The play begins on the deck of a ship at sea in the middle of a violent tempest.

Act I, scene ii   (The main "plot" begins)

The scene changes to the island where Miranda and Prospero have viewed the plight of the storm-tossed ship through Prospero's magic powers.   Removing his magical robe, Prospero tells Miranda the history of her birth and her true place and value. He describes how he and Miranda, then not quite three years old, were forced to board a rotting ship and put to sea to suffer certain death. The conspiracy to take over Prospero's power and station was the work of his brother who plotted with the King of Naples, Prospero's enemy.   Now "by accident most strange," all these men have been brought close to the island where Prospero and Miranda have been shipwrecked for the last twelve years. Through magic and the spirit Ariel who is required to do his bidding, Prospero created the storm and chaos among the sailors and passengers so that they would be separated and believe the others drowned.    However,  Prospero has protected them all from harm and hidden the ship under a charm.

When Ariel appears reluctant to continue to serve Prospero, Prospero  reminds the spirit of its imprisonment by the witch Sycorax and Caliban, her child, until Prospero had worked his magic to free him/her. (Ariel's gender is unspecified.)  Besides, Prospero promises complete freedom in just two days time if Ariel carries out his designs.

Prospero awakens  Miranda and they visit Caliban, "the slave," who carries wood, makes fire, and serves their basic needs. Caliban curses Prospero, his master, for usurping his rightful rule of the island,   and Prospero vows to punish Caliban for these insults and his continued insolent behavior.  Prospero recalls how when he attempted to befriend Caliban and teach him language and manners, Caliban tried to "violate the honor" of Miranda. ( * )

Meanwhile Ariel's song and music has lured Ferdinand near to Prospero and Miranda. Miranda is immediately impressed by Ferdinand's good looks, and he is equally smitten by her beauty, calling her a "goddess." Prospero lets the audience know through the vehicle of asides that this attraction is exactly what he had planned and hoped for, and he only acts disapproving in order to make their bond even stronger.  Miranda pleads with her father to spare Ferdinand while Prospero demands he serve him. ( * )
 

1.   Caliban has been said to represent evil, but the situation is not as simple as that.  What event led Prospero to start treating Caliban as his slave?

2.   Why do you think Prospero doesn't let them fall in love immediately and instead forces Ferdinand to work?

Meanwhile Alonso, Sebastian, Antonio, and Gonzalo have washed up on another part of the island.   Antonio and Sebastian make fun of old Gonzalo, blaming him for the loss of Ferdinand (they think he is dead).

Ariel, who is invisible, passes among the men playing music, and all of the company, except Antonio and Sebastian, suddenly fall into a deep sleep.  Antonio uses this moment to show  Sebastian the opportunity he now has to seize the crown from his brother Alonso.

With Alonso's son and daughter out of the way, Sebastian can easily claim the crown; all he has to do is kill Alonso. Antonio points to his own behavior as a model. He overthrew his brother and now enjoys success. He vows to kill Gonzalo to prevent his interference with their plot, while Sebastian kills his brother Alonso.   Sebastian decides to follow Antonio's "precedent," promising Antonio as his reward that he will no longer have pay taxes to Naples.

Just as they draw their swords, invisible Ariel awakens Gonzalo, singing in his ear that treachery is at hand. Sebastian and Antonio are able to avoid suspicion by saying that they too had heard a loud noise and were protecting the king. The company now decides to continue their search for Ferdinand.

1.  Who is the most guilty person in this scene and why?
 

2.  Why doesn't Prospero or Ariel stop the planning to kill the King right away?
 

Act II, Scene ii   (subplot #2:  comic relief and the conspiracy to take control of the Island)

On another part of the island, a parallel scene occurs between Trinculo, a jester,  and Stephano, a butler, and Caliban.   At first Caliban hides from Trinculo, fearing he will torment him.     Stephano, who has found the ship's liquor, doesn't know what to make of the "beast" he discovers with four legs, two voices, and a severe case of the shakes.   Caliban is so impressed with Stephano's "celestial liquor" (alcohol) that he declares he will be his subject.    Caliban promises to show  Stephano all the fine points of the island and to give him food and drink; he vows he will no longer serve Prospero.

1.  The scenes between these three characters are ridiculous and full of slapstick and insults.   Why do you think  Shakespeare put scenes like these in an otherwise serious play?
 

