The Tempest: Synopsis

We are now on to our tenth play series! Today we are starting our series on Shakespeare's The Tempest with a synopsis episode. In this episode, we will provide a detailed summary of the plot, breaking down the action of the play scene by scene. 

Elyse Sharp (ES): Hi, Kourtney.

Kourtney Smith (KS): Hi, Elyse. How are you?

ES: I'm doing okay. How are you?

KS: I'm also doing okay.

ES: I'm so excited today. We are starting our latest series, which is going to be on The Tempest, with, as always, a synopsis episode. But first, we have some housekeeping to take care of. We have two new Patreon patrons who we would like to thank for their support of the podcast, Julie at Blue Mountain Rose and Cara Schuster.

KS: And we also want to thank our ongoing Patreon patrons who have supported us throughout the years of us podcasting. So, we are going to give a big shout out to these patrons. Thanks, thanks, and ever thanks to our Patreon patrons: Paul Hopkins

ES: Cuban

KS: Kinsey Simmons

ES: Kelly

KS: Kim Swaffield

ES: Sue

KS: David Weiss

ES: Sujatha Nigam

KS: Ann Connors

ES: Ashton Francine

KS: Lisa van der Kolk

ES: Megan McGrory

KS: Liz Swaffield

ES: Gwen

KS: Elizabeth Sharman

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KS: Shelby Keolani Gage

ES: Katie Smith

KS: Devin Smith

ES: Nat Yonce

KS: And Clocky McDowell. Thank you so much for your sustained support of our podcast. We are primarily listener-supported, Patreon patron-supported, so we appreciate all of your support as we keep growing the podcast and bringing Shakespeare Anyone to more people around the world.

ES: Thank you for helping us make Shakespeare easier for everyone. We also have officially kicked off our Hot Shakespeare Summer campaign over on social media. This summer, we are encouraging all of our listeners to go out and see some Shakespeare and share it with us over on Instagram using hashtag #HotShakespeareSummer and tagging @ShakespeareAnyonePod. If you participate in Hot Shakespeare Summer, we will reshare your posts and stories to our story, and we will be randomly selecting people who participate in Hot Shakespeare Summer to receive exclusive merch from the podcast.

KS: Yes, and so far, Elyse and I have started our Hot Shakespeare Summer. I went to D.C. to the Folger Shakespeare Library, and Elyse went to New York and saw some Shakespeare tourism over in New York, and we'll be talking about that on our Patreon later this month, so please check out the start of our Hot Shakespeare Summer over on Patreon.

ES: And share yours with us over on Instagram. We'd also like to say a very big thank you to Nat Yonce for editing this episode. Now, if it is your first time joining us, we want to let you know that our synopsis episodes are a scene-by-scene, moment-by-moment explanation of what happens in the play. We'll be following them with our Stuff to Chew On episodes, which include basic information about the play, information that you might encounter in an educational setting if you were reading this play, and then we will go on deeper dives and explorations of topics related to this play. As a synopsis episode, we are just giving a summary of what happens in the play that Shakespeare wrote.

KS: Yes, so as Elyse said, please, if you want some analysis of beautiful language and different lenses that you can look at these plays through, please stick with our series, but for right now, this is what's happening, what's being said, moment-by-moment. We are starting, as you said at the top of the show, Elyse, with a brand new play. This is our 10th play for Shakespeare Anyone.

ES: Wow, what a milestone.

KS: Yes, year five, play 10, and we are kicking off the second half of 2025, exploring The Tempest. And I'm excited for this play because I believe you said that there are some teachers you've been talking to who are really incorporating The Tempest into their classroom.

ES: Yes.

KS: And this is a play that is popular, is talked about a lot, is used in other literature. People are inspired by this play, they write about it, people try to put it on with new kind of re-imaginings, and so I'm really excited to see what kind of things we can uncover about Shakespeare, The Tempest, this time period, and how people use it.

ES: I agree, and I think that it's a play that is done, I would say, consistently by Shakespeare companies around the world. It's not like one of the top five, but it's up there. You can probably find a production of The Tempest playing somewhere this summer.

KS: Yeah, so here's our synopsis. The play begins, appropriately, with, “a tempestuous noise of thunder and lightning,” followed by the entrance of a shipmaster, or captain, and boatswain. The shipmaster tells the boatswain to quickly tell the mariners, or sailors, on the ship what to do, or else the ship will be run aground in the storm. The ship master exits, and the mariners enter to join the boatswain, who encourages them to quickly bring in the topsail and pay attention to the ship master’s whistle. The boatswain then definitely challenges the storm to blow until it is out of wind.

ES: Then, several noblemen who are passengers of the ship enter, including: Alonso, the king of Naples; Sebastian, his brother; Ferdinand, Alonso’s son; Antonio, the usurping Duke of Milan; and Gonzalo, an old councilor. Alonso and Antonio ask the boatswain where the shipmaster is and tell him to answer quickly. The boatswain tells them to stay below deck as the shipmaster is clearly busy and the passengers are getting in the way of the ship’s crew doing their jobs. 

KS: Gonzalo asks the boatswain to be patient with them, and the boatswain says that he will be when the sea is and that the waves don’t care that Alonso is king. The boatswain again tells the group to get down below deck and stop bothering the crew. Gonzalo tells the boatswain to remember who his passengers are. And the boatswain, again, tells the group that unless they can negotiate with the storm, they should get out of the way of the crew, go back to their cabins and spend their time preparing for the possibility of their imminent deaths. The boatswain again tells the group to get out of the way, and he and the mariners exit.

ES: Gonzalo remarks that he is comforted by the boatswain’s face, as it reminds him of an old proverb: “he that is born to be hanged shall never be drowned.” According to Gonzalo, since the boatswain looks like someone destined for the gallows, they will survive this storm by being attached to the boatswain’s fate. However, if the boatswain is not born to be hanged, then they have no hope. The group exits.

KS: The boatswain re-enters, ordering the mariners to bring the topmast sail down in the hopes that it will slow their speed and help them avoid land. A cry is heard offstage (presumably from the group of nobles) and the boatswain curses how loud the group is. Sebastian, Antonio, and Gonzalo enter again, and the boatswain asks them what they are doing above deck again and if they plan to drown. Sebastian and Antonio curse the boatswain, while Gonzalo comments again that he believes the boatswain will not drown. The boatswain, trying his best to keep the ship from crashing on land, orders it held as close to the wind as possible and then calls for the major sails to be set to bring the ship back to the open sea. 

ES: The mariners enter, wet, and cry out that hope is lost and everyone should start saying their final prayers. The boatswain asks if they are already dead. Gonzalo says that the king and prince are below deck working on their prayers and that the rest of the nobles should go assist them. Antonio blames the boatswain and mariners for the group’s imminent death, but Gonzalo clings to his belief that they will not drown today. 

KS: There is a clamor of noise from below deck, and Gonzalo cries out that the boat is splitting apart. Antonio says that they will all sink with the King, and Sebastian agrees they should leave. Antonio and Sebastian exit, leaving Gonzalo behind. Gonzalo comments that he would give anything to die on land instead of drown, though he knows it is up to God. Gonzalo exits (and presumably the boatswain and mariners have too).

ES: On the shore of a nearby island, Prospero (the right Duke of Milan) and his daughter, Miranda, enter. Miranda pleads with her father that if he has used his magical powers to conjure the storm, he should use his powers to end the storm. She describes what she has witnessed in the storm: a ship torn to pieces, and the cries of its passengers. She is certain they all perished and says that if she had any magical power, she would have sunk the sea before it would have sunk the ship. Prospero tells her that there is no harm done and explains that Miranda does not know who she really is (or who Prospero really is). He asks for Miranda’s help removing his magician’s robe, then continues explaining that no one on board the ship perished. 

