TEMPEST: A Summary

Act I
Prospero was the Duke of Milan. He was a gifted sorcerer. (Magician). His brother, Antonio
usurps (remove forcefully) him from the throne with the help of Alonso, the King of Naples.
Prospero escapes with his infant daughter to a remote island and lives there for twelve years.
Prospero uses magic to enslave the monstrous Caliban, the son of a witch. He also has a spirit,
Ariel to work for him.
When a ship carrying his brother Antonio and his friends passes nearby, Prospero
conjures (creates) up a storm with help from Ariel and the ship is destroyed. Antonio is
shipwrecked, along with Alonso, Ferdinand (Alonso's son), Sebas an (Alonso's brother),
Gonzalo (Prospero's trustworthy minister), and other court members.

Act II
Scene 1
The survivors of the wreck reach the Island. King Alonso’s son—Ferdinand is missing. Alonso
thinks that he is dead. Gonzalo expresses his happiness that they are saved.
Ariel appears and puts all of them into sleep, except Antonio and Sebas an. Antonio
and Sebas an (Sebas an is Alonso’s brother) plans to kill King Alonso to gain the throne of
Naples. At that moment Ariel wakes Gonzalo, so that the murder of Alonso was prevented.
Scene 2
Prospero’s slave Caliban, who is a monster is also introduced.

Act III
Scene 1 (Prescribed Por on) Also known as LOG SCENE

Act Three presents Ferdinand, son of Alonso. He was thought to be dead by Alonso. But he
was not dead. He was imprisoned by Prospero and made to work for him. Ferdinand was
instructed to carry Logs. Being a prince he is not used to such jobs. Ferdinand enters carrying
a log, which he claims would be a difficult task (“Mean Task”) except that he carries it to serve
Miranda. His carrying of the logs is a punishment but one he willingly accepts because
thoughts of Miranda make the work seem effortless.

Miranda enters and, when Ferdinand will not rest, offers to take up his work so that he
may rest, but Ferdinand refuses. Although she was instructed not to reveal her name, Miranda
impulsively reveals it to Ferdinand. Ferdinand has known other beautiful women, but he
admits to having never known one as perfect as Miranda. Miranda confesses that she has
known no other women, nor any other man, except for her father. Now, she would want no
other man except for Ferdinand. When Ferdinand avows that he would gladly serve her,
Miranda asks if he loves her. He quickly agrees, and the couple finally touch, taking each
other's hands, as they pledge their love. Prospero listens, unseen by them.
Scene 2

Caliban conspires to kill Prospero with the help of other members of the crew, Trinculo and
Stefano. But Ariel witnesses the conspiracy and decides to tell Prospero.
Scene 3

Ariel appears, disguised as a *harpy. (A monster described as having a woman's head and
body and a bird's wings and claws) He accuses Antonio, Sebastian, and Alonso for the past
sins committed by them against Prospero.

Act IV
Act 1
Prospero recognizes Ferdinand’s and Miranda’s love for each other.
Act V
Prospero finds that his enemies are feeling remorseful and worried. He has accomplished his
revenge by means of magic. Now he decides to give up magic. Ariel brings all. Prospero
forgives them. The Dukedom of Milan is given back to Prospero. Prospero reveals to Alonso
that his son Ferdinand is not dead, and is going to be married to his daughter, Miranda. Thus,
everything turns out happily.

Ques on and Answers

1. Explain “the mean task”.
The expression, “Mean task” is referred to denote the work of carrying logs and piling
them up. The work was heavy for him because, being a prince, he was not used to
such hard labour.
2. What is the a tude of Miranda to the Ferdinand’s work?
Miranda is not so happy to see Ferdinand work so hard. She even requested him to
put down the logs and take rest.
3. With who is Miranda compared?
Miranda is compared to her father, Prospero. The outcome of this comparison was
that, she is ten mes be er than Prospero, according to Ferdinand.
4. Why couldn’t Miranda see the faces of many people in her life?
Miranda's limited exposure to other people is due to her isolated upbringing on the
island with only her father, Prospero, as company. Therefore, she has not
encountered many other individuals un l the arrival of Ferdinand and his
companions.
5. What is referred to as trifling.?
In Act 3, Scene 1 of Shakespeare's "The Tempest," when Ferdinand is tasked by
Prospero to carry logs, he refers to the task as "trifling." Here, "trifling" refers to the
seemingly insignificant or pe y nature of the task, yet Ferdinand acknowledges its
importance in proving his love and dedica on to Miranda.
Paragraph Ques ons-Answers
1. What theme is highlighted through the love story of Miranda and Ferdinand.
The love story of Miranda and Ferdinand in The Tempest highlights the theme of
innocence and reconcilia on, symbolizing hope for a harmonious future through
the union of contras ng worlds—nobility and nature, innocence and experience.
Their rela onship also reflects themes of love’s transforma ve power and the
poten al for renewal and harmony a er conflict.

2. Write a character sketch of Ferdinand as it is revealed through this scene

In the Log Scene (Act 3, Scene 1) of The Tempest, Ferdinand is portrayed as a noble,
diligent, and devoted character. Despite being a prince, he willingly performs the
menial task of carrying logs, showcasing his humility and resilience. His love for
Miranda mo vates him, as he finds joy in his labour, considering it a service of love.
Ferdinand's respec ul and sincere nature is evident in his courteous interac on
with Miranda. His determina on, pa ence, and genuine affec on highlight his
strong moral character and make him a worthy match for Miranda.

3. Why do most of the ac ons in the play take place on an isolated Island.?
Most of the ac ons in The Tempest take place on an isolated island where Prospero
and Miranda have been living for 12 years a er being exiled from Milan. The other
characters are brought to the island through a shipwreck caused by Prospero's
magical storm. The island's isola on creates a controlled and symbolic environment,
free from societal norms, allowing characters to confront their true selves. It
enables Prospero to orchestrate events without external interference and serves as
a blank canvas for transforma on, reconcilia on, and the resolu on of conflicts.

4. How do Miranda and Ferdinand profess their love for each other
Miranda and Ferdinand profess their love for each other with sincerity and
innocence in Act 3, Scene 1 of The Tempest. Ferdinand, while performing the
arduous task of carrying logs, expresses his admira on and deep affec on for
Miranda, praising her beauty and virtue. Miranda, equally cap vated, openly
declares her love for him and offers herself as his wife. Their exchange is
characterized by honesty, mutual respect, and a lack of pretense, highligh ng the
purity and genuine nature of their feelings. This scene underscores their emo onal
connec on and sets the founda on for their union.

5. Why does Miranda weep?

Miranda weeps out of compassion and love for Ferdinand in Act 3, Scene 1 of The
Tempest. She feels deep pity seeing him labor so hard under her father’s command,
carrying heavy logs despite being a prince. Her tears also reflect her helplessness,
as she cannot directly ease his burden, and her growing affec on for him, as she
wishes to share in his suffering. This moment highlights her kind-hearted and
empathe c nature.