Shakespeare in Seven Minutes: The Tempest Summary #thetempest #shakespeare

Summary

In a dramatic twist of fate, 'The Tempest' opens with a storm-tossed ship carrying King Alonso of Naples, his son Ferdinand, and other nobles, including Prospero's brother Antonio, who conspired to usurp Prospero's ducal title. Prospero, a powerful magician, has orchestrated the storm to bring them to his island where he and his daughter Miranda have lived in exile for twelve years. With the help of his spirit Ariel and the reluctant Caliban, Prospero tests the characters of his guests, revealing their true natures. Ferdinand and Miranda fall in love, and through a series of magical trials, Prospero seeks to right past wrongs. Ultimately, forgiveness is granted, and Prospero renounces his magic, preparing to return to Milan and leave the island behind.

Takeaways

• 🌊 The play 'The Tempest' begins with a storm-tossed boat carrying important passengers including King Alonso of Naples and his entourage.
• 🧙 Prospero, a powerful magician and the rightful Duke of Milan, is responsible for the storm and the shipwreck, aiming to bring his brother Antonio and King Alonso to justice.
• 🏝 Prospero and his daughter Miranda live on a mysterious island, having been exiled there by Antonio with the help of Alonso.
• 📚 Prospero was able to bring his precious books of magic and supplies to the island, thanks to his friend Gonzalo, which allowed them to survive for 12 years.
• 💞 The shipwreck leads to the meeting of Miranda and Ferdinand, Alonso's son, who fall in love at first sight, a development Prospero uses to test Ferdinand's character.
• 👻 Ariel, a sprite who serves Prospero, plays a crucial role in executing Prospero's plans, including casting spells and guiding the shipwrecked passengers.
• 👹 Caliban, the son of a witch and Prospero's servant, is discontent with his servitude and conspires with other survivors to overthrow Prospero.
• 🍽 Prospero uses his magic to create a feast for the survivors, only to have Ariel, in the form of a harpy, accuse the guilty men of their past wrongdoings.
• 🎭 The play's resolution involves Prospero forgiving his brother Antonio and King Alonso, who promise to restore his title as Duke of Milan.
• 🎉 Prospero and Miranda plan a wedding for Ferdinand and Miranda, and Ariel is set free after helping to prepare for their return to Naples.
• 🌊 Prospero decides to give up magic, asking the audience for forgiveness and release from the island, setting the stage for a peaceful retirement.

Q & A

What is the setting of the beginning of the story?

The story begins on a boat in the middle of a raging storm off the coast of an island near Italy.

Who are the important passengers on the boat?

The important passengers include Alonso, the King of Naples, his son Ferdinand, his brother Sebastian, Antonio the Duke of Milan, and the courtier Gonzalo.

Why did Prospero conjure the storm and sink the ship?

Prospero, a powerful magician, conjured the storm and sank the ship to bring those responsible for his exile within his reach, in order to resolve his past misfortunes.

How did Prospero and Miranda end up on the island?

Prospero and Miranda were forced to leave their home after Prospero's wicked brother Antonio usurped his title with the aid of King Alonso. They arrived on the island with the help of Gonzalo, who provided them with precious books and supplies.

What is the relationship between Ariel and Caliban?

Ariel is a sprite who serves Prospero more like a right-hand man, while Caliban, the son of a witch, does menial tasks for Prospero. Both serve Prospero but in different capacities.

How do Ferdinand and Miranda meet?

Ferdinand is led to Prospero and Miranda by Ariel's magical fairy tunes. When he sees Miranda, they fall madly in love.

What does Prospero do to test Ferdinand's love for Miranda?

Prospero accuses Ferdinand of being a spy and imprisons him, despite Miranda's desperate pleas, to test his sincerity and love for her.

What is the plot devised by Sebastian and Antonio?

Sebastian and Antonio plan to kill King Alonso while he is asleep, allowing Sebastian to take the throne.

How does Ariel help Prospero in dealing with the conspirators?

Ariel, following Prospero's instructions, lures the conspirators with the promise of beautiful clothing and then sets a pack of spirit hounds on them to frighten them away.

What does Prospero do to forgive and reconcile with those who wronged him?

Prospero confronts the men who wronged him, and upon King Alonso's repentance and promise to restore his title, Prospero forgives all three men.

What is Ariel's final task before being freed from Prospero's service?

Ariel's final task is to provide calm seas for the journey home for the characters returning to Naples for the wedding.

What does Prospero decide to do at the end of the play?

Prospero decides to give up magic forever, asks the audience for forgiveness for his earlier actions, and seeks release from the island to retire in peace.