Summary of The Tempest: The Tempest is a play by William Shakespeare about

Prospero, a powerful sorcerer who is stuck on an island with his daughter

Miranda. He's angry with his enemies who wronged him in the past. Using his
magic and with the help of his spirit servant Ariel and the monster Caliban, and
Prospero creates a storm (tempest) that brings his enemies to the island. As they
try to survive, Prospero tests them and ultimately decides to forgive them. His
daughter falls in love with one of the shipwrecked men, Ferdinand. In the end,
Prospero breaks his staff, giving up his magic, and returns home with his daughter
and new son-in-law.
Main Characters
1. Prospero: The protagonist, a sorcerer who seeks revenge, justice and ultimately
forgiveness.
2. Ariel: A spirit servant who helps Prospero and wants freedom
3. Caliban: the island inhabitant ,A monster who serves Prospero but also seeks
freedom.
4. Miranda: Prospero's innocent and loving daughter, who falls in love with
Ferdinand.
5. Ferdinand: A kind and noble prince who falls in love with Miranda. [Prospero:
The main character, a powerful magician who seeks revenge and justice.
Other characters (The Shipwrecked Group)King Alonso of Naples ,Sebastian (the
king's brother) , Antonio (Prospero's brother who usurped his dukedom),
Ferdinand (the king's son), Gonzalo (a loyal nobleman who helped Prospero)
Prospero's Analysis: he is the main character, a powerful magician Prospero is a
complex character with both good and bad qualities. He's Intelligent and
powerful, Controlling, but also loving and protective of his daughter,Seeking
revenge, but ultimately forgiving Throughout the story, Prospero grows and learns
to let go of his anger. He decides to give up his magical powers, showing a desire
for peace and humility.
Themes: 1. Forgiveness: Letting go ,Making amends for past mistakes,Showing
mercy to others
2. Power and Authority: Prospero's magic and authority are central to the play,
How power is used and abused, The struggle for control and dominance
3. Love and Relationships: The romance between Ferdinand and Miranda,The
bond between Prospero and his daughter
4. Redemption and Personal Growth: Prospero's journey towards forgiveness and
self-improvemen, Letting go of past anger and resentment
5. Revenge vs. Mercy: The choice between seeking revenge or showing mercy, The
consequences of each approach
A long time ago, there was an island with only two people living on it: an old man
named Prospero and his daughter Miranda. They lived in a cave with different
rooms. Prospero liked to read books about magic, which helped him control the
island's spirits. A mean witch named Sycorax had trapped these spirits in trees
before she died. Prospero freed them using his magic, and they became his
helpers. The main spirit's name was Ariel who helped Prospero
Ariel and Caliban: Ariel is a friendly spirit who helps Prospero. However, he likes
to tease a mean and ugly monster named Caliban. Caliban is the son of Sycorax,
the witch who used to live on the island.
Caliban's Story: Prospero found Caliban on the island and tried to teach him good
things. But Caliban is mean and lazy, just like his mother. So, Prospero makes
Caliban do hard work like fetching wood. Ariel is in charge of making sure Caliban
does his tasks.
Ariel's Tricks: Ariel, a mischievous spirit, would play tricks on Caliban when he
was lazy. Ariel would pinch him, trip him, or pretend to be an ape or a hedgehog
to scare him. This would make Caliban do his work.
The Storm: Prospero used his magic and Ariel's help to create a big storm at sea.
The storm was so strong that it threatened to destroy a ship. Prospero's daughter,
Miranda, saw the ship and felt sorry for the people on it. She asked her father to
stop the storm showing her kind heart, but Prospero just showed her the ship and
told her it was full of people like them.
Miranda's Kindness: Miranda was kind and didn't want the people on the ship to
die. She wished she could save them from the storm.
Prospero's Past: Prospero tells Miranda that he didn't harm the people on the
ship. He explains that he's been taking care of her and wants to tell her about her
past. Miranda doesn't know much about her life before the island, but she
remembers a few things from when she was very young.
Prospero's Story: Prospero tells Miranda that he used to be the Duke of Milan,
and she was a princess. However, his brother Antonio betrayed him and took over
the dukedom with the help of the King of Naples. Prospero was too focused on
studying and didn't pay attention to his duties, which allowed Antonio to take
advantage of him. This story helps Miranda understand who she is and where she
comes from.
Why Prospero's Enemies Didn't Kill Him: Miranda asks why Antonio and the King
of Naples didn't kill Prospero and her when they had the chance. Prospero
explains that his people loved him so much that Antonio and the king were afraid
to harm him in front of them.