KS: Miranda comments that her father has often started to tell her about who she really is, but has always previously stopped himself. Prospero acknowledges this and says that now is finally the right time. He asks if Miranda can remember a time before they lived on the island, as she was not yet three years old when they arrived. She says she has a vague memory of four or five women who attended her. Prospero tells her that she had more attendants and asks if she remembers anything else since she remembers this. Miranda does not. 

ES: Prospero reveals that twelve years ago, he was the Duke of Milan and a prince of power–Miranda interrupts to ask if he is truly her father. Prospero says that her mother was virtuous and said Miranda was his daughter, Miranda’s father was Duke of Milan, and she was his only heir and a princess. Miranda asks if it was foul play or a blessing that they are now on this island instead of in Milan, and Prospero says it was both. Miranda sympathizes with the suffering she previously did not know her father went through and asks Prospero to continue his story.

KS: He does. Prospero explains that he had employed his brother, Antonio, to manage the governing of Milan. At the time, the Dukedom of Milan was the premier independent state of Italy, and Prospero was renowned as a duke of dignity and knowledge. Prospero focused on his studies (specifically the magical ones),  left the governing of the state to Antonio, and over time, Prospero became a stranger to his government and subjects. Prospero then asks Miranda if she is listening, and she affirms she is. 

ES: Prospero continues, explaining that, once Antonio had learned how to play the games of politics, he gained favor with Prospero’s followers by giving them new offices and titles, and the followers began to follow Antonio instead of Prospero. Prospero accuses Miranda of not listening, and she asserts that she is paying attention. Prospero summarizes that he was busy with his studies, which were more valuable than most of the populace could understand, and had put his trust into his brother, Antonio. According to Prospero, Antonio, having access to the power and the revenue of the office of the Duke of Milan, began to believe that he (Antonio) was the legitimate Duke of Milan. 

KS: Prospero again asks Miranda if she is listening, and she confirms she is. Prospero explains that Antonio’s ambition grew to the point that he wanted to remove Prospero and become the absolute sovereign of Milan. Prospero notes that he was happy in his library, but Antonio began to believe Prospero was incapable of performing the secular duties and powers of the office of the Duke. Prospero explains that Antonio was so thirsty for power that he made an alliance with the King of Naples and made the previously independent dukedom of Milan a subordinate subject of Naples. 

ES: Miranda and Prospero comment on how terrible it was for Antonio to do this to his brother, then Prospero continues explaining that the King of Naples was a long time adversary of Prospero’s, so the King was more than happy to hear Antonio’s plan. Antonio and the King conspired that, in exchange for Milan bending the knee to Naples, the King would help Antonio quickly usurp the dukedom from Prospero. And they did. One night, Antonio raised an army against Milan and had his agents abduct Prospero and toddler Miranda. Miranda says she will cry. Prospero tells her to hold on, as there is still more to this story. 

KS: Miranda asks why Antonio and his allies did not in that moment kill Prospero and Miranda. Prospero says that Antonio could not kill them because a) Prospero was beloved by the people of Milan, and, b) doing so would reveal the treachery of the whole business and make Antonio look bad. Instead, the agents conveyed Prospero and Miranda to a small ship and sailed them down the river to the sea, where they were put onto an even smaller boat that was in such bad shape, even rats wouldn’t board it. 

ES: Miranda worries aloud that she, as a two-year-old, would’ve been a lot of trouble to Prospero in that situation, and he says, no, she saved him. Miranda asks how they managed to come ashore on this island, and Prospero reveals that it was divine intervention. He also shares that Gonzalo, who was one of the agents who conveyed Prospero and Miranda out of Milan, had given them fresh water and food in addition to rich garments, linens, and other necessities for their survival as well as Prospero’s most prized books from Prospero’s library in Milan. He notes that this was purely due to Gonzalo’s charitable nature. 

KS: Prospero puts his magical cloak back on and tells the rest of the tale: from that time they arrived on the island, he has provided Miranda with a better education than any other princess in the world. Miranda thanks him and asks, again, his reason for raising the storm. Prospero reveals that by some chance, his enemies have sailed close enough to the island that he used the storm to bring them ashore and he is seizing the opportunity for revenge. He then uses his magic to put Miranda to sleep so that she will stop questioning him. 

ES: Once Miranda is asleep, Prospero calls his servant, Ariel, who is a spirit native to the island. Ariel appears and asks what Prospero needs him to do–he will do it. Prospero asks Ariel if Ariel has done everything Prospero asked for in regards to the tempest. Ariel confirms that he has and describes how he moved all around the ship faster than lightning, making it seem like the ship was on fire in addition to being in the middle of the terrible storm. Prospero asks if anyone didn’t believe it was real, and Ariel confirms that everyone was terrified. Ariel explains that all of the passengers jumped into the ocean, and that Ferdinand jumped first, screaming that “Hell is empty/And all the devils are here.”

KS: Prospero then asks if this took place near the shore of the island, and Ariel confirms. Prospero asks if everyone is safe. Ariel explains that not a hair on anyone’s head was harmed, and their clothes are cleaner than they were before the tempest. Ariel describes that, as Prospero commanded, Ariel has split the passengers of the ship up into groups, dispersed around the island, with the exception of Ferdinand. Ariel notes that he separated Ferdinand from all others and left him, sitting sadly and sighing in a secluded part of the island. 

ES: Prospero then asks about the mariners who were aboard the ship, the ship itself, and the rest of the fleet. Ariel reveals that the ship is safely harbored in a hidden cove and the mariners are hidden below deck and in a charmed sleep. The rest of the fleet is on their way back to Naples, believing they saw the king’s ship sink in the storm and the king perish. Prospero says that Ariel has performed his tasks as assigned, but there is more work to be done. 

KS: Prospero then asks Ariel what time it is, and Ariel replies that it is past noon. Prospero declares that it is at least 2 pm, and they must use the time between now and 6pm most efficiently. Ariel asks if there is more work to be done and reminds Prospero of a promise Prospero made to Ariel that is not yet fulfilled. Prospero notes the change in Ariel’s mood and asks what Ariel wants. Ariel reminds Prospero that he wants his freedom. Prospero balks at the idea that Ariel will be released from servitude before the end of their agreement. 

ES: Ariel reminds Prospero how good of a servant Ariel has been and that Prospero promised Ariel to reduce the length of Ariel’s servitude by one full year. Prospero asks if Ariel has forgotten the torment from which Prospero freed Ariel. Ariel says no, but Prospero says Ariel does and is now exaggerating the labor of the chores and tasks that Prospero has assigned. Ariel says he is not exaggerating or forgetting. Prospero accuses Ariel of lying and asks if Ariel has forgotten Sycorax, who Prospero describes as a foul witch who was bent over from age and malice. 

KS: Ariel denies forgetting Sycorax, but Prospero quizzes Ariel on where Sycorax was born. Ariel answers that she was born in Algiers, and Prospero accepts this answer but remarks that he has to remind Ariel once a month of Ariel’s own history because Ariel forgets. Prospero explains that Sycorax was banished from Algiers because of her witchcraft and was not executed for one reason. He asks Ariel if this is true, and Ariel confirms. 

ES: Prospero continues, explaining that a pregnant Sycorax was brought to the island and left here. At that point, Ariel was a servant to Sycorax, however because Ariel was unable to carry out Sycorax’s requests, she imprisoned Ariel into a split pine tree, where Ariel stayed for twelve years until the arrival of Prospero and Miranda. During that time, Sycorax died, leaving Ariel in painful imprisonment and her son, Caliban, as the only inhabitants of the island. Prospero comments that he now keeps Caliban as a servant (well, slave), then returns to reminding Ariel of the torment Ariel was in when Prospero found him and how it was Prospero’s magic that freed Ariel. 

