Chapters
If you are studying GCSE English, prepare to learn about Shakespeare. Many works by the iconic founding father of literature are on the syllabus, so there is a chance you will need to answer questions in exams or provide coursework that focuses on his plays and books.
The Tempest is one of William Shakespeare's final plays, believed to have been written around 1610–1611. It tells the story of Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, who has been exiled to a remote island with his daughter, Miranda. Using his knowledge of magic, Prospero seeks to restore his dukedom and achieve justice. The play explores themes of power, betrayal, forgiveness, and the supernatural.
Like so many of Shakespeare’s plays, this is more about the people involved than anything, but the plot plays an important role, so it is important to understand.
In very broad terms, the play follows Prospero, who is a magician and the former Duke of Milan. He was betrayed by his brother, Antonio, and the King of Naples, and fled to an island. Prospero’s enemies become shipwrecked and Prospero has a key role to play.
Act I: The Storm
The play opens with a dramatic storm at sea, conjured by Prospero through his magical powers. A ship carrying Alonso, the King of Naples as well as his son, Ferdinand, his brother, Sebastian, Prospero's brother, Antonio, and other noblemen, is wrecked on the island. The passengers are separated and washed ashore. They are on their way back from Tunis when this occurs.
Scene 1: The Shipwreck
Amid the tempest, the crew struggles to save the ship. The noble passengers panic, fearing for their lives. The ship ultimately splits, and everyone believes they are doomed.
Scene 2: Prospero’s Island
On the island, Prospero reveals to Miranda that he created the storm with the help of his spirit servant, Ariel. He explains their past: Prospero was the Duke of Milan but was overthrown by his brother Antonio, with Alonso's help.
Prospero controls Ariel, a sprite, and Caliban, a half-man, half-monster, using the magic he has learned.
Prospero and Miranda were set adrift at sea and ended up on the island. Ariel reports that the ship's passengers are safe, and Ferdinand has been separated from the others.
Act II: Stranded on the Island
Scene 1: The Royal Party
Alonso, Sebastian, Antonio, and others search for Ferdinand, whom they presume drowned. Alonso is grief-stricken. Meanwhile, Antonio and Sebastian plot to kill Alonso so Sebastian can become king. Their plan is thwarted by Ariel, who puts the men to sleep and awakens Alonso in time.
Scene 2: Caliban’s Plot
Caliban, the island’s deformed and resentful inhabitant who is enslaved by Prospero, encounters Trinculo and Stephano, Alonso’s jester and butler. Caliban convinces them to help overthrow Prospero, offering to serve them if they succeed.
Act III: The Lovers and the Conspirators
Scene 1: Ferdinand and Miranda
Ferdinand, believing himself to be the sole survivor, encounters Miranda. They instantly fall in love due to a spell by Ariel, much to Prospero’s satisfaction, as he intended for them to meet. He secretly approves of their love but pretends to test Ferdinand’s worthiness.
Come unto these yellow sands,
Ariel casts a spell
And then take hands:
Curtsied when you have, and kiss'd
The wild waves whist,
Foot it featly here and there;
And, sweet sprites, the burthen bear.
Hark, hark!
Bow-wow.
The watch-dogs bark.
Bow-wow.
Hark, hark! I hear
The strain of strutting chanticleer
Cry, Cock-a-diddle-dow.
Scene 2: Caliban’s Plan
Caliban, Trinculo, and Stephano, drunk and emboldened, plot to kill Prospero. Ariel overhears their plan and informs Prospero, who sets a trap for them.
Scene 3: The Banquet
Ariel, disguised as a harpy, confronts Alonso, Antonio, and Sebastian, accusing them of their treachery against Prospero. He causes a banquet to vanish before their eyes, terrifying them with the promise of retribution.
Act IV: Prospero’s Masque
Scene 1: The Betrothal
Prospero, satisfied with Ferdinand and Miranda’s love, blesses their union with a magical masque featuring spirits representing the gods Iris, Ceres, and Juno. The masque celebrates fertility, harmony, and blessings for the couple.
Interruption: Caliban’s Plot
Prospero suddenly remembers Caliban’s plot. He and Ariel set magical traps to foil the conspirators, leading them through brambles and a bog. Ultimately, Caliban, Stephano, and Trinculo are humiliated and captured.
Act V: Forgiveness and Freedom
Scene 1: Prospero’s Decision
Prospero decides to forgive his enemies rather than seek revenge and to become duke once again. He renounces his magic, symbolically breaking his staff and drowning his book of spells. He reveals himself to the shipwrecked noblemen, forgives Antonio and Alonso, and shows Alonso that Ferdinand is alive.
My dukedom since you have given me again,
I will requite you with as good a thing,
At least bring forth a wonder to content ye
As much as me my dukedom.
Reunion and Reconciliation
Ferdinand and Miranda’s engagement is revealed to Alonso, bringing him great joy. Prospero’s old friends Gonzalo and others are relieved and overjoyed to see him alive and well. Ariel is finally granted his freedom as promised.
Epilogue: Return to Milan
Prospero prepares to return to Milan, where he will reclaim his dukedom that he sees as his right. He asks the audience for their forgiveness and a safe passage home. The play concludes with a sense of resolution and hope for the future.
The play is known as one of the all-time classics, and tells a story of a man initially set on revenge, who changes his mind throughout the events. It is a character ark we see time and time again in Shakespeare's work.
Who is Ariel, and what role does Ariel play in the story?
Why is Prospero originally set on revenge?
When in his career did Shakespeare write The Tempest?
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