The Tempest by William Shakespeare

Overview

• Written by: William Shakespeare
• Date: Circa 1611
• Type: Resists strict genres (tragedy or comedy)
• Context: One of Shakespeare's final works
• Influence: Possibly inspired by a letter from shipwreck survivor William Strachey

Plot Summary

Act I: The Shipwreck

• Setting: A violent storm at sea
• Characters on Board:
  • Alonso, King of Naples
  • Antonio
  • Sebastian
  • Ferdinand (Alonso's son)
  • Gonzalo (Counselor)
• Incident: Shipwreck caused by Prospero, a magician

Act II: Prospero's Island

• Prospero's Backstory:
  • Former Duke of Milan, usurped by brother Antonio
  • Lives on an island with daughter Miranda
  • Assisted by Ariel, a spirit, and Caliban, a native servant
• Prospero’s Plan: Reclaim his dukedom

Act III: Ariel's Actions

• Ariel's Role:
  • Ensures the ship's crew is safe
  • Scatters them on the island
  • Reminds Prospero of servitude terms
• Miranda Meets Ferdinand:
  • Instant love connection
  • Ferdinand is imprisoned as part of Prospero's plan

Act IV: Plots and Plans

• Antonio and Sebastian:
  • Plot to kill Alonso and Gonzalo
  • Foiled by Ariel who warns Gonzalo
• Caliban's Scheme:
  • Plots with Trinculo and Stefano to overthrow Prospero
  • Ariel informs Prospero

Act V: Revelations and Forgiveness

• Alonso and Companions:
  • Misinterpret Ariel's harpy act as omen of Prospero's revenge
• Ferdinand and Miranda:
  • Allowed to be together, but warned against premarital union
  • Prospero stages a betrothal masque
• Resolution:
  • Prospero forgives Caliban and others
  • Plans return to Naples for marriage
  • Renounces magic, reconciles with Alonso
  • Reveals Ferdinand alive

Themes and Motifs

• Magic: Represents theatrical art
• Revenge and Forgiveness: Central to the plot
• Usurpation: Power and control dynamics
• Freedom and Servitude: Ariel and Caliban's roles

Final Act

• Prospero's Epilogue:
  • Links theater to magic
  • Seeks audience's applause for release from the stage as a metaphorical prison

Key Takeaways

• The play explores themes of power, justice, and reconciliation in a fantastical setting.
• Shakespeare uses Prospero's magic as a metaphor for the magic of theater, highlighting self-referential elements.