KS: Ariel thanks Prospero, but Prospero threatens to imprison Ariel in an oak tree for twelve more painful years if Ariel keeps complaining. Ariel apologizes for seeming ungrateful and will be more gracious in going about his work. Prospero promises that if Ariel is agreeable in his work, Prospero will free Ariel after two days. Ariel eagerly asks what Prospero needs him to do, and Prospero tells Ariel to make himself appear like a sea nymph and be invisible to everyone except for Prospero and himself. Prospero possibly hands Ariel a sea-nymph garment to wear that will indicate to the audience when Ariel is invisible to all characters except Prospero. Ariel exits. 

ES: Prospero wakes Miranda and tells her that they are going to see Caliban, who is Prospero’s slave. Miranda says that she does not like to see Caliban, and Prospero says that even so, they rely on Caliban to make their fires, fetch firewood, and do other services for their survival on the island. He then calls to Caliban, who is within a cave, and bids Caliban come out. From his cave, Caliban replies that Prospero and Miranda should have enough firewood already. Prospero tells Caliban to come out again, as he has other tasks for Caliban. Just then, Ariel re-enters in his sea-nymph/invisibility garment, and Prospero whispers instructions in Ariel’s ear. Ariel agrees to do whatever Prospero has whispered (it is unheard to the audience) and exits again. 

KS: Prospero calls Caliban for a third time, and finally, Caliban enters, cursing Prospero and Miranda. Prospero promises to torture Caliban with painful cramps and stings for Caliban’s disobedience. Caliban replies that he must eat his dinner and explains that he has a claim to the island since Sycorax was his mother (and he was the only human on the island when Prospero and Miranda arrived). Caliban delivers his side of Prospero’s arrival story: that when they first arrived, Prospero treated Caliban well and taught him the names of things like the sun and moon. In return, Caliban showed Prospero all of ins and outs of the island. Caliban curses his younger self for doing so and wishes all of Sycorax’s spells and curses on Prospero because Caliban was king of the whole isle before Prospero’s arrival, and now, as Prospero’s sole subject, Caliban is imprisoned to a small corner of the island.

ES: Prospero calls Caliban a liar who only responds to being whipped instead of kindness. Prospero says that he treated Caliban humanely and let Caliban live with him and Miranda until Caliban tried to rape Miranda. Caliban admits that he did try to have sex with Miranda and that if Prospero hadn’t stopped him, Caliban would have populated the entire island with more Calibans. Miranda tells Caliban that he is incapable of moral virtue and explains that she pitied him and made an effort to teach him how to speak English. However, while he could learn information, Miranda says Caliban is predisposed to bad qualities, which is why he has been imprisoned in his cave, even though he deserved worse punishment.

KS: Caliban replies that while she taught him language, the only use he has for it is cursing. So, he again curses them, this time for teaching him language. Prospero orders Caliban to leave and go fetch more firewood, under threat of more painful torture. Caliban asks for no torture, and in an aside, reveals to the audience that he must obey Prospero because Prospero is so powerful that even Sycorax’s god would bow to him. Prospero, again, orders Caliban to leave and Caliban exits. 

ES: Then, Ferdinand and an invisible Ariel enter some distance away from Prospero and Miranda, with Ariel singing, accompanied by other spirits of the island. In a pause in Ariel’s song, Ferdinand wonders aloud where the music is coming from and why it stopped. He notes that he heard it while sitting on the shore and crying over his father’s shipwreck (as Ferdinand believes he is the only survivor). He has been following the music, which led him to this location. Ariel starts up the song again, with lyrics about a drowned father, and Ferdinand observes that the song is now talking about his father and therefore must not be human or earthly. He says he hears the music coming from above him. 

KS: Prospero asks Miranda to look in Ferdinand’s direction and describe what she sees. She assumes Ferdinand is a spirit, noting that he is handsome (although he’s a spirit). Prospero reveals that Ferdinand is not a spirit but a human just like himself and Miranda. He shares that Ferdinand was in the shipwreck, and even though Ferdinand is grieving, Prospero says that you can say Ferdinand is a handsome fellow. Prospero tells Miranda that Ferdinand is wandering around, looking for others from the wreck. Miranda replies that she might say Ferdinand is divine because she has never seen a mortal so good-looking. In an aside, Prospero says that everything is going according to his plan. He then turns to Ariel and promises to free Ariel within two days for this. 

ES: Ferdinand then sees Miranda, and, believing her to be a goddess who has conjured the music he hears, asks her if she lives on the island, how he should behave on the island, and if she is a maid, which means: is she human, an unmarried woman, and a virgin? Miranda replies that she is a maid, and Ferdinand is surprised to hear her respond in his language. Ferdinand tells Miranda that he is the highest ranking man (as he assumes the king is dead) in the world that speaks this language. Prospero hears this and asks what Ferdinand would be if the King of Naples heard him say such things. 

KS: Ferdinand replies that he’d be one and the same, and states (more clearly) that since his father died, he is now King of Naples, and that he saw his father, and all his father’s lords, including the Duke of Milan and the Duke of Milan’s son, drown. Note: this is the only mention of Antonio having a son who was also on board the ship, and this character never appears in The Tempest.  In an aside, Prospero says that he and Miranda could reprove Ferdinand if it was the right time and place. He then notes that Miranda and Ferdinand are exchanging affectionate looks. Prospero tells Ariel that he will set Ariel free for helping with Prospero’s matchmaking scheme. Prospero then pulls Ferdinand aside, saying that Ferdinand has made some errors in his speech and Prospero has corrections for him. 

ES: In an aside, Miranda wonders aloud why her father is being so rude to Ferdinand, who is the third man she has ever seen in her life but the first she’s ever been attracted to. She hopes compassion will move her father to allow her to marry Ferdinand. Ferdinand then addresses Miranda and tells her that if she is a virgin and not in love with someone else, he will make her Queen of Naples. Prospero interrupts and says he has more to say to Ferdinand. In an aside, Prospero reveals that he can tell they love each other, but he will have to make it difficult for Ferdinand to “earn” Prospero’s approval. That way, Miranda and Ferdinand will put more value in the union than they would if Prospero made it easy for them. 

KS: Prospero then calls Ferdinand over again and commands Ferdinand to listen to him. Prospero again accuses Ferdinand of falsely claiming to be the King of Naples and adds that he suspects Ferdinand of being a spy, sent to take the island from Prospero. Ferdinand swears that he is doing neither. Miranda agrees, saying that Ferdinand is so good-looking that he can’t be evil on the inside. Prospero tells Ferdinand to follow him and admonishes Miranda for speaking on Ferdinand’s behalf, calling Ferdinand a traitor. Prospero then threatens to imprison Ferdinand. Ferdinand resists and draws his sword, but Prospero uses magic to prevent Ferdinand from moving. 

ES: Miranda pleads with her father to be kinder to Ferdinand, and Prospero rejects this because he is her father. Prospero tells Ferdinand to put his sword away, or Prospero can make him drop it. Miranda continues to plead with Prospero to release Ferdinand, and eventually Prospero relents and releases Ferdinand, though leaving Ferdinand weaker than before. Ferdinand says that all of his problems, including his new loss of strength and Prospero’s other threats, are nothing to him if he can see Miranda every day while he is imprisoned. 

KS: In an aside, Prospero notes that his plan has worked. He tells Ferdinand again to follow him, commends Ariel’s work so far, and says that he has more for Ariel to do. Miranda tells Ferdinand to be comforted, as her father is usually much nicer, and she has never seen him act like this before. Prospero tells Ariel again that he will free Ariel if Ariel does everything Prospero asks, and Ariel promises to follow every step of the plan. Prospero again tells Ferdinand to follow him and Miranda to not speak for Ferdinand. Everyone exits. 

