Notes on "The Tempest"

Introduction

• The play opens with a tempest, leading to the shipwreck of passengers on a mysterious island.
• Classic Shakespearean opening that shakes up the status quo.

Characters Introduced

• Prospero: A powerful wizard ruling the island.
• Miranda: Prospero's daughter, the only other human on the island.

Background Story

• Prospero reveals he was once Duke of Milan.
• Betrayed by his brother Antonio and King Alonso of Naples.
• Exiled with Miranda, saved by nobleman Gonzalo.
• Prospero created the storm for revenge against Antonio and Alonso.

Servants

• Ariel: Air spirit helping Prospero; promised freedom in exchange for obedience.
• Caliban: Son of an evil witch, lived on the island before Prospero.

Prince Ferdinand

• First shipwreck survivor introduced; son of Alonso.
• Guided by Ariel toward Miranda; immediate love at first sight.
• Prospero approves of their union but makes Ferdinand prove his love through hard labor.

Noblemen on the Island

• Remaining nobles: Antonio, Gonzalo, Alonso, and Alonso's brother Sebastian.
• Ariel puts them to sleep with a magical song, except for Sebastian and Antonio.
• They plot to murder Gonzalo and Alonso for political gain but are interrupted by Ariel.

Caliban's Scheme

• Caliban allies with Trinculo (a jester) and Stefano (a butler).
• They get drunk and plan to kill Prospero, but fail.

Magical Feast

• Prospero conjures a magical feast for the nobles.
• Ariel appears as a harpy, disappearing the food and informing Alonso of the sea taking his son.

Prospero's Realization

• Prospero reflects on the harm his revenge is causing.
• Decides to confront the nobles with their crimes but offers forgiveness.
• Reveals Ferdinand is alive, bringing joy to Alonso.

Conclusion

• Caliban and crew arrive soaking wet with stolen clothes.
• Caliban is ordered to prepare a feast for the reconciled group.
• Prospero plans to return to Italy to reclaim his title.

Final Tasks and Fourth Wall

• Ariel tasked to calm the seas before being freed.
• Prospero breaks the fourth wall, asking the audience for applause to set him free from the stage.

Reflection

• Prospero indicates he has used enough magic, hinting at the end of the play's enchantment.