The Tempest Notes - Themes:
1. Power and Authority
2. Revenge and Justice
3. Forgiveness and Reconciliation
4. Magic and Supernatural
5. Nature vs Civilisation
6. Freedom and Imprisonment
7. Colonialism and Post-colonisation
8. Theme of Time
Power and Authority:
1. Prospero's Control Over the Island and Its Inhabitants
● Prospero:
"My high charms work,
And these, mine enemies, are all knit up
In their distractions: they now are in my power."
(Act 3, Scene 3)
This quote demonstrates Prospero’s magical power and control over the other
characters, particularly his enemies. He uses magic to manipulate events and people
to achieve his goals, underscoring his authority over the island.
2. Caliban on His Enslavement
● Caliban:
"I must obey: his art is of such power,
It would control my dam's god, Setebos,
And make a vassal of him."
(Act 1, Scene 2)
Here, Caliban acknowledges Prospero’s immense power, which forces him into subjugation.
It reflects the theme of colonization and how Prospero’s magic gives him absolute authority
over Caliban, who is native to the island. Also under magic & supernatural: magic serves as
a tool of domination and control, even over native, spiritual forces.
3. Prospero’s Recount of His Usurpation
● Prospero:
"The government I cast upon my brother,
And to my state grew stranger, being transported
And rapt in secret studies. Thy false uncle—
Dost thou attend me?"
(Act 1, Scene 2)
In this passage, Prospero explains how he was usurped by his brother Antonio when
he became too absorbed in his studies of magic. The theme of political authority and
the betrayal of power is central here, setting up Prospero’s quest for justice and
control.
4. Ariel on the Nature of Service
● Ariel:
"Remember I have done thee worthy service,
Told thee no lies, made no mistakings, served
Without or grudge or grumblings: thou didst promise
To bate me a full year."
(Act 1, Scene 2)
Ariel, although a magical being, is subject to Prospero’s power. This quote reveals
the master-servant dynamic, as Ariel reminds Prospero of his service and the
promise of freedom. It highlights Prospero’s authority but also hints at the limits of his
control as Ariel seeks independence. Also, Freedom & Imprisonment, Colonialism:
Ariel reminds Prospero of the promise to grant him freedom after serving him
faithfully. Ariel's yearning for liberty underscores the theme of imprisonment, as he is
bound to serve until Prospero sees fit to release him.
5. Prospero on His Authority Over Caliban
● Prospero:
"Thou most lying slave,
Whom stripes may move, not kindness! I have used thee,
Filth as thou art, with humane care, and lodged thee
In mine own cell, till thou didst seek to violate
The honour of my child."
(Act 1, Scene 2)
Prospero calls Caliban a “slave,” revealing his harsh authority over him. Prospero relies on
force and punishment to assert his control over Caliban, embodying the theme of colonial
subjugation. His assertion of “humane care” contrasts with his enslavement and harsh
punishment of Caliban, symbolizing the paternalistic attitude of colonizers toward the
colonized. Prospero’s harsh treatment of Caliban reflects the master-slave dynamic, where
Caliban is forcibly imprisoned in servitude. This highlights the play's ongoing tension
between freedom and imprisonment.
6. Gonzalo on Power and Utopia
● Gonzalo: (optimistic and kind-hearted advisor to King Alonso)
"Had I plantation of this isle, my lord—
… I' the commonwealth I would by contraries
Execute all things; for no kind of traffic
Would I admit; no name of magistrate;
Letters should not be known; riches, poverty,
And use of service, none; contract, succession,
Bourn, bound of land, tilth, vineyard, none."
(Act 2, Scene 1)
Gonzalo imagines a utopia where there are no laws, no authority, and no power
hierarchies. This vision contrasts with the actual political struggles on the island,
providing an idealistic counterpoint to the more manipulative and authoritarian
behaviors of other characters.
7. Prospero Renouncing His Magic
● Prospero:
"By my so potent art. But this rough magic
I here abjure, and, when I have required
Some heavenly music—which even now I do—
To work mine end upon their senses that
This airy charm is for, I'll break my staff,
Bury it certain fathoms in the earth,
And deeper than did ever plummet sound
I'll drown my book." (Act 5, Scene 1)
Power & Authority. Revenge & Justice. Forgiveness & Reconciliation. Magic & Supernatural.
