements of tragedy, comedy, and masque as well. This blending of genres has led to various interpretations and disagreements over the play’s categorization and thematic coherence.

Adaptations and Interpretations: Various adaptations and modern retellings of “The Tempest” have sparked debates about the play’s meaning and relevance. Some have appreciated innovative interpretations, while others feel that they stray too far from Shakespeare’s original intent.

Prospero’s Renunciation of Magic: Prospero’s decision to give up magic has been interpreted in numerous ways, leading to both admiration and criticism. Some view it as a noble act of renunciation, while others see it as an abandonment of a powerful symbol of creativity and imagination.

Summary of The Tempest

Act 1, Scene 1

Setting: A tempestuous noise of thunder and lightning is heard. The scene is set on a ship at sea, caught in a violent storm (the titular tempest).

Characters:

• The Shipmaster
• Boatswain
• Alonso, King of Naples
• Sebastian, his brother
• Antonio, Prospero’s brother and the usurping Duke of Milan
• Ferdinand, son of the King of Naples
• Gonzalo, an honest old councilor

Action:

• The scene opens with the ship’s crew working frantically to keep the ship afloat during the storm. The Boatswain shouts orders to the mariners, trying to navigate through the tempest.
• Alonso, Sebastian, Antonio, Ferdinand, and Gonzalo come on deck. Their nobility clashes with the rough manners of the Boatswain, who is trying to save the ship.
• The Boatswain demands that the noblemen return below deck, arguing that their interference is making the crew’s work more difficult.
• Gonzalo tries to maintain a sense of calm and order but also expresses fear for their lives.
• The noblemen and Gonzalo pray for mercy, fearing the ship will be wrecked.
• The scene ends with a cry that the ship is splitting apart, and everyone prepares to sink. The stage direction notes that they all exit, presumably to try to save themselves as the ship goes down.

Significance:

• This opening scene sets the tone for the entire play, introducing the tempest that gives the play its name and bringing the characters to the island where the rest of the action will unfold.
• The tempest is later revealed to have been magically conjured by Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, as part of his plan to regain his dukedom and restore his daughter Miranda to her rightful place.
• The conflict between the social hierarchy (the noblemen) and practical concerns (the Boatswain) hints at larger themes in the play, including power, control, and the relationship between the natural and civilized worlds.

The scene is brief but intense, filled with action and chaos that propels the plot forward. The storm serves as a catalyst for the events of the play, bringing the characters to Prospero’s island and setting the stage for the unfolding drama.

Act 2, Scene 1

Setting: Another part of the island.

Characters:

• Alonso, King of Naples
• Sebastian, his brother
• Antonio, Prospero’s brother and the usurping Duke of Milan
• Gonzalo, an honest old councilor
• Adrian and Francisco, lords
• Other attendees

Action:

• Gonzalo attempts to keep everyone’s spirits up, describing the beauty of the island and noting that their clothes are surprisingly undamaged from the shipwreck.
• Antonio and Sebastian mock Gonzalo’s optimism, while Alonso is consumed by grief, believing his son Ferdinand has drowned.
• Ariel enters (unseen by the others) and puts everyone but Sebastian and Antonio to sleep with a magical song.
• Antonio persuades Sebastian that he should kill his sleeping brother and take the crown, just as Antonio usurped his own brother Prospero. Sebastian agrees to the plot.
• Ariel awakens Gonzalo just in time to thwart the assassination. Antonio and Sebastian quickly make up an excuse for drawing their swords.
• The scene ends with the characters deciding to explore more of the island.

Act 2, Scene 2

Setting: Another part of the island.

Characters:

• Caliban, the native islander and servant of Prospero
• Trinculo, the king’s jester
• Stephano, the king’s drunken butler

Action:

• Caliban, carrying wood, curses Prospero and laments his loss of freedom.
• Trinculo, separated from the others in the shipwreck, enters and finds Caliban. Thinking Caliban is a fish or a monster, he decides to use him to make money but then hides under Caliban’s cloak when he hears thunder.
• Stephano, also separated and drunk, finds Caliban and Trinculo. Thinking they’re a four-legged monster, he feeds them alcohol.
• Caliban, becoming drunk, pledges allegiance to Stephano, believing him to be a god.
• The scene ends with Caliban leading Stephano and Trinculo to Prospero’s dwelling, with plans to serve Stephano and overthrow Prospero.

