This scene is much lighter than all
of the previous scenes in the Tempest as this is the first time you get to see
Ferdinand and Miranda expressing their love for one another. We see how much these two love each other in
this scene and also how they are either captives or slaves for each other. Ferdinand shows he is willing to slave for
Miranda when he says “The mistress which I serve,” and likewise Miranda offers
to take over his work that he is doing for her when she says “I’ll bear your
logs the while.” (Bevington, 1545) Our
theme of freedom versus captivation is further enhanced through their dialogue
when Ferdinand states that “The very instant that I saw you did my heart fly to
your service, there resides to make me slave to it.” (Bevington, 1545) And later Miranda responds with the same
sentiments of slavery when she says “I am your wife, if you will marry me; If
not, I’ll die your maid.” (Bevington, 1545)
She says that even though he may deny her she will still be his servant
either way. In return Ferdinand gladly
accepts Miranda and tells her he is hers “As bondage e’er of freedom.” (Bevington, 1546) He seems to be saying that he is easily willing to be a slave to
her in the same way any other slave is willing to be free.
To show how deep his commitment to Miranda
is, Ferdinand tells her that he “had rather crack my sinews, break my back,”
than to have her do the work that is his burden (Bevington, 1545). This shows that he is willing to go through
great physical pain to complete the task for her even after she offers to
assist him. In fact he will not even
take a break from his job even after Miranda tells him “rest yourself, He’s
safe for these three hours,” indicating that Prospero is not around (Bevington,
1545). Although the audience is aware
that Prospero is actually there.
Similarly to Ferdinand, Miranda exhibits how deep her love for Ferdinand
is when she immediately tells him her name after he asks for it. Telling him her name was against the wishes
of her father but yet she tells him anyway.