ES: Alonso, Sebastian, Antonio, Gonzalo, and two new lords, Adrian and Francisco, and others from the shipwreck enter. Gonzalo is in the middle of trying to convince Alonso and everyone else that they shouldn’t be sad because by some miracle they have been saved from drowning. Alonso tells Gonzalo to be quiet, and Sebastian and Antonio comment to each other that while Alonso is not receptive to Gonzalo’s attempts to comfort him, Gonzalo will not be stopped. 

KS: Gonzalo continues to try and prove through logic that the King of Naples should look on the bright side, and Antonio and Sebastian continue to comment on the side. Alonso again asks Gonzalo to be quiet, and Gonzalo says he is done. However, Antonio and Sebastian make a bet between themselves whether Gonzalo or Adrian will talk next. Antonio wins the bet as Adrian begins to speak. 

ES: Adrian comments on how even though the island seems to be deserted, the landscape and air is quite lovely. Sebastian and Antonio attempt to undercut Adrian’s positive descriptions of the island by claiming it is rough and smelly. Gonzalo agrees with Adrian, that the island has everything they need to survive and comments on how green the grass is and what a miracle it is that their clothing seems brand new instead of damaged by the shipwreck and saltwater. Sebastian and Antonio continue to disagree with Gonzalo and Adrian. 

KS: Gonzalo continues that he believes their garments are now as fresh as when they first put them on, which was in Africa where they had been for the wedding of the King’s daughter, Claribel, to the King of Tunis (presumably, this is where they were coming from when they encountered the tempest). Sebastian and Adrian comment on how advantageous the marriage is and how great a queen of Tunis Claribel will be. Gonzalo says she will be as great a queen as Dido, famous queen of Carthage (which is a reference to the Aeneid). Antonio and Sebastian, of course, poke fun at this, teasing Gonzalo for mistaking Tunis for Carthage. Gonzalo argues that Tunis was Carthage (which while they weren’t the same city, after Carthage was destroyed, Tunis took its place in terms of importance in the region which is what Gonzalo means), but Antonio and Sebastian still take him very literally. 

ES: Eventually, Gonzalo turns back to Alonso and shares that the group has been talking about how their clothes are as nice as when they put them on, and ignores continued teasing by Sebastian and Antonio. Alonso is in no mood to listen to this chit chat and wishes he had never gone through with the wedding, because if they all hadn’t gone to Tunis, they would not have been in the shipwreck where (Alonso believes) Ferdinand was drowned. Alonso laments what he now believes to be the loss of two of his children: his daughter who will be far away from Naples and his son and heir, who he thinks is dead. 

KS: Francisco shares that he believes it is possible that Ferdinand survived, as Francisco saw Ferdinand swimming in the ocean towards shore. Francisco is certain that Ferdinand survived and is somewhere on the island, but Alonso is not convinced. Sebastian tells Alonso that Alonso is to blame for the loss of Ferdinand and says that it is because Alonso agreed to the marriage between his daughter and the King of Tunis instead of having her marry a European noble. 

ES: Alonso tells Sebastian to be quiet, but Sebastian continues. Sebastian reminds Alonso that everyone else begged Alonso to not allow the marriage to go through, and even Claribel did not like the idea of marrying the King of Tunis but was obedient to her father’s will. Sebastian reiterates that they have lost Ferdinand, and there are now many widows in Naples and Milan because they have also lost the mariners. Sebastian repeats that this is all Alonso’s fault. Alonso replies that he also has the greatest loss (Ferdinand). 

KS: Gonzalo tries to smooth things over by stating that Sebastian is speaking truth, however, now is not the time to bring this up and the way that Sebastian said it lacked gentleness. Gonzalo compares it to rubbing salt in a wound instead of putting on a bandage. Sebastian says he did it well, and Antonio says he was like a surgeon. Gonzalo turns back to Alonso and says that when Alonso is in bad spirits, it puts everyone else into a bad mood too. 

ES: Sebastian and Antonio continue their snide side comments at the expense of Gonzalo as Gonzalo details what he would do if he were to colonize the island (using an extended allusion to an essay by Michel de Montaigne) and make an ideal commonwealth. He describes a nation that is the opposite of usual customs and has no commerce; no written records or sophisticated learning; no riches, poverty, or servitude; no boundaries; no labor; no means of succession or terms of contracts; no employment. Instead, everyone is idle but also innocent and pure. He describes a class-system-less society where the community rules instead of a King, and there is no crime or violence; nature provides everything they need. He says he would govern this land so perfectly that it would be better than Ovid’s Golden Age (something like the Garden of Eden).

KS: Gonzalo ignores the continued comments of Sebastian and Antonio, and he asks Alonso if Alonso is paying attention to him. Alonso again tells Gonzalo to be quiet, as Gonzalo is talking nonsense. Gonzalo replies that he did it to make Sebastian and Antonio laugh since they laugh so easily. Antonio reveals that they have been laughing at Gonzalo, not with him. This does not bother Gonzalo, as he continues with some word play that Sebastian and Antonio do not pick up on. Gonzalo says that they talk a good game, but are all talk.

ES: Ariel enters, presumably invisible and playing solemn music as Gonzalo, Sebastian, and Antonio continue to argue over whether or not Sebastian and Antonio are more than just talk. Gonzalo notes that he is getting sleepy and asks Antonio and Sebastian to laugh him to sleep. Everyone except Sebastian, Antonio, and Alonso fall asleep (presumably due to Ariel’s magic). Alonso remarks on how quickly everyone has fallen asleep, and then says that he hopes that he is able to fall asleep and stop thinking about his losses, as his eyes are getting tired. Sebastian and Antonio tell him to feel free to sleep, as they will keep watch. Alonso falls asleep. 

KS: Sebastian and Antonio comment on how strange it is that everyone has fallen asleep so quickly when they are not tired at all. Antonio then starts to think about the opportunity before them, and says that he sees the same thought cross Sebastian’s face. Antonio says he foresees a crown dropping on Sebastian’s head. Sebastian asks if Antonio is awake, and Antonio replies by asking if Sebastian heard what Antonio just said. Sebastian says that Antonio is speaking incoherently and asks Antonio to repeat what he just said, as Sebastian is unsure that he heard Antonio correctly. 

ES: Antonio replies that Sebastian is refusing to see the opportunity before him. Sebastian still thinks Antonio is speaking nonsense, but Antonio replies that he is serious and will guide Sebastian to do things that will improve Sebastian’s place in society threefold. Sebastian invites Antonio to instruct him, and Antonio tells Sebastian that he knows how much Sebastian wants the throne, even though Sebastian pretends to only joke about it. Sebastian invites Antonio to say more, as he can tell that Antonio is having a hard time getting to the point of the matter. 

KS: Antonio continues, saying that even though Gonzalo has almost persuaded the King that Ferdinand is alive, that’s not possible. Sebastian agrees that he believes Ferdinand must have drowned. Antonio says that fact gives great hope to Sebastian. They again agree that Ferdinand is drowned, and Antonio asks, then who is the heir of Naples? Sebastian replies that it is Claribel, and Antonio mocks this idea as Claribel is now living in Tunis and so far away from Naples. And, therefore, he reasons, all that has happened up until now has been setting the two of them up for their next steps. 