2.  Why would Caliban fear these two men who are just simple low-lifes?
 
 
 
 

Ferdinand carries and stacks wood for Prospero, but declares that it is not difficult  work since he serves a sweet mistress.  Miranda is saddened by Ferdinand's heavy burden and offers to take his place.   Prospero, observing this scene from a hiding spot, is happy because it confirms that the two young people are deeply in love.   Miranda and Ferdinand declare their affections and decide to marry.

Act III, scene ii

Caliban, who is quite drunk, continues to pledge his allegiance to Stephano. The invisible Ariel plays tricks on  Caliban, Stephano, and Trinculo.   Stephano beats Trinculo for defying Caliban,  finally forcing him to stand at a distance while he plots with Caliban to overthrow Prospero, marry Miranda, and rule the island. Their conspiracy is interrupted by Ariel's sweet music, and  Stephano and Trinculo follow the music in hopes of catching up with the musician.

Act III, scene iii

Alonso and his company, exhausted from their search for Ferdinand, decide they must accept the fact that he is drowned. Sebastian quietly vows to Antonio to take advantage of the next opportunity and carry out their coup.   Suddenly music is heard and spirits enter with a banquet table and invite all to eat.   The men are amazed and wonder if anyone will believe their stories of these strange events when they return home. Just as they prepare to eat, Ariel arrives in thunder and lightning, looking like a bird of prey, and makes the table disappear. The spirit announces "you are three men of sin" who overthrew Prospero; the shipwreck is fair punishment.   The three men are deeply affected with guilt and anger and run off in different directions. Gonzalo thinks they may harm themselves in their desperation and calls on the rest of the group to follow them and restrain them if necessary.

1.  This act quickly "juxtaposes" (puts beside one another) a scene of love, a comic scene, and a banquet scene that is magical.   How do you think audiences would react and why?
 
 
 

2.  The spirit announces the "sin" of the three men.  This begins the major them of guilt and forgiveness of the play.   Should Prospero forgive these men?  Will he?  Make a prediction of what will happen?
 
 
 

Prospero agrees to the betrothal of Miranda and Ferdinand.

Ariel is sent to gather the whole company while Prospero entertains the young couple with a magic show.  Ceres and Juno are called to the earth by Iris to witness a contract of true love. They sing of the blessings to be bestowed on their marriage. Just as nymphs and reapers begin to perform a graceful dance, Prospero rises up in alarm and interrupts the show. He has just remembered the conspiracy of Caliban and his confederates.

Meanwhile Ariel's music has led the trio through a maze of briers and mud. Stephano and Trinculo are disgusted and angry with Caliban who still urges them to kill Prospero. But when they get to Prospero's home, the men are distracted when they see luxurious clothing hanging on a line. They start to fight over the garments and force Caliban to carry what they steal.  Suddenly spirits in the shape of dogs attack them.
 
 

1.  One purpose of this "Masque" scene and the tricks with Steph and Triculo is to amaze everyone, and also to gather everyone together.    But what does it show you of Prospero's character?
 

2.  The next scene is the last scene.  What do you think Prospero will do?
 

Prospero realizes that his project is almost completed. All his enemies are gathered together in one place. Ariel describes the sorrow and emotions of the company, adding that anything human would certainly feel compassion for them. Taking this cue, Prospero decides to show mercy. His reason and not his passion takes control. He realizes that "the rarer action is in virtue than in vengeance," and since they are sorry for their crimes, he has accomplished his purpose. Ariel is sent to release them. Prospero uses his magic one last time to create music to sooth the senses and spirits of the conspirators. Ariel fetches Prospero clothes showing his true status as Duke of Milan. When the company revives, Prospero greets them and accuses them of their crimes. Alonso begs forgiveness and asks about Prospero's life on the island. Everything would now be in order except that Alonso regrets deeply the death of his son.   Prospero says he too has suffered a similar loss; he has lost a daughter.  Then he bids the company to look into his home. There they see Miranda and Ferdinand playing chess, and all are happily united.

Ariel leads in the sailors who announce that the ship is safe and sound. Caliban and his conspirators are led forward, entangled in their stolen clothes and still reeling from drink. Caliban has a change of heart, realizing that Prospero is a true master, not the drunken Stephano. He vows to serve Prospero henceforth. The company retires to hear the story of Prospero's life after which he promises them safe journey home.
 
 

1.  This was Shakespeare's last play.  Do you notice any similarities with any other stories, of Shakespeare's or others'?
 

2.   In what ways could Prospero be considered to represent Shakespeare himself?