How Prospero and Miranda Survived: Prospero tells Miranda that Antonio and
the king put them in a small boat with no supplies, expecting them to die.
However, a kind lord named Gonzalo secretly provided them with food, water,
clothes, and books, which helped them survive.
Prospero's Reason for the Storm: Prospero reveals that he created the storm to
bring his enemies (the King of Naples and his brother Antonio) to the island. He
wants to confront them and make them pay for what they did to him.
Prospero Puts Miranda to Sleep:Prospero uses his magic wand to put his
daughter Miranda to sleep. This is because Ariel, a spirit, has arrived to report on
the storm and Prospero doesn't want Miranda to see him talking to thin air.
Ariel Reports on the Storm:Ariel tells Prospero about the storm and how the
people on the ship reacted. He says that Ferdinand, the king's son, jumped into
the sea, and his father thought he was lost. However, Ferdinand is safe on the
island, and Ariel describes his situation.
Ariel's Report:
Ariel tells Prospero that: 1. Ferdinand is safe on the island, looking for his father.
2. The king and Prospero's brother are searching for Ferdinand, thinking he's
dead.
3. The ship's crew is safe, but each one thinks they're the only survivor.
4. The ship is safe in the harbor, but invisible to everyone.
Prospero's Plan:Prospero is pleased with Ariel's report and asks him to bring
Ferdinand to him. He wants Miranda to meet the young prince.
Ariel Asks for Freedom:Ariel reminds Prospero that he promised to set him free
after completing his tasks. Ariel says he's done everything Prospero asked without
complaining or making mistakes.
Prospero Reminds Ariel of His Past: Prospero reminds Ariel of the time he was
trapped in a tree by the witch Sycorax. Ariel had forgotten about it, but Prospero's
reminder makes him realize his gratitude towards Prospero.
Ariel's Task: Prospero gives Ariel more tasks to do, and Ariel agrees to obey. One
of his tasks is to bring Ferdinand to Prospero so that Miranda can meet him.
Ariel Finds Ferdinand: Ariel finds Ferdinand sitting on the grass, feeling sad about
his father's supposed death. Ariel teases Ferdinand, saying he'll soon be moving
him to meet the Lady Miranda, who will see how handsome he is.
Ariel's Song:Ariel sings a song to Ferdinand about his father's supposed death.
The song describes how the father's body has transformed into something
beautiful and strange underwater.
Ferdinand's Reaction:The song wakes Ferdinand up from his sadness, and he
follows the sound of Ariel's voice. He meets Prospero and Miranda, who are sitting
under a tree.
Miranda's Reaction:Miranda has never seen a man before except her father. She
looks at Ferdinand and thinks he's a spirit because of his strange appearance.
She's surprised and amazed by his beauty.
Prospero's Introduction:Prospero tells Miranda that Ferdinand is a human being,
not a spirit. He explains that Ferdinand is grieving because he lost his companions
in the shipwreck.
Miranda and Ferdinand Meet:Miranda is delighted by Ferdinand's appearance,
and he thinks she's a goddess. They start talking, but Prospero interrupts them.
Prospero's Plan:Prospero is happy to see that Miranda and Ferdinand like each
other, but he wants to test Ferdinand's love and loyalty. So, he pretends to be
angry and accuses Ferdinand of being a spy.
Prospero's Trick: Prospero threatens Ferdinand with harsh treatment, but
Ferdinand draws his sword. (Prospero tests Ferdinand's love and loyalty by
pretending to be angry)Prospero uses his magic to immobilize Ferdinand, making
him unable to move.
Miranda's Plea: Miranda asks her father to be kind to Ferdinand, saying she's
sure he's a good person. Prospero teases her, saying there are many other men as
good or better than Ferdinand.
Miranda's Love: Miranda insists that she loves Ferdinand and doesn't want to see
anyone else. Prospero continues to test their love, keeping Ferdinand captive.
Ferdinand's Thoughts :Ferdinand is surprised that he's being forced to follow
Prospero, but he's happy to do so if it means he can see Miranda. He looks back at
her and says he'd endure hardship if he could see her daily.
Prospero's Plan:Prospero gives Ferdinand a tough task: piling up heavy logs of
wood. He wants to test Ferdinand's love and strength. Prospero secretly watches
Ferdinand and Miranda.
Ferdinand's Hard Work:Ferdinand works hard, but Miranda sees that he's getting
tired. She offers to help him, but Ferdinand refuses, wanting to do the task
himself.
Miranda's Concern:Miranda is worried about Ferdinand and wants him to rest.
They start talking, and their conversation slows down the log-carrying process.
Prospero's Secret Plan:Prospero is watching Ferdinand and Miranda secretly,
testing their love. He's happy to see them getting closer.