ES: Sebastian does not follow, as Claribel is both Queen of Tunis and heir of Naples, even though there is some distance between the two. Antonio asks how Claribel is going to get back to Naples and asks Sebastian to imagine their sleeping companions as dead. Antonio suggests that if the sleeping group was dead, there would be others who could rule Naples as well as Alonso does, and there would be councilors and lords who could support the new king as well as Gonzalo, Adrian, and Francisco support Alonso. Antonio says he could actually teach a bird to replace Gonzalo. Then, Antonio wishes Sebastian shared his brain and could understand how Sebastian could take advantage of those asleep. Antonio asks if Sebastian is following what he is saying. 

KS: Sebastian says he is now following what Antonio is hinting at. Antonio asks what Sebastian thinks, and Sebastian says that he remembers that Antonio usurped the dukedom of Milan from Prospero. Antonio confirms this, shows off how his royal robes fit him better than they did Prospero, and says that the servants who were Prospero’s servants now serve him. Sebastian asks about Antonio’s conscience, and Antonio says he has none. 

ES: Antonio then points to the sleeping Alonso, who Antonio says is no better than the earth Alonso is currently sleeping on. Antonio describes how he could stab Alonso while Sebastian stabs Gonzalo, then the rest of the group will believe whatever Antonio and Sebastian tell them happened. Furthermore, the rest of the group will say whatever Antonio and Sebastian tell them to say. Sebastian agrees to the plot, and he and Antonio draw their swords and prepare to stab the sleeping Alonso and Gonzalo.

KS: Just then, Ariel enters, invisible, accompanied by music and song. Ariel says that Prospero has foreseen that Gonzalo is in danger, so Ariel sings in Gonzalo’s ear to wake him up. Gonzalo wakes, just as Antonio and Sebastian have finished preparing themselves. Gonzalo yells and wakes Alonso. Alonso asks why Antonio and Sebastian have their swords drawn and look scared. Sebastian lies and tells the group that they thought they heard bulls or lions. Sebastian asks if that is what woke Alonso as it was very loud. Alonso says he didn’t hear that. Antonio repeats Sebastian’s lie, and Alonso asks if Gonzalo heard what Antonio and Sebastian are describing. 

ES: Gonzalo says he heard a humming which woke him up. Then he shook Alonso and yelled. He saw Antonio and Sebastian with their weapons drawn when his eyes opened. He says that there was some sort of noise, and it would be best if they were either all on guard or left this location. Gonzalo suggests that everyone draw their weapons. Alonso instructs the group to leave this place and search the island for Ferdinand. Gonzalo prays that Ferdinand is kept safe from whatever beast they heard, for he is sure Ferdinand is alive on the island. Alonso commands the group to leave, and they do. Ariel leaves to go tell Prospero what he has done. All exit. 

KS: Caliban enters with a load of wood as thunder is heard. Caliban curses Prospero, then notes that he knows that spirits that serve Prospero can hear him curse, but he still must curse. He says that they won’t do anything unless Prospero commands. Caliban describes how the spirits are sent to torture him over the smallest offense, and he describes the tortures: sometimes the spirits are apes that bite Caliban or hedgehogs that hurt his feet. Sometimes Caliban is covered in snakes whose hissing drives him mad. Caliban then thinks he sees a spirit sent to torment him, as Trinculo, the king’s jester, enters. Caliban hides himself by laying flat on the ground under a gaberdine (a cloak made of coarse cloth).

ES: Trinculo is talking to himself about how it looks like it is going to rain again, and he needs to find shelter. Just then, he sees Caliban (who did not hide that well) and wonders if Caliban is a man or a fish and dead or alive. Trinculo says that Caliban smells like a long-dead fish, and that if he was in England and advertised Caliban, tourists would pay money to see him. Showing such a creature would make Trinculo rich, as back in England, there are those who will not give a small amount of money to a beggar but will shell out the big bucks to see Native Americans who have been brought back to England to be put on display for a paying public audience. 

KS: Trinculo then notices that Caliban has legs and arms and is warm to the touch. He says he was wrong in thinking that Caliban was a fish, and now, Trinculo thinks that the person on the ground must be an islander who was struck by lightning. The storm begins and Trinculo decides to take shelter under the gabardine until the storm is over. Then Stephano, Alonso’s butler, enters singing and drinking sack, a kind of white wine. After Stephano’s song, Caliban cries out, pleading for the spirits to not torment him. 

ES: Stephano’s attention is then drawn to the gabardine, which has two sets of legs poking out from underneath it, and wonders aloud if it is a devil or an native to the island. Stephano says that he is not scared of this monster with four legs. Caliban is still upset by Stephano’s voice and cries out that a spirit is tormenting him. Stephano believes that the creature with four legs must have a fever, as the gabardine is shivering (because Caliban and/or Trinculo is shaking with fear). Stephano wonders how the creature learned English and decides to help the creature. Stephano says that if he can revive the creature, tame him, and bring him to Naples, the creature could be a present to an emperor. 

KS: Caliban again begs to not be tormented any more and promises to bring the wood in faster. Stephano says that he thinks that the creature he sees is fully mad with fever and not making sense. Stephano decides to give the creature some wine which Stephano says will help make the creature feel better. Stephano repeats the idea that if he can make the creature feel better and tame him, he will not charge too much when selling the creature to the highest bidder back in Naples. 

ES: Caliban notes that the spirits have not harmed him yet, though he believes Trinculo’s trembling to be a symptom of being possessed by Prospero to torture Caliban. Stephano tells Caliban to open his mouth, then Stephano pours wine (twice) into Caliban’s mouth. Trinculo recognizes Stephano’s voice, but says that he believes Stephano to be drowned, so these voices must be devils. Stephano says that the monster actually has two voices and four legs, and therefore is even rarer. Stephano comments that both voices are saying strange things, so he goes to pour wine in the other mouth. 

KS: At that moment, Trinculo calls Stephano’s name. This makes Stephano think that the devil is tormenting him, so he starts to leave. Trinculo calls out again to Stephano and asks Stephano to touch and feel him and see that it is his friend Trinculo. Stephano bids Trinculo come out from under the gabardine and helps by pulling out the legs he assumes are Trinculo’s. Once Trinculo is out from under the gabardine, Stephano asks how Trinculo came out from between Caliban’s legs–can the creature excrete Trinculos?

ES: Trinculo replies that he thought Caliban was struck by lightning and killed. Trinculo asks how Stephano did not drown and if the storm is over. Trinculo then tells Stephano about how he hid under Caliban’s gabardine because of the storm and then continues to express disbelief that they both survived the storm. Stephano asks Trinculo to stop turning him around, as Stephano is getting nauseated. Caliban decides that Stephano and Trinculo might not be spirits sent to punish him after all. He believes Stephano to be a god bearing celestial liquor, and therefore decides to bow to Stephano. 

KS: Stephano asks Trinculo how Trinculo survived and tells Trinculo to swear on the bottle as he tells the true story of his survival. Stephano reveals that he escaped by floating on a cask of the sack he is currently drinking, then he made the bottle he has from the bark of a tree once he came ashore. Caliban swears to be subject to Stephano. Stephano tells Trinculo again to swear how he escaped drowning. Trinculo swears he swam ashore because he can swim like a duck. Stephano gives Trinculo the bottle and Trinculo drinks. 

ES: Trinculo asks if there is any more of the sack, and Stephano says he has the whole cask hidden in a rock by the seaside. Stephano then asks Caliban if Caliban is feeling better. Caliban asks if Stephano has fallen from heaven, and Stephano replies that he fell out of the moon and used to be the man in the moon. Caliban says he has seen Stephano’s likeness in the moon, and Stephano offers Caliban the bottle. Caliban drinks, and Trinculo comments on how naive Caliban is. Trinculo cannot believe that he was afraid of Caliban when Caliban is so gullible. Trinculo commends Caliban for taking a big drink of wine. 