Significance:

• Act 2 expands on the themes of power, betrayal, and ambition. Antonio’s willingness to repeat his betrayal of Prospero with Sebastian underscores his ruthlessness and moral corruption.
• The comic interplay between Caliban, Trinculo, and Stephano contrasts with the dark plotting of Antonio and Sebastian, providing comic relief.
• Caliban’s new alliance with Stephano hints at further plots against Prospero.

Act 2 thus continues to develop the play’s key themes and sets the stage for further intrigue, both comic and tragic, on Prospero’s island.

Act 3, Scene 1

Setting: Before Prospero’s cell.

Characters:

• Ferdinand, son of the King of Naples
• Miranda, Prospero’s daughter

Action:

• Ferdinand is laboring, carrying logs as a part of Prospero’s tests. Miranda, who is watching him, offers to help, but Ferdinand refuses, saying it would be a dishonor.
• The two confess their love for each other, and Miranda proposes marriage, which Ferdinand happily accepts.
• Prospero watches them unseen and expresses satisfaction that his plan is working but warns that they must not consummate their love before marriage.

Act 3, Scene 2

Setting: Another part of the island.

Characters:

• Caliban, the native islander
• Trinculo, the king’s jester
• Stephano, the king’s drunken butler

Action:

• Caliban urges Stephano to kill Prospero and become the king of the island, with Miranda as his queen.
• Trinculo and Stephano argue, and Caliban scolds them, trying to keep them focused on the plot.
• Ariel, invisible, interferes by mimicking voices, leading to confusion and mistrust among the trio.
• The scene ends with Ariel leading the drunken group astray with his music, delaying their plan.

Act 3, Scene 3

Setting: Another part of the island.

Characters:

• Alonso, King of Naples
• Sebastian, his brother
• Antonio, Prospero’s brother
• Gonzalo, an honest old councilor
• Adrian and Francisco, lords

Action:

• The weary and hungry nobles are traveling across the island, and Gonzalo suggests they rest.
• Ariel appears, disguised as a Harpy, and sets a magical banquet before them. As they go to eat, Ariel makes the feast disappear and accuses the three nobles of usurping Prospero.
• The men are stunned and terrified, and Ariel vanishes.
• Alonso, Antonio, and Sebastian draw their swords but are confused and frightened.
• Alonso becomes convinced that the strange occurrences are punishment for his treatment of Prospero and declares that he’s looking for his son to apologize.
• The scene concludes with the men being driven to distraction by Ariel’s magic, fulfilling Prospero’s desire for revenge.

Significance:

• Act 3 deepens the relationships and heightens the tension on the island. The love between Ferdinand and Miranda blossoms, while the plots against Prospero become more complex.
• Prospero’s power and control over the island are evident, as his plans move closer to fruition.
• Themes of love, betrayal, revenge, and magic continue to be central, and the contrast between the innocence of Ferdinand and Miranda and the corruption of the other characters becomes more pronounced.

Act 3 thus continues to weave together the various plots and subplots of “The Tempest,” moving the action forward and setting the stage for the climax and resolution of the play.

Act 4, Scene 1

Setting: Before Prospero’s cell.

Characters:

• Prospero
• Ariel
• Ferdinand
• Miranda
• Spirits, including Juno, Ceres, and Iris
• Caliban, Trinculo, and Stephano (later in the scene)

Action:

• The scene opens with Prospero talking to Ferdinand and Miranda. He praises Ferdinand for passing his tests and gives the couple his blessing to marry, but he warns them once again not to consummate their relationship before the wedding.
• Prospero calls upon Ariel to organize a masque (a type of theatrical entertainment) to celebrate the engagement.
• Spirits representing the goddesses Juno and Ceres, along with the nymph Iris, perform a beautiful and symbolic masque about marriage and fertility. However, it is suddenly interrupted by Prospero, who remembers Caliban’s plot against him.
• Prospero tells the young lovers about the plot and orders Ariel to deal with Caliban, Trinculo, and Stephano.
• Prospero then brings the young couple into his cell and sends Ariel to fetch the “rabble.”
• Caliban, Trinculo, and Stephano enter, drunk and wearing stolen clothing. They are led by Ariel, who is invisible, to a shallow, smelly pool near Prospero’s cell.
• Spirits in the shape of hunting dogs are released upon Caliban, Trinculo, and Stephano, chasing them away and punishing them for their conspiracy.
• Prospero reflects on the ephemeral nature of his magic and the impending end of his time on the island.