Ferdinand and Miranda's Conversation: Ferdinand and Miranda talk, and he tells
her how much he loves her. Miranda says she's never seen another man except
her father and Ferdinand, and she loves him too.
Prospero's Reaction: Prospero is pleased with their conversation and smiles,
thinking that everything is going as he planned. He's happy to see his daughter
happy.
Ferdinand's Proposal: Ferdinand tells Miranda that he's a prince and wants her to
be his queen. Miranda agrees to marry him, and Prospero appears, approving of
their love.
Prospero's Blessing:
Prospero gives his blessing for Ferdinand and Miranda to marry, saying that he's
tested Ferdinand's love and he's proven worthy. Prospero leaves them alone to
talk, and they happily obey.
Ariel's Report: Ariel tells Prospero about his encounter with the king and Antonio.
He says he led them on a wild chase, making them see and hear strange things.
Then, he presented himself as a harpy and scolded them for their past cruelty
towards Prospero.
The Harpy's Speech: Ariel, in the form of a harpy, reminded the king and Antonio
of their wrongdoings and the suffering they caused Prospero and his daughter.
This made them realize their mistakes and feel sorry.
Prospero's Mercy: Prospero decides to show mercy and calls for the king, Antonio,
and Gonzalo to be brought before him. Ariel brings them, and they approach
Prospero's presence, led by the spirit's enchanting music.
Prospero Reveals Himself: Prospero reveals his identity to Gonzalo, Antonio, and
the king. They're shocked and amazed.
Forgiveness and Apologies:Antonio and the king apologize for their past
wrongdoings. Prospero forgives them and agrees to restore his dukedom.
A Joyful Reunion:Prospero shows the king his son Ferdinand, who's playing chess
with Miranda. The king and Ferdinand are overjoyed to see each other, thinking
they'd lost each other in the storm.
Miranda's Impression:Miranda is impressed by the nobility of Ferdinand and his
father. The king is also amazed by Miranda's beauty and kindness.
Ferdinand's Love:Ferdinand tells his father about his love for Miranda and how
he's chosen her as his partner. The king is happy about their relationship.
The King's Realization:The king realizes he'll have to ask his son's future father-in-
law (Prospero) for forgiveness.
Prospero's Forgiveness: Prospero forgives his brother and the king, saying that
their troubles led to a happy outcome: Ferdinand and Miranda's love.
Reconciliation:The company is filled with joy and emotion as they reconcile.
Antonio is overcome with shame and remorse, and Gonzalo prays for blessings on
the young couple.
Plans for Departure:Prospero tells them that their ship is safe and they'll depart
for Naples the next morning. He invites them to rest and refresh themselves in his
cave.
Caliban's Appearance:Prospero calls for Caliban to prepare food and tidy up. The
company is surprised by Caliban's ugly appearance, and Prospero explains that
he's his only attendant.
Ariel's Freedom: Prospero frees Ariel from his service, and Ariel is overjoyed. Ariel
asks to help Prospero's ship sail home with good winds before he leaves.
Ariel's Song:Ariel sings a happy song about the freedom he'll enjoy, playing and
living in nature.
Prospero's Decision:Prospero buries his magical books and wand, deciding to give
up his magic art. He's happy to have reconciled with his enemies and looks
forward to his daughter's marriage.
Return to Naples:Prospero, Ferdinand, and Miranda sail to Naples, where they'll
celebrate the wedding. With Ariel's help, they have a safe and pleasant journey.
Prospero vs. Ariel:
- Prospero: Powerful, wise, and controlling, using his magic to achieve his goals.
- Ariel: Lively, quick, and obedient, longing for freedom and autonomy.
Prospero vs. Caliban:
- Prospero: Refined, educated, and authoritative, representing order and
civilization.
- Caliban: Savage, coarse, and rebellious, symbolizing the untamed and primal
forces of nature.
Ferdinand vs. Caliban:
- Ferdinand: Noble, chivalrous, and romantic, representing true love and virtue.
- Caliban: Brutish, lustful, and resentful, embodying base desires and rebellion.
Miranda vs. Caliban:
- Miranda: Innocent, kind, and gentle, representing purity and goodness.
- Caliban: Corrupt, bitter, and malicious, symbolizing the darker aspects of human
nature.
Prospero's relationships:
- With Ariel: Master-servant, with Prospero's authority and Ariel's longing for
freedom.
- With Caliban: Master-slave, with Prospero's control and Caliban's resentment.
- With Miranda: Father-daughter, with Prospero's love and protection.
- With Ferdinand: Father-in-law/son-in-law, with Prospero's approval and blessing.