KS: Caliban then promises to show Stephano all of the island (like he did with Prospero twelve years ago), promises to kiss Stephano’s foot, and asks Stephano to be his god. This makes Trinculo think Caliban is drunk and untrustworthy and that Caliban is planning to steal the bottle of wine from Stephano. Caliban repeats his promise to kiss Stephano’s foot and swear to be Stephano’s subject. Stephano tells him to go ahead. Trinculo comments that he will laugh himself to death at watching Caliban behave like a puppy to Stephano. Stephano offers the bottle to Caliban again, and Trinculo comments on how drunk Caliban is getting. 

ES: Caliban then promises to show Stephano the best springs and berries and to serve Stephano by fishing and fetching firewood. Caliban curses Prospero and says that he will no longer be Prospero’s servant. Instead, he will be Stephano’s. Trinculo laughs at Caliban treating Stephano like a god. Caliban tells Stephano that he will show Stephano where to find food around the island and asks if Stephano will go with him. Stephano tells Caliban to lead the way and tells Trinculo that since the rest of the ship drowned, the two of them will inherit this island. Stephano gives Trinculo the bottle and promises to refill it soon. Caliban sings a song celebrating the end of his servitude to Prospero, and Stephano tells him to lead the way. They exit. 

KS: Ferdinand enters, carrying a log. He speaks about how even though some physical activities are painful, the delight one gains from them is worth it. He says that doing manual labor does not make him less noble. He continues, saying that carrying logs would be beneath him except for the fact that it is all in service of Miranda, and she makes his efforts pleasurable. Ferdinand compares Miranda to Prospero, saying her gentleness outweighs Prospero’s irritability by tenfold. Prospero has commanded Ferdinand to move thousands of logs and pile them up (presumably for firewood). Ferdinand describes how Miranda cries when she sees Ferdinand working and that she says manual labor was never done by such a man as Ferdinand. Ferdinand then realizes that he has been distracted from the task at hand, but thinking of Miranda has refreshed his spirits to continue on with the task. 

ES: Miranda enters near Ferdinand while Prospero also enters some distance away (to observe Ferdinand and Miranda. Miranda approaches Ferdinand and asks him to not work so hard. She wishes that the lightning from the storm had burnt the logs that he now has to carry. She implores Ferdinand to take a break, and says that when the logs will burn, the logs will cry for playing a part in Ferdinand’s strife. She says that her father is currently studying and again tells Ferdinand that he should take the opportunity to rest, as her father will be busy for three hours. 

KS: Ferdinand replies that he will keep working until after sunset. Miranda offers that if he sits down, she will move logs for him. She asks him to give her the log he is currently carrying, and she will take it the rest of the way. Ferdinand replies that he would rather sprain his tendons and break his back than see her do manual labor while he rests. Miranda replies that manual labor is not beneath her, just like it isn’t beneath Ferdinand, and furthermore, it would be faster and easier for her because she is volunteering to do it while Ferdinand was commanded to do it. 

ES: From afar, Prospero comments on how it is obvious that Miranda is in love with Ferdinand. Miranda tells Ferdinand that he looks tired, and Ferdinand replies that he is not because he is in her company. Ferdinand then asks her name so that he can pray for her. Miranda tells him her name is Miranda, then realizes she has broken her father’s command to not tell Ferdinand her name. Ferdinand compliments Miranda, saying she is the most wonderful and most valued woman in the world. He describes how the other ladies he has met and liked all ended up having some negative characteristic that overwhelmed their virtues. However, he says, Miranda is so free from flaws that she is the best of all women. 

KS: Miranda says that she does not know any other woman, and she hasn’t seen any creature she could call a man other than Ferdinand and her father. She doesn't know what men and women are like in the rest of the world, but she swears by her virginity that she would not wish for any companion in the world except for Ferdinand. She cannot imagine a man that she would like more. She then realizes that she is babbling and has forgotten her father’s advice. 

ES: Ferdinand tells Miranda that he is a prince (and possibly a King, though he hopes his father isn’t actually dead) and he typically would not endure this labor. He says he would rather have a fly lay its eggs in his mouth. However, the instant he saw Miranda, he knew he would do anything for her, and for that reason, he is willing to carry these logs. Miranda asks if he loves her, and he swears to heaven and earth that he loves, prizes, and honors Miranda. Miranda starts crying from happiness. 

KS: In an aside, Prospero comments on how rare such true love is and how lucky Miranda and Ferdinand are to have found each other. He also notes that their future child will be heiri to both Naples and Milan. Ferdinand asks Miranda why she is crying, and she responds that she feels unworthy of offering anything of equal worth to Ferdinand’s love but also fears she would die without it. Then, she realizes that she is being silly trying to hide her desire, as the longer she hides it, the more it will grow. Therefore, she banishes her coyness and declares that she will be Ferdinand’s wife if he wants to marry her–if not, she will die a virgin. She says he may deny marrying her, but she will be his no matter if he wants her or not. 

ES: Ferdinand says she will be his, and she asks him if he will be her husband. He says yes, and pledges himself to her as eagerly as someone released from bondage embraces their new freedom. They take each others’ hands, then Miranda says farewell–they’ll meet again in a half hour. Ferdinand echoes the farewell, and they both exit. Alone onstage, Prospero says that he cannot be as happy about this match as they are since they are surprised by it, but nothing will make him happier. He decides to return to his studies, as there are more tasks to complete before suppertime for Ferdinand and Miranda’s marriage and Prospero’s revenge on the courtiers. Prospero exits. 

KS: Caliban, Stephano, and Trinculo enter mid-conversation. Stephano tells Trinculo to not tell him something–they’ll drink water once the wine is gone but no water until then. Therefore, Trinculo needs to stay standing and drink up. Stephano tells Caliban, who he calls “servant monster,” to toast him. Trinculo comments on the idea of Caliban, who is also drunk, being an effective servant to someone who is also drunk. He says that Caliban says there are two others on the island, and if those two are as drunk as these three, the entire island would be in trouble. 

ES: Stephano continues to encourage Caliban to drink when Stephano commands him, as Caliban is drunk. Trinculo and Stephano comment on the amount that Caliban has drunk, and Stephano says that he could drink the sea and not be as drunk as Caliban. In fact, Stephano says, he swam five and thirty leagues (approximately 100 miles) to shore from the wreck–this is inconsistent with his previous claim about how he came to the island. Stephano tells Caliban that he will make Caliban his lieutenant or ensign. Trinculo says that Stephano should make Caliban a lieutenant as he cannot stand well enough to be an ensign (or a flag bearer). Stephano tells Caliban that they will not run from battle, and Trinculo notes that they cannot go into battle either. Stephano tells Caliban to speak.

KS: Caliban asks Stephano how Stephano is doing and asks to lick Stephano’s shoe. He says he will not serve Trinculo, as Trinculo is not valiant. Trinculo calls Caliban a liar and says that he is valiant enough to fight a constable. Trinculo asks Caliban if there was ever a coward who drank as much wine as Trinculo has and if Caliban will tell a monstrous lie, since he is a monster. Caliban says that Trinculo is making fun of him and asks Stephano if Stephano will let Trinculo continue to mock Caliban. Trinculo calls Caliban an idiot for treating Stephano like his lord. Caliban asks Stephano to bite Trinculo to death. Stephano tells Trinculo to be careful what he says or he will be hanged like a mutineer. Stephano says that Caliban is his subject and therefore should not suffer indignity. Caliban thanks Stephano and asks if Stephano will hear Caliban’s suit again. Stephano says he will and instructs Caliban to kneel and repeat it while he and Trinculo stand. 

