The Tempest, perhaps Shakespeare’s last play, was written around 1610-11. The play, based on no single source, takes place on a mysterious island far out to sea. It opens with a ship in dire straits in the midst of a storm. On board are Alonso King of Naples, his brother, Sebastian, Antonio Duke of Milan, a Neapolitan courtier Gonsalo, Lords Adrian and Francisco and Trinculo the jester and Stephano the butler. As the ship collapses, all aboard give themselves up for lost. The second scene opens on the island with the Magician Prospero and his daughter Miranda observing the shipwreck. Miranda compassionates those aboard and begs Prospero if he is causing the storm, to desist. Prospero reassures his daughter that all aboard will survive the storm and that it is in her own interests that he is bringing it about. He then for the first time tells Miranda who she is and how they came to be on this island. Twelve years ago, Prospero was himself Duke of Milan. He however was so absorbed in his studies that he left all the ruling to his brother Antonio. Eventually, with the connivance of the King of Naples, Antonio stages a coup. Prospero and the infant Miranda are set aboard a leaky vessel and set adrift. By chance they came ashore at this island. Having told his daughter this, Prospero causes her to sleep and summons Ariel his spirit servant whom he had ordered to stir up the storm. Ariel reports that all have survived and are stranded around different parts of the island, with Ferdinand, the King’s son washed up alone. Ariel was formerly the servant of the witch Sycorax who ruled the island before her death leaving her son Caliban. Ariel departs. Prospero now awakes Miranda and they visit his slave Caliban. Miranda protests but Prospero reminds her that Caliban is a necessary evil as he performs essential tasks. Caliban curses them but is cowed when Prospero threatens him with torment by spirits. Caliban complains that the island belongs to him as Sycorax’s son but that Prospero despite his initial kindness now enslaves him. Prospero replies that Caliban only responds to brutality. He had formerly treated him with respect until he attempted to rape Miranda. With threats he sends Caliban to get wood. Ferdinand enters. He sees Miranda and they are mutually entranced. Apart from her father and the ugly Caliban, this is the only man Miranda has met since infancy. Prospero allows them to flirt a while, confirming in an aside that all is happening as planned. Suddenly however he turns upon Ferdinand and takes him prisoner, despite Miranda’s entreaties. The second act opens elsewhere on the island with King Alonso, Sebastian, Antonio and Gonzalo, Adrian and Francisco. Gonsalo tries to cheer everyone but Alonso is unconsoled, believing his son drowned. Through Ariel’s enchantments, all fall suddenly asleep except Sebastian and Antonio. Antonio quickly urges Sebastian to take advantage of the situation. With Ferdinand drowned and Alonso vulnerable, Sebastian could kill him and be King of Naples. The two are about to execute this plan when Ariel causes the others to wake and the danger is averted. Ariel says aside he will tell all to Prospero. Enter Caliban, carrying wood and complaining. He fears the torment Prospero’s spirit servants could wreak upon him. Hearing someone approach, Caliban hides beneath his cloak. Enter Trinculo the jester seeking shelter from the storm. He spots Caliban and shelters under his cloak. Stephano the butler enters drunk and a comic scene ensues as he takes Caliban and Trinculo for some marvellous composite beast. They sort themselves out and Caliban, overwhelmed by his first taste of alcohol honours Stephano as his new master. The third act opens with Ferdinand piling logs of wood at Prospero’s behest. Miranda approaches him unaware she is watched by Prospero. She pities him and the two profess undying love. We see Caliban leading Stephano and Trinculo to Prospero’s cave, urging Stephano to attack Prospero in his sleep and make himself master of the island. We return now to Alonso, Ferdinand, Antonio et al. The latter two are still plotting treachery. Ariel bewilders them with wonders and visions before announcing that the wreck has occurred as vengeance for the fate of Prospero and Miranda. The three are left devastated. Prospero has his revenge. The fourth act: Prospero gives his blessing to the marriage of Miranda and Ferdinand though he forbids its’ consummation before the ceremony. The spirits enact a masque in celebration. Meanwhile, Caliban, Stephano and Trinculo creep towards Prospero’s cave. Spirits in the form of hounds appear and chase them. Prospero announces with satisfaction that his enemies are all in his hands. Final Act: his plans all come to fruition, Prospero announces he will forgive his enemies and renounce Magic forever. Gonsalo, Antonio, Sebastian et al are brought on and released from their enchantment. Gonsalo asks Prospero pardon and restores his dukedom. Prospero t reveals that Ferdinand is alive and betrothed to Miranda. Caliban, Stephano and Trinculo appear and are forgiven. All ends happily. Tomorrow they will sail back to Naples and celebrate the wedding.
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