8. Caliban’s Rebellion Against Authority
● Caliban:
"You taught me language; and my profit on’t
Is, I know how to curse. The red plague rid you
For learning me your language!"
(Act 1, Scene 2)
This quote from Caliban illustrates his rebellion against Prospero’s imposed authority.
Though Prospero has educated him, Caliban resents the control and cultural domination that
came with it. His rebellion underscores his resistance to subjugation. Also colonialism:
Caliban’s bitterness at having learned Prospero’s language reflects a colonial trope where
the colonized are taught the language and customs of the colonizers but are left angry and
disempowered. The language becomes a tool of control rather than a benefit.
Gonzalo’s Vision of a Utopian Society
Gonzalo:
"I' the commonwealth I would by contraries
Execute all things; for no kind of traffic
Would I admit; no name of magistrate;
Letters should not be known; riches, poverty,
And use of service, none; contract, succession,
Bourn, bound of land, tilth, vineyard, none;
No use of metal, corn, or wine, or oil;
No occupation; all men idle, all.
And women too, but innocent and pure;No sovereignty—"
Few lines later, “I would with such perfection govern, sir, T' excel the Golden Age.”
Antonio: “Long live Gonzalo!”
(Act 2, Scene 1)
Gonzalo describes an ideal society free from the constraints of European civilization.
His vision reflects the idealization of a simpler, natural way of life, untouched by
commerce, law, or politics.
4. Magic and the Supernatural
Magic and the supernatural are central to the power dynamics in The Tempest. Prospero's
control over the island is deeply intertwined with his use of magic.
Ariel’s Supernatural Power, he often uses songs to Bewitch. He sings to Gonzalo to make
them sleep
Ariel:
"I boarded the king’s ship; now on the beak,
Now in the waist, the deck, in every cabin,
I flamed amazement: sometime I’d divide,
And burn in many places; on the topmast,
The yards and bowsprit, would I flame distinctly,
Then meet and join."
(Act 1, Scene 2)
Ariel’s songs have bewitching power. Lulling, lead them where Prospero wants them to be.
● Example: In Act 1, Scene 2, Ariel sings to Ferdinand, luring him toward Prospero
and Miranda after the shipwreck. His song confuses Ferdinand, who thinks his father
is dead, and draws him into Prospero’s plan.
○ “Full fathom five thy father lies;
Of his bones are coral made;
Those are pearls that were his eyes...”
● Ferdinand, moved by the haunting music, follows it without question.
Ariel is able to directly influence characters’ states of consciousness by using magic at
Prospero’s command. He can induce sleep or awake characters when instructed.
● Example: In Act 2, Scene 1, Ariel puts Alonso and Gonzalo to sleep while leaving
Antonio and Sebastian awake to plot their betrayal. Ariel acts invisibly, using his
magic to control the situation:
○ “My master through his art foresees the danger
That you, his friend, are in, and sends me forth
(For else his project dies) to keep them living.”
● This sleep prevents Gonzalo and Alonso from overhearing Antonio and Sebastian’s
plan to kill them.
Ariel can create illusions that disorient characters or lead them to act in particular ways. He
uses his magical abilities to create visions, change appearances, and cause confusion.
● Example: In Act 3, Scene 3, Ariel appears as a harpy to confront Alonso, Antonio,
and Sebastian. He makes a banquet appear and then disappear, leaving the nobles
in a trance-like state as they grapple with guilt for their past deeds:
○ “You are three men of sin... The powers, delaying, not forgetting, have
Incensed the seas and shores, yea, all the creatures,
Against your peace.”
Ariel’s supernatural powers allow him to control characters’ actions and consciousness,
either through soothing music, magic-induced sleep, or illusions that disorient and
manipulate them to serve Prospero’s objectives. Ariel describes his magical abilities and the
supernatural spectacle he created during the storm that wrecked the ship. This highlights the
influence of supernatural forces throughout the play.
