Synopsis
Prospero, a sorcerer and the rightful Duke of
Milan, dwells on an enchanted isle with his daughter, Miranda. Twelve years
earlier, the duke's brother, Antonio, and Alonso, the King of Naples, conspired
to usurp his throne. They set Prospero and Miranda adrift in a boat, and they
eventually found themselves marooned on the island. Prospero is served on his
island by Ariel, a spirit who he freed from a tree with magic, and Caliban, son
of the witch Sycorax. When magic reveals that a ship bearing his old enemies is
sailing near the island, Prospero summons a storm to wreck their ship. The
survivors make it to shore in scattered groups. Among these is Ferdinand, the
son of Alonso. He is lulled to Prospero's abode by the singing of Ariel; there
he meets Miranda, who is enthralled with the young prince.
Meanwhile, Antonio, Alonso, Sebastian, and Gonzalo wander the island in
search of Ferdinand. Antonio now plots with Sebastian to murder Alonso, but
this plot is thwarted by Ariel. Elsewhere on the island, Stephano and Trinculo
encounter Caliban. After sharing a few drinks, Caliban tries to enlist the two
in a plot to kill Prospero and rule the island himself. He even promises
Miranda to Stephano. Ariel, however, reports all these goings-on to Prospero.
In the meantime, Miranda and Ferdinand pledge their troth to each other.
Prospero isn't finished with his sport of Antonio and Alonso, either. He
creates a magical banquet for the two men that vanishes whenever they try to
eat. He also sends Ariel in the guise of a harpy to hound them for their crimes
against Prospero. Later, at a masque to celebrate the upcoming marriage of
Miranda and Ferdinand, Prospero remembers Caliban's plot and abruptly calls the
revels to a halt. He sends Ariel to punish them as well; the spirit does so by
first luring them with some fancy clothes, then setting other island spirits
upon them in the shape of hunting dogs that chase them around the island.
Finally, Prospero confronts his brother and Alonso, revealing his true
identity as the rightful Duke of Milan. He demands that Antonio restore his
throne; he also rebukes Sebastian for plotting against his own brother. To
Alonso, he reveals Ferdinand alive and well, playing chess with Miranda. As a
final act, Prospero abandons his magic and releases Ariel and Caliban from
their servitude. From Ariel, Prospero asks for one last boon: calm seas and
favorable winds for their trip back to Naples.
http://www.bardweb.net/plays/tempest.html
I have also watched a few videos on YouTube to help further my understanding on this play the most helpful was this video- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOlJpXa8qoQ
Characters
- Alonso, King of Naples
- Sebastian, his brother
- Prospero, the rightful Duke
of Milan
- Antonio, his brother; the
usurping Duke of Milan
- Ferdinand, son of the King
- Gonzalo, an old and honest
councilor
- Adrian, a lord
- Francisco, a lord
- Caliban, Prospero's slave
- Trinculo, a jester
- Stephano, a drunken butler
- Master of a ship
- Boatswain
- Mariners
- Miranda, Prospero's daughter
- Ariel, an airy spirit
- Iris, a spirit
- Ceres, a spirit
- Juno, a spirit
- Nymphs
- Reapers
- Other Spirits; attendants to
Prospero
Themes of the Play
- Loss and Restoration
- Power and Control
- Magic and Illusion
- Betrayal, Revenge and Forgiveness
Previous Productions of the Play
Royal Shakespeare Company 2012
This production of the play seems to be a more modernized version of Shakespeare original play, having more of a simplistic approach to the story while still maintaining the themes and truthful relationships that Shakespeare intended.
http://www.rsc.org.uk/explore/shakespeare/plays/the-tempest/tempest-david-farr-2012.aspx
http://www.rsc.org.uk/explore/shakespeare/plays/the-tempest/tempest-2012-mini-documentary.aspx
Cheek by Jowl 2011-14
http://www.cheekbyjowl.com/the_tempest.php
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