ES: Ariel enters, invisible, as Caliban starts to tell Stephano and Trinculo that he is subject to a tyrant (Prospero) who is a practitioner of dark magic and who stole the island from Caliban. Ariel, mimicking Trinculo’s voice, says that Caliban is lying. Caliban calls Trinculo a liar and wishes Stephano would kill Trinculo, as Caliban is not lying. Stephano tells Trinculo not to trouble Caliban anymore or else he will punch Trinculo in the mouth. Trinculo says he didn’t say anything, so Stephano says Trinculo should be quiet then and say no more. Stephano tells Caliban to proceed. 

KS: Caliban continues his story and repeats that Prospero used magic to get the island from Caliban. Caliban asks Stephano to take revenge, which he believes Stephano will, even though Trinculo won’t. Stephano says he will. Caliban says that Stephano will be lord of the island, and Caliban will be his servant. Stephano asks how they should take revenge on Prospero and if Caliban can bring Stephano to where Prospero is. Caliban says he can and will bring Stephano to Prospero when Prospero is asleep, and then Stephano can hammer a nail into Prospero’s temple. 

ES: Ariel, again in Trinculo’s voice, calls Caliban a liar and says that Caliban cannot do this. Caliban again turns on the jester, Trinculo, and asks Stephano to hit Trinculo and take the wine away from him. When Trinculo can’t drink wine, Caliban says, Trinculo will have to drink sea water as Caliban will not show him where the freshwater streams are on the island. Stephano tells Trinculo to stop flirting with danger and not interrupt Caliban again, or else Stephano will lose all mercy for Trinculo and beat Trinculo up. Trinculo asks what he did to deserve this, as he hasn’t done anything. Trinculo decides to step away from the group. 

KS: Stephano asks Trinculo if he said that Caliban was lying, and Ariel, again in Trinculo’s voice, calls Stephano a liar. Stephano then hits Trinculo because he thinks that Trinculo called him a liar. Trinculo says that he did not accuse Trinculo of lying and says that Stephano must be out of his mind and hearing things. Trinculo curses the wine and says that drinking this much sack can cause Stephano to act like this. Trinculo curses Caliban and Stephano. Caliban laughs at this, and Stephano tells Caliban to continue with his tale, then tells Trinculo to move away (the Arden Third Edition notes that Stephano’s instruction to move away is most likely directed at Trinculo, but some people think it is to Caliban since Caliban smells bad). Caliban encourages Stephano to continue to beat Trinculo and says that after a little time, Caliban can beat Trinculo too. Stephano tells Trinculo to stand even farther away (again, the Arden Third Edition notes that it is most likely an instruction to Trinculo, but could be directed to Caliban). Stephano then instructs Caliban to proceed with his suit. 

ES: Caliban continues, explaining that Prospero typically takes a nap in the afternoon and that’s when Stephano can hammer a nail into Prospero’s head after taking possession of Prospero’s books, or hit Prospero in the head with a log, or wound Prospero in the stomach, or cut Prospero’s neck. Caliban tells Stephano to remember to first gain possession of the books, as they are the source of Prospero’s magic, and without them, Prospero is as much a drunk fool as Calbian and cannot control any of the spirits. Caliban says that all of the spirits hate Prospero like Caliban does, then tells Stephano to burn the books. Caliban says that Prospero also has impressive tools that Prospero could decorate a house with and that they should also consider the beauty of Miranda, who even Prospero says is equal to no other in beauty. Caliban only knows that Miranda is far more beautiful than Sycorax was. 

KS: Stephano asks if Miranda is indeed so splendid, and Caliban replies that she will look great in Stephano’s bed and bear his children, who will then inherit the island. Stephano promises to kill Prospero, become king of the island with Miranda as his queen, and make Trinculo and Caliban viceroys (who can rule in place of the monarch). Stephano asks Trinculo if Trinculo likes this idea, and Trinculo does. Stephano asks for Trinculo’s hand and apologizes for beating Trinculo up, but then cautions Trinculo to mind what he says in the future. Caliban says that Prospero will be asleep within thirty minutes and asks if Stephano will take the opportunity to kill Prospero. Stephano promises, and Ariel, in an aside, says that he will tell Prospero about this plot. 

ES: Caliban says that Stephano has made him happy and that the three should be merry. Caliban asks Stephano if he will sing the song that Stephano taught Caliban earlier. Stephano agrees and invites Trinculo to sing. They sing a drinking song, but Caliban says this is not the same tune. Ariel then plays the tune on the tabor and pipe. Stephano and Trinculo marvel at the sound of the tune of their song seeming to come from nowhere. Stephano challenges an unseen person to show themselves if they are man, or if they are a devil, he says the devil can do what they want. Trinculo asks for his sins to be forgiven, and Stephano also starts preparing for death. Caliban asks if Stephano is afraid, and Stephano says he isn’t. 

KS: Caliban tells Stephano and Trinculo to not be afraid as the island is full of noises and music that bring delight and are not harmful. He tells about how he will sometimes hear stringed instruments and sometimes voices that are so soothing they could put him to sleep again after he woke from a long and restful sleep and give him dreams so wonderful that he cries when he wakes from the dreams. Stephano is impressed that as king of the island, he will have music for free. Caliban reminds him that this will only happen after Prospero is dead. Stephano says that will happen and that he remembers the story Caliban told. Trinculo notes that the music is moving away and suggests that they follow it and then start their plot. Stephano instructs Caliban to lead the way and wishes he could see the musician as the music is very good. Trinculo asks Caliban to come with them and Trinculo will follow behind Stephano. All exit. 

ES: Alonso, Sebastian, Antonio, Gonzalo, Adrian, Francisco, and other court members enter. Gonzalo says that he cannot take another step as his bones are aching and they are lost on the island. He asks the group to let him rest. Alonso says that he cannot blame Gonzalo for wanting to rest, as he is also seized with weariness. Alonso tells the group to sit and rest, and at this point, he will give up hope of finding Ferdinand. Alonso now believes that Ferdinand is drowned and the sea is mocking their search. 

KS: Aside from the group, Antonio and Sebastian discuss that they are glad that Alonso is out of hope and that they will undertake their plot to kill Alonso and Gonzalo at the next opportunity. They discuss that it should be done tonight as the group is so exhausted that they will not be as vigilant as they would normally be. 

ES: Then, there is the sound of solemn and strange music, and several spirits enter who bring in a banquet and dance about it while saluting the group and inviting all to eat of the banquet. Meanwhile, Prospero enters at a distance from which he can observe. The spirits depart, then Alonso and Gonzalo comment on the beautiful music and hope that the spirits they saw were guardian angels. Sebastian wonders aloud at the performance, comparing it to a puppet show brought to life, and says that he will now believe that mythical creatures like unicorns and phoenixes exist. Antonio agrees and that he will from now on believe anything else that doesn’t have proof. Antonio says that he will believe what travelers to foreign lands say exist, even if people back home don’t believe it because they haven’t seen it. 

KS: Gonzalo asks if anyone in Naples would believe him if he told them what he was currently seeing, which is what he believes to be island natives, who though they are different in appearance from Europeans (and possibly not human), they are more gentle and kind in their manners than anyone from their country. In an aside, Prospero comments that Gonzalo is correct, for some in the group (like Antonio and Sebastian) are worse than devils in behavior. Alonso comments again on how full of wonder he is at these spirits. Prospero, in an aside, commands the spirits to depart, and they vanish. 

ES: Sebastian notes that the spirits left the banquet behind, and the group is hungry. He asks Alonso if Alonso will eat the food in front of them, and Alonso says he will not. Gonzalo tells Alonso that there is no need to fear and reminds him that there were many things that they would not have believed to exist but travelers have reported do exist. Alonso decides to approach the banquet and eat, even if it might be his last meal. He invites Sebastian and Antonio to eat with him.