Revenge and Justice
1. Prospero on the Initial Desire for Revenge
● Prospero:
"If thou more murmur'st, I will rend an oak
And peg thee in his knotty entrails till
Thou hast howl’d away twelve winters."
(Act 1, Scene 2)
In this quote, Prospero threatens Ariel with punishment, demonstrating his initial
inclination toward harsh, vengeful treatment. His need to control and punish reflects
his desire to exert power over those who have wronged or disobeyed him.
2. Ariel on Compassion
● Ariel:
"The rarer action is
In virtue than in vengeance."
(Act 5, Scene 1)
Ariel speaks these lines to Prospero, encouraging him to choose mercy and virtue
over vengeance. This moment marks a turning point, where Prospero is reminded
that forgiveness is a nobler course of action than seeking revenge.
3. Prospero’s Recollection of Betrayal
● Prospero:
"That a brother should
Be so perfidious!—he whom next thyself
Of all the world I loved, and to him put
The manage of my state; as at that time
Through all the signories it was the first,
And Prospero the prime duke, being so reputed
In dignity, and for the liberal arts
Without a parallel: those being all my study,
The government I cast upon my brother,
And to my state grew stranger, being transported
And rapt in secret studies."
(Act 1, Scene 2)
Here, Prospero explains how he was betrayed by his brother Antonio, who usurped
his dukedom. This betrayal sets the stage for Prospero’s initial desire for revenge.
The quote also highlights the theme of justice as Prospero seeks to rectify the wrong
done to him.
4. Antonio and Sebastian Plotting Murder
● Antonio:
"My strong imagination sees a crown
Dropping upon thy head."
(Act 2, Scene 1)
Antonio, having already usurped his brother, now encourages Sebastian to murder
his brother, King Alonso, to gain the throne. This reflects the treacherous pursuit of
power and the absence of moral justice in Antonio’s character.
5. Prospero on His Ultimate Decision to Forgive
● Prospero:
"Though with their high wrongs I am struck to the quick,
Yet with my nobler reason 'gainst my fury
Do I take part: the rarer action is
In virtue than in vengeance."
(Act 5, Scene 1)
This is one of the most important quotes in the play, where Prospero explicitly
decides to abandon his desire for vengeance and choose the path of forgiveness. It
highlights the theme of justice as tempered by mercy and reflects Prospero’s moral
growth.
7. Caliban’s Desire for Revenge
● Caliban:
"As I told thee before, I am subject to a tyrant,
A sorcerer, that by his cunning hath
Cheated me of the island."
(Act 3, Scene 2)
Caliban expresses his deep resentment toward Prospero, whom he views as a tyrant
and usurper. Caliban’s desire for revenge reflects the same themes of betrayal and
justice that drive Prospero, although from a different perspective.
8. Miranda on Compassion and Justice
● Miranda:
"O, I have suffered
With those that I saw suffer!"
(Act 1, Scene 2)
Miranda’s compassion toward the shipwrecked crew contrasts with Prospero’s initial
desire for retribution. Her empathy highlights an alternative perspective on justice,
one that emphasizes mercy and understanding over punishment.
Conclusion
These quotes from The Tempest illustrate the central tension between revenge and justice in
the play. Prospero’s journey from a vengeful figure to one who forgives those who have
wronged him reflects the play’s broader message about the power of mercy and
reconciliation over revenge.
Forgiveness and Reconcilation
Here are important quotes from The Tempest that reflect the themes of forgiveness and
reconciliation:
1. Prospero’s Decision to Forgive
● Prospero:
"Though with their high wrongs I am struck to the quick,
Yet with my nobler reason 'gainst my fury
Do I take part: the rarer action is
In virtue than in vengeance."
(Act 5, Scene 1)
This is one of the key moments where Prospero decides to forgive his enemies
rather than seek revenge. He acknowledges that forgiveness is the higher, more
noble course of action, signaling his transformation and desire for reconciliation.
2. Prospero’s Final Act of Forgiveness
● Prospero:
"For you, most wicked sir, whom to call brother
Would even infect my mouth, I do forgive
Thy rankest fault—all of them and require
My dukedom of thee, which perforce, I know,
Thou must restore."
