Summary
The Tempest Summary and Symbols and Themes
This is an in-depth summary of The Tempest written by William Shakespeare. Including information on symbols and themes mentioned throughout the play.
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The Tempest summaryIntro
- Alonzo (king of Naples) and his men are travelling on ship from Africa, (where Alonzo's
daughter was married back to Italy) when they face a tempest (terrible storm)
Rising action
- Prospero (magician) and daughter (Miranda) watch the ship being destroyed in storm.
They have been stranded on island for 12 years since escape from Milan (where
Prospero was disposed by his traitor brother (Antonio) and other enemies (men on ship)
and was exiled.
- Prospero used magic to orchestrate storm and the events that follow, wants revenge.
- Prospero’s servant (Ariel - a spirit) separates those on board into 3 groups. Nobles,
Ferdinand (Alonzo’s son) and the comics (Trinculo and Stephano)
- Prospero’s second servant (Caliban) is a monster like man who is the son of the evil
witch Sycorax (Prospero defeated Sycorax when coming to island)
- Ferdinand is saved from storm and falls in love with Miranda at rst sight, she
reciprocates.
- King and his men have survived storm and arrives on shore on di erent parts of the
island.
- Alonzo thinks Ferdinand has drowned.
- Antonio and kings brother (Sebastian) plot to kill Alonzo so that Sebastian can become
king. (Antiono did same thing to Prospero and felt no guilt)
- Trinculo (Jester) and Stephano (Butler) stumble upon Caliban. Caliban believes he is
seeing a god and swears to serve Stephano. Men get drunk and come up with plan to
kill Prospero so that Stephano can become ruler of island.
- King and men search for Ferdinand with no luck, they are exhausted and are shocked
to see a magic banquet. Just before they can eat Ariel appears and tells them of their
sins, their treachery is exposed.
Climax
- Prospero calls forth a celebration with dancing and music by a host of spirits to honour
engagement of Miranda and Ferdinand.
- Midway through party Prospero remembers that Caliban, Triculo and Stephano are
coming to kill him, so he ends celebration.
Falling action
- Realising everyone is under his control, Prospero decides to not get revenge and rather
seek mercy. Vows to give up magic after he brings about restoration. Ariel brings men
under magic spell to Prospero, who explains the various crimes committed against him
and announces he forgives them.
- He tells them that Ferdinand is alive and announces his engagement to Miranda.
- Alonzo is happy his son is alive and approves the engagement.
Resolution
- Prospero turns to audience and asks them to free him so he can go back to Naples as
well, by clapping they show they enjoyed the show.
fi ff
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