"The Temest ": summary

THE TEMPEST BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE "Summary"

First Performed November 1, 1611
First Published the First Folio in 1623

Alonso (the King of Naples), his brother Sebastian, his son Ferdinand, Antonio's counselor Gonzalo, and Antonio (brother of Prospero, the exiled Duke of Milan) are on a ship with sailors caught in a tempest (sea storm) at sea. They leave the ship fearing the ship split in half. When the storm settles, the exiled Duke Prospero and his daughter Miranda appear on the island they have inhabited for 12 years.

Miranda tells his father she saw the ship crack in the storm. Prospero calms her, explaining it was a magical illusion he created. He explains he was once Duke of Milan, but his brother Antonio took over and banished Prospero and Miranda and abandoned them at sea, where they luckily landed on the island.

Now, he explains, his enemies have sailed by, so he created the tempest to shipwreck them. He causes her to sleep and calls his spirit Ariel to come. Ariel verifies that the nobles are safe on the island and the remainder of the fleets has returned to Naples believing Alonso is dead.

We learn that Prospero rescued Ariel form the "foul witch" Sycorax and would free Ariel himself when his plans for the nobles are complete. She also had a deformed son. Caliban (refers to cannibal), whom Prospero commands as his slave. Hidden, Ariel sings a song and scares Alon's son Ferdinand as he wanders around the island, eventually meeting Prospero and Miranda. Both Miranda and Ferdinand immediately fall in love, but Prospero (although approving) pretends to be critical towards Ferdinand.

In another part of the island, Alonso, Sebastian, Antonio, Gonzalo, and the lords Adrian and Francisco are wandering. Alonso fears Ferdinand is dead, but Gonzalo assures him he may be living, since they are living. Ariel causes all to sleep, except Sebastian and Antonio. Then Antonio convinces Sebastian to kill Alonso, so Sebastian will become heir to Naples' throne. Prospero, though, has Ariel awaken Gonzalo to warn Alonso. Elsewhere, Caliban is gathering wood when jester Trinculo, then the drunkard Stephano (both from the ship) come upon them. Caliban takes Stephano to be a god (the Man in the Moon), and vows to serve him.

At Prospero's cave, Miranda meets Ferdinand carrying logs for her father. Here they exchange their love for one another and promise to be married. Prospero, watching in secret, approves. Elsewhere, Caliban convinces Stephano to kill Prospero and seize Miranda so they can be king and queen. Ariel overhears and will warn Prospero. Alonso and others are wandering when Ariel and other spirits brings in a table of food. Before they can eat, Ariel appears and takes the food away, then informs Alonso, Sebastian, and Antonio that it is their evilness toward Prospero that has caused their current sorrows (shipwreck, loss of Ferdinand, etc) .

At the cave Prospero presents Miranda to Ferdinand, though instructing him not to "break her virgin-knot" until after they are properly married. He celebrates by presenting them with a show by the spirits Iris, Ceres, and Juno. However, Caliban Stephano, and Trinculo show up to kill Prospero. He, however, creates a distraction with extravagant garments then sends the fairies after them like hounds hunting foxes.

In the final act, Prospero brings the nobles to his cell and reveals himself to them. He forgives Alonso, Antonio, and Sebastian then reveals that Ferdinand is safe with Miranda. Alonso restores Prospero's dukedom and Prospero promises to return all home safely to Italy. As for Caliban, he promises to mend his ways while Stephano and Trinculo repent for ploting to kill Prospero.