Summary Ferdinand enters carrying a log, which he claims would be an odious task except that he carries it to serve Miranda. His carrying of the logs is a punishment but one he willingly accepts because thoughts of Miranda make the work seem effortless. Miranda enters and, when Ferdinand will […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act III: Scene 1Summary and Analysis Act II: Scene 2
Summary The scene opens with Caliban cursing Prospero. When he hears someone approach, Caliban assumes it is one of Prospero’s spirits, coming to torture him once again. Caliban falls to the ground and pulls his cloak over his body, leaving only his feet protruding. But instead of Prospero, the king’s […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act II: Scene 2Summary and Analysis Act II: Scene 1
Summary This scene opens with all the passengers from the ship, except for Ferdinand, gathered on stage. Gonzalo begins with a speech celebrating their survival of the storm and their relative safety on the island, but King Alonso cannot be cheered because he is sure that his missing son, Ferdinand, […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act II: Scene 1Summary and Analysis Act I: Scene 2
Summary Scene 2 opens on the island, with Prospero and Miranda watching the ship as it is tossed by the storm. Miranda knows that her father is creating the storm, and she begs him to end the ship’s torment and her own, since she suffers as she watches the ship’s […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act I: Scene 2Summary and Analysis Act I: Scene 1
Summary The Tempest opens in the midst of a fierce storm. The location is a ship at sea, with a royal party on board. As the sailors fight to save the ship, several of the royal passengers enter, and Alonso, the king, demands to know where the master (captain) is […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act I: Scene 1Character List
Prospero The rightful duke of Milan. After his brother, Antonio, seized his title and property, Prospero was exiled with his daughter and eventually found refuge on an island. Miranda Prospero’s daughter. She has been on the island with her father for 12 years — since she was 3 years old. […]
Read more Character ListAbout The Tempest
Introduction Records indicate that The Tempest was performed before James I on November 1, 1611, but there may also have been earlier performances. The Tempest was again performed during the winter of 1612-13 to celebrate the marriage of Princess Elizabeth, the daughter of King James I. But this play was […]
Read more About The TempestPlay Summary
The Tempest opens in the midst of a storm, as a ship containing the king of Naples and his party struggles to stay afloat. On land, Prospero and his daughter, Miranda, watch the storm envelop the ship. Prospero has created the storm with magic, and he explains that his enemies […]
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