(Act 5, Scene 1)
In this moment, Prospero forgives his brother Antonio for usurping his dukedom. This
act of forgiveness is a significant part of the play’s resolution, as Prospero seeks to
restore relationships and move beyond past grievances.
3. Ariel’s Plea for Compassion
● Ariel:
"Your charm so strongly works 'em
That if you now beheld them, your affections
Would become tender."
(Act 5, Scene 1)
Ariel speaks to Prospero about the remorse and suffering of the shipwrecked men,
appealing to his sense of compassion. This marks a pivotal moment where Prospero
is influenced to act mercifully toward his enemies, underscoring the theme of
forgiveness.
4. Prospero Forgives Alonso
● Prospero:
"I embrace thy body;
And to thee and thy company I bid
A hearty welcome."
(Act 5, Scene 1)
Prospero offers forgiveness to Alonso, the King of Naples, who conspired with
Antonio to overthrow him. This act of reconciliation brings closure to their conflict and
represents Prospero’s willingness to restore harmony.
5. Miranda and Ferdinand’s Union as a Symbol of Reconciliation
● Prospero (about Ferdinand and Miranda):
"So glad of this as they I cannot be,
Who are surprised withal; but my rejoicing
At nothing can be more."
(Act 3, Scene 1)
The marriage between Miranda and Ferdinand serves as a symbol of reconciliation
between Milan and Naples. Their love is a bridge between the older generation’s
conflicts and a hopeful, peaceful future.
7. Gonzalo’s Joy at the Reconciliation
● Gonzalo:
"O, rejoice
Beyond a common joy! and set it down
With gold on lasting pillars: In one voyage
Did Claribel her husband find at Tunis,
And Ferdinand, her brother, found a wife
Where he himself was lost, Prospero his dukedom
In a poor isle, and all of us ourselves
When no man was his own."
(Act 5, Scene 1)
Gonzalo reflects on the joyous outcome of the events, noting how all have found their
place and been restored. His speech emphasizes the theme of reconciliation as the
various characters, once divided by betrayal and loss, are reunited and healed.
9. Caliban’s Reconciliation with Prospero
● Caliban:
"I’ll be wise hereafter
And seek for grace."
(Act 5, Scene 1)
In the final act, Caliban expresses regret for his actions and seems willing to
reconcile with Prospero. This marks a subtle shift in their relationship, as even
Caliban, who has been deeply wronged, seeks some form of peace.
Conclusion
These quotes from The Tempest illustrate how forgiveness and reconciliation are central to
the play's resolution. Prospero’s journey from a man seeking revenge to one offering
forgiveness highlights the transformative power of mercy. The characters are ultimately
brought together through acts of compassion and reconciliation, emphasizing the theme that
healing and unity are achieved through forgiveness rather than vengeance.
6. Freedom and Imprisonment
Caliban’s Dream of Freedom
● Caliban:
"Be not afeard; the isle is full of noises,
Sounds and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not.
Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments
Will hum about mine ears, and sometime voices
That, if I then had waked after long sleep,
Will make me sleep again: and then, in dreaming,
The clouds methought would open and show riches
Ready to drop upon me that when I waked
I cried to dream again."
(Act 3, Scene 2)
Caliban’s dream of freedom reflects his longing for release from his servitude. His
desire to escape Prospero’s domination is expressed through his appreciation of the
natural beauty of the island, a place he views as his true home.
Prospero on His Own Captivity
● Prospero:
"Confined together
In the same fashion as you gave in charge,
Just as you left them, all prisoners, sir,
In the line-grove which weather-fends your cell;
They cannot budge till your release."
(Act 5, Scene 1)
Prospero, despite being the master of the island, acknowledges that the characters
are trapped in a sort of magical prison. This extends to his own captivity, as he is also
bound by his obsession with revenge and power until he chooses to free himself.
7. Colonialism and Post-Colonialism
The Tempest has often been interpreted through the lens of colonialism, with Prospero's
control over the island and its inhabitants, particularly Caliban, representing European
colonization of foreign lands and peoples.
