The Tempest

William Shakespeare

2024 1
 Quick
Summary
The Tempest, written by William Shakespeare, is a tale of magic, betrayal, and redemption. The play begins with a
violent storm created by Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan who has been exiled to a remote island with his
daughter Miranda. The storm shipwrecks his enemies, including his treacherous brother Antonio and Alonso, the King
of Naples. As the survivors explore the island, they encounter various magical beings, including a spirit, Ariel, and a
monstrous creature named Caliban, who serves Prospero but resents his enslavement.
As the plot unfolds, we learn that Prospero has orchestrated the storm to bring his enemies to the island so he can
seek revenge and ultimately find forgiveness. He uses his magical powers to manipulate the events on the island,
leading to revelations, reconciliations, and newfound understanding among the characters. Miranda falls in love with
Alonso's son Ferdinand, while Caliban plots to overthrow Prospero with the help of two drunken sailors. Through a
series of dramatic events and illusions, including a masque celebrating the marriage of Ferdinand and Miranda,
Prospero is able to reconcile with his enemies and regain his position as Duke of Milan.
The Tempest is not only a story of forgiveness and reconciliation but also a reflection on the power of magic and the
complexity of human nature. As the characters navigate their way through the island and its magical inhabitants, they
are forced to confront their own flaws and desires. Prospero's journey from vengeance to forgiveness highlights the
transformative power of mercy and compassion. Ultimately, The Tempest is a powerful meditation on the enduring2
themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the complexity of human relationships.
Act 1. Scene 2.

If thou neglect’st or dost unwillingly what I command,

I'll rack thee with old cramps.
Fill all thy bones with aches,
Make the roar that beasts shall tremble at thy din.

3
Alden T. Vaughan

Caliban stands for the countless victims of European

imperialism and colonization. Like Caliban (so the
argument goes), colonized peoples are disinherited,
exploited, and subjugated. Like he, they learned a
conqueror's language and perhaps his values. Like he, they
endured enslavement and contempt by European usurpers
and eventually rebelled. (290).
4
Act 1. Scene 2.

This island’s mine by Sycorax, my mother,

Which thou tak’st from me.

5
Act 1. Scene 2.

As wicked dew as e’er my mother brushed

With raven’s feather from unwholesome fen
Drop on you both. A southwest blow on you
And blister you all o’er.

6
Derek Cohen

While Ariel's submission is complete in both body and mind,

Caliban submits only physically to his tormentor. Ariel has
learned to believe that he possesses an essential self and that that
self is defined by servitude and enslavement. While Ariel is
manifestly discontented, he has learned how to flatter his master
as Caliban has not. Prospero has promised him freedom on
condition that he behave and remain faithful, and this promise
supplies Ariel with the motive to please his master. (161)
7
Act 1. Scene 2.

All hail, great master! Grave sir, hail! I come

To answer thy best pleasure, be ’t to fly,
To swim, to dive into the fire, to ride
On the curled cloud. To thy strong bidding, task
Ariel and all his quality.

8
Act 5. Scene 1.

Your charm so strongly works ’em

That, if you now beheld them, your affections
Would become tender.