Significance:

• The scene shows Prospero at the height of his magical power, able to conjure beautiful visions and control the actions of those around him.
• The masque is rich with symbolism and underscores the themes of love, fertility, harmony, and the connection between the natural world and the divine.
• The sudden shift from the ethereal masque to the comic subplot with Caliban, Trinculo, and Stephano highlights the contrasting tones and themes of the play.
• Prospero’s contemplation of the temporary nature of his magic is an important foreshadowing of his later renunciation of his magical powers, reflecting broader themes of change, transformation, and the human condition.

Act 4’s single scene is packed with action, imagery, and symbolism, and it serves to set up the play’s final act, where the various plotlines will be resolved.

Act 5, Scene 1

Setting: Before Prospero’s cell.

Characters:

• Prospero
• Ariel
• Alonso, King of Naples
• Sebastian, his brother
• Antonio, Prospero’s brother
• Gonzalo, an honest old councilor
• Ferdinand, son of the King of Naples
• Miranda, Prospero’s daughter
• Caliban, Trinculo, and Stephano

Action:

• Ariel reports to Prospero that the shipwrecked nobles are filled with remorse and madness, and he shows empathy toward them. Prospero decides that his revenge is complete and that he will forgive them.
• Prospero dons his duke’s robes and prepares to reveal himself to the nobles.
• Ariel brings the nobles to Prospero’s cell, and Prospero uses his magic to release them from their spell of madness.
• Prospero forgives his brother Antonio and reveals himself to Alonso, who is overcome with joy to find that Prospero is alive.
• Prospero presents Ferdinand and Miranda, who are playing chess, to Alonso, further delighting the King, who believed his son had drowned.
• The minor characters, including Caliban, Trinculo, and Stephano, are also brought in, and Prospero forgives them as well.
• Prospero gives up his magic, breaking his staff and drowning his book, symbols of his magical power.
• The ship is revealed to be intact, and all prepare to return to Italy.
• In a brief epilogue, Prospero speaks directly to the audience, asking for their applause to set him free from the island, just as he has freed the others.

Significance:

• This final scene brings about reconciliation, forgiveness, and restoration. Prospero’s transformation from a vengeful sorcerer to a forgiving figure is complete, and he regains his dukedom.
• Themes of power, control, illusion, and reality are resolved as Prospero relinquishes his magical powers and embraces his humanity.
• The union of Ferdinand and Miranda symbolizes hope for the future and the potential for peace and harmony.
• The scene’s closing epilogue, spoken by Prospero, breaks the fourth wall and connects the play’s themes of illusion and freedom to the theater itself, a fitting conclusion to a play that has explored the boundaries of reality and artifice.

Act 5’s single scene provides a satisfying conclusion to “The Tempest,” resolving the play’s conflicts and bringing the characters to a newfound understanding of themselves and each other. It is a reflective and redemptive ending to one of Shakespeare’s most imaginative and philosophical works.

Epilogue

Speaker: Prospero

Action:

• Prospero addresses the audience directly, breaking the fourth wall that separates the characters from the audience.
• He tells the audience that his charms are over and his magic spells are broken, and all he has left is his own human strength.
• He asks for the audience’s prayers and applause to release him from the island, just as he has released the other characters.
• He speaks of his intention to return to Naples, emphasizing that he needs the audience’s favor to make that journey.
• The play ends with Prospero’s request for forgiveness and freedom, and his acknowledgment that the audience’s response will determine his fate.

Significance:

• The Epilogue serves as a bridge between the fictional world of the play and the real world of the theater. By speaking directly to the audience, Prospero blurs the line between illusion and reality.
• The request for applause and forgiveness is a metaphor for artistic creation, and some interpret this as Shakespeare’s farewell to the stage (though it’s not confirmed that “The Tempest” was his final play).
• Themes of freedom, control, illusion, and human nature are wrapped up here, as Prospero releases his magical powers and returns to his humanity.
• The Epilogue encapsulates the play’s exploration of the power of art and imagination, and the relationship between the creator and the audience.

In its profound simplicity, the Epilogue serves as a fitting conclusion to “The Tempest,” drawing together the play’s complex themes and inviting the audience to reflect on the nature of art, illusion, and human existence.