Overview
The lecture covers the plot, characters, symbols, and themes of Shakespeare's The Tempest, emphasizing Prospero's journey from revenge to forgiveness and the play's exploration of power, language, and restoration.
Plot Summary
- Alonso, King of Naples, and his party face a magical storm on their return from Africa.
- Prospero, former Duke of Milan, uses magic to create the tempest and bring his enemies to the island.
- Prospero's servant Ariel separates the shipwrecked group: nobles, Ferdinand, and comic pair Trinculo & Stephano.
- Ferdinand, Alonso’s son, falls in love with Miranda, Prospero’s daughter.
- Antonio and Sebastian plot to kill Alonso to seize the throne.
- Caliban, Prospero's enslaved servant, allies with Trinculo and Stephano in a plot against Prospero.
- Ariel exposes the nobles' crimes, leading to remorse.
- Prospero forgives his enemies, renounces magic, and restores order; Ferdinand and Miranda’s engagement signals reconciliation.
Major Characters and Relationships
- Prospero: Main character, powerful magician, wronged former Duke, orchestrator of events.
- Miranda: Prospero’s daughter, innocent, falls in love with Ferdinand.
- Ariel: Prospero's spirit servant, desires freedom, manipulates others using magic.
- Caliban: Son of Sycorax, resentful servant, previously attempted to harm Miranda.
- Alonso: King of Naples, grieves for presumed-dead son, eventually seeks forgiveness.
- Gonzalo: Loyal advisor, idealist, helped Prospero survive exile.
- Antonio: Prospero’s brother, usurper, remains unrepentant.
Symbols
- The Tempest (storm): Represents chaos and the disruption of natural order.
- Magic books: Symbolize Prospero’s knowledge and unique power; surrendered when he gives up revenge.
- Sleep and dreams: Indicate manipulation and illusion; reflect limited human control.
Themes
- Language and reality: Language wields power, forges bonds, manipulates and heals.
- Magic of theatre: Prospero’s magic parallels the playwright’s creative power.
- Power and exploitation: Examines abuse and restoration of power at personal and social levels.
- Revenge, forgiveness, restoration: True resolution comes through mercy and giving up vengeance.
- Utopia and idealism: Explores ideal societies through Gonzalo’s vision and Prospero’s faith in harmony.
Motifs
- Drowning: Loss and rebirth, symbolized by the sea.
- Music: Reinforces magical atmosphere and moves the plot forward.
- Servant/master relationships: Highlight power dynamics and exploitation among characters.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Tempest — a violent storm, symbolizing chaos in the play.
- Magic books — Prospero’s source of power and knowledge.
- Utopia — ideal society envisioned by Gonzalo.
- Motif — a recurring element or idea in a literary work.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review character motivations and relationships for essay preparation.
- Read Act 1 and 2 of The Tempest before next class.
- Prepare notes on symbolism and major themes for class discussion.