Caliban’s Claim to the Island
● Caliban:
"This island’s mine, by Sycorax my mother,
Which thou takest from me. When thou camest first,
Thou strokedst me and made much of me; wouldst give me
Water with berries in't, and teach me how
To name the bigger light, and how the less,
That burn by day and night: and then I loved thee
And show'd thee all the qualities o' the isle,
The fresh springs, brine-pits, barren place and fertile."
(Act 1, Scene 2)
Caliban, a native of the island, asserts his rightful ownership, only to have it taken by
Prospero. The colonizer "educates" and exploits the native, claiming their land in the
process. Nature vs Civilisation: Caliban's deep connection to the island contrasts with
the civilizing influence of Prospero. Caliban represents a more primal, natural force,
while Prospero symbolizes the imposing structures of European civilization.
Stephano and Trinculo’s Plan to Rule the Island
● Stephano:
"I will kill this man: his daughter and I will be king and queen; save our graces! and
Trinculo and thyself shall be viceroys."
(Act 3, Scene 2)
Stephano’s drunken plan to rule the island mirrors the ambition of European
colonizers who sought to claim and rule lands they encountered. His treatment of
Caliban as a lesser being and his desire to seize control of the island highlight the
exploitative aspects of colonialism.
Miranda on Caliban's Nature
● Miranda:
"Abhorrèd slave,
Which any print of goodness wilt not take,
Being capable of all ill!"
(Act 1, Scene 2)
Miranda expresses her belief that Caliban, despite her father’s attempts to educate him,
cannot be civilized. Hence he deserves to be imprisoned on a rock by Prospero. (Also
Nature vs Nurture/ Civilisation)
8. Theme of Time
Time is a significant theme in The Tempest, as the play takes place over the course of a
single day, and much of the action revolves around Prospero’s desire to set things right after
years of exile.
Prospero Reflects on the Passage of Time
● Prospero:
"Twelve year since, Miranda, twelve year since,
Thy father was the Duke of Milan and
A prince of power."
(Act 1, Scene 2)
Prospero recalls how it has been twelve years since he and Miranda were exiled
from Milan. Repetition: highlights his long-held desire for revenge and justice. The
number of years also emphasizes how long he has been biding his time on the
island, preparing for this moment.
Antonio on the Timeliness of Action
● Antonio:
"What's past is prologue."
(Act 2, Scene 1)
This famous line from Antonio suggests that everything that has happened before is
merely a setup for what is to come. In the context of the play, it indicates that past
events (including Prospero’s exile) have merely laid the groundwork for the current
moment of action and resolution. It underscores the theme of time as cyclical and
anticipatory.
Gonzalo on the Length of the Day
● Gonzalo:
"Now would I give a thousand furlongs of sea for an acre of barren grounds, long
heath, brown furze, any thing. The wills above be done! but I would fain die a dry
death."
(Act 1, Scene 1)
Gonzalo’s reference to time emphasizes the enduring nature of their ordeal on the
island. He contrasts the chaotic and uncertain experience at sea with the desire for a
more natural and “civilized” way of life on land, suggesting how time on the island
seems suspended and stretched.
Ariel on the Speed of His Actions
● Ariel:
"My lord it shall be done."
"Before you can say 'come' and 'go,'
And breathe twice and cry, 'so, so,'
Each one, tripping on his toe,
Will be here with mop and mow."
(Act 4, Scene 1)
Ariel emphasizes his ability to manipulate time and act quickly, showcasing the
supernatural element of time in The Tempest. His speed contrasts with the slower,
more methodical passage of time for the human characters, indicating the tension
between mortal time and the supernatural.
Prospero’s Reflection on Life and Time
● Prospero:
"We are such stuff
As dreams are made on, and our little life
Is rounded with a sleep."
(Act 4, Scene 1)
This famous passage reflects Prospero’s meditations on the ephemeral nature of life
and the passage of time. He suggests that life itself is fleeting, like a dream, and that
time ultimately ends in death or "sleep." It ties into the idea that the events of the play
are like a dream, bound by time but also existing in a transient, magical reality. Role
of magic?