KS: Then, there is thunder and lighting as Ariel, dressed like a harpy enters, claps his wings upon the table, and makes the banquet vanish by some stage magic. Ariel then addresses Alonso, Antonio, and Sebastian, calling them three men of sin and claiming that they do not deserve to live. Ariel says that he has made them mad, and their misguided and excessive bravery comparable to those who die by suicide. Alonso, Sebastian, and Antonio draw their swords, and Ariel calls them fools and informs them that he and the other spirits are servants of fate and cannot be harmed by their swords. Furthermore, Ariel makes the swords too heavy for Alonso, Sebastian, and Antonio, so they can no longer lift them. 

ES: Ariel reminds them that they conspired to usurp Prospero and send him and innocent Miranda out to sea. For this foul deed, Ariel says, which was not forgotten by fate, fate made the tempest and the island work against them: it is because of their crimes against Prospero that Alonso has lost his son, Ferdinand, and do now pronounce that all three will suffer eternal damnation worse than death unless they repent and live a pure life from here on out. Ariel vanishes in a clap of thunder, then the spirits enter again, accompanied by soft music, dancing and grimacing at the group to remove the table. 

KS: From his position onstage, Prospero comments on how well Ariel performed the role of harpy and how Ariel has carried out every instruction Prospero has given. Additionally, he says that the other spirits have also performed their roles with the same dedication, energy, and attention to detail. Prospero believes that his magic (which is superior to that of Sycorax) works and has entangled his enemies in temporary madness. Thus, they are now under his control, and he will leave them like this while he goes to check on Ferdinand and Miranda. Prospero exits. 

ES: Gonzalo asks why Alonso is standing and staring so strangely. Alonso replies that he thought the winds said Prospero’s name and uttered his crime of helping to supplant Prospero. He says the winds explained that this crime is why Ferdinand is dead and therefore, Alonso will drown himself. Alonso exits. Sebastian and Antonio exit to fight the spirits who enchanted them. Gonzalo comments that all three are so desperate that their guilt is now beginning to erode their minds and souls. He asks the younger members of the rest of the group to follow the three and prevent them from doing harm to anyone else or themselves while they are in this madness. Adrian echoes this, and all exit. 

KS: Prospero, Ferdinand and Miranda enter. Prospero tells Ferdinand that, if he had punished Ferdinand too severely, Prospero will make amends. Prospero shares that all of Ferdinand’s annoyances were Prospero’s test of Ferdinand's love and Ferdinand stood the test. Prospero sings Miranda’s praises which he insists she will surpass. Ferdinand definitely believes this. In this case, Prospero gives Ferdinand his daughter, Miranda, as a gift worthily purchased. But Prospero also warns Ferdinand that, if he breaks Miranda’s virginity before the marriage ceremony, the marriage will be miserable and barren. Therefore, consider this for a happy marriage. Since Ferdinand hopes for a happy marriage, he promises that he will not let lust take away his honor until his marriage day celebration. Prospero then commands Ferdinand to sit and talk with Miranda because Miranda is now his own.

ES: Prospero then calls for Ariel and Ariel enters. Prospero praises Ariel and his lesser Spirits (Ariel’s subordinates) for their last service, and he now must use them for another trick. Prospero commands Ariel to bring his minions quickly because Prospero must present upon the eyes of this young couple a light-hearted display of magic because he promised it. Before Ariel is commanded “come” or “go”, Ariel asks his master if he loves him, to which Prospero responds “dearly.” Prospero tells Ariel to not approach until he hears a call. Ariel exits.

KS: Prospero turns to Ferdinand and warns him to be true and not let their lovers’ oaths of abstinence melt in the heat of their dalliance. This line might be due to Ferdinand and Miranda’s flirting behind Prospero’s back while Prospero is talking to Ariel. Prospero reminds Ferdinand to abstain or else farewell to your marriage vow. Ferdinand then reassures Prospero that his heart is chaste and combats any desire he may feel.

ES: Prospero calls Ariel to bring an extra spirit rather than have too few for the task. Prospero commands the spirits to appear quickly. Soft music plays. Prospero tells Miranda and Ferdinand to stop talking and watch. 

KS: What comes next is a sort of performance of an early modern wedding court masque to entertain the couple Miranda and Ferdinand. In this performance, the Greek goddess personifying the rainbow, acts as a messenger to bring Ceres, the Roman goddess of grain and fertility, to Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage and Queen of the Gods, so that the two can bless the marriage with honor and abundance. Ferdinand comments that this is a majestic vision. Ferdinand asks if these are spirits. Prospero confirms that these are spirits that, through his magical art, he has called on to enact Prospero’s fancies. Ferdinand exclaims that he wants to be allowed to live here forever – having a father-in-law that can perform such rare wonders and a wife makes this place paradise. Nymphs and reapers are also called for a dance. They dance. There is noise and the Spirits vanish.

ES: Prospero says in an aside that he has forgotten about the conspiracy of Caliban and his accomplice against Prospero’s life. The time their plot is supposed to happen is about to come. Prospero tells the Spirits to depart. Ferdinand tells Miranda that it is strange that her father is in an excitable state. Miranda responds that she has never until now seen him so angry–it's out of the ordinary. Prospero asks Ferdinand why he is upset and advises Ferdinand to be cheerful. The courtly entertainment is over and the actors, as he said, were all spirits that have vanished into thin air and are a spectacle, not real. Prospero goes on to say that, like this vision, the towers, palaces, temples, the world and all the people on it will disappear like this spectacle and leave nothing behind. Prospero states that he is frustrated and asks them to bear with him– while he has something on his mind, they should not be disturbed by this. Instead, Prospero recommends that they go to his cell to rest. Prospero is going to go on a walk to calm his mind. Ferdinand and Miranda wish Prospero peace and exit.

KS: Prospero requests Ariel, who enters. Ariel asks what Prospero wishes. Prospero tells Ariel that they must prepare to meet with Caliban. Ariel responds that he was going to remind Prospero during Ceres’s part of the masque but didn’t because he didn’t want to anger him. Prospero asks where Ariel left the scoundrels Caliban, Stephano and Trinculo. Ariel reminds Prospero that the three were drunk and getting quarrelsome, yet always moving towards their plan against Prospero. Then, Ariel made noise with his tabor and charmed them so that they would follow Ariel until they ended up in the stinky pool beyond Prospero’s cell. Prospero compliments Ariel’s work. Prospero commands Ariel to remain invisible to grab Prospero’s fancy garments and bring it to him as a cover for catch the thieving Caliban, Stephano and Trinculo. Ariel goes.

ES: Prospero insults Caliban as devil-born and unable to be nurtured out of it. Prospero’s attempts to nurture Caliban were all for nothing. As Caliban’s body grows uglier, his mind decays. Now, Prospero will torment all of them–Caliban, Stephano and Trinculo–even until they cry out. Ariel enters with Prospero’s fancy garments. Then, Caliban, Stephano and  Trinculo enter, all wet. Caliban commands the two to walk softly so that no one hears them–they’re close to Prospero’s cell. Stephano tells Caliban that his fairy, Ariel, has tricked them. Trinculo tells Caliban that all three of them must reek from the filthy-mantled pool–he can smell them. Stephano agrees. Stephano is not happy with Caliban now. Trinculo tells Caliban that he is as good as dead. Caliban asks them to stick with him because the prize he’ll bring them will make up for this mistake, but please speak softly. Trinculo and Stephano do not have confidence in this plan.

KS: Caliban hushes Stephano and Trinculo. Caliban points out the mouth of Prospero’s cell and commands that they make no noise and enter. Caliban reminds the two that if they follow through with this plan, they will own the island and Caliban will be their servant forever. Stephano notes that he’s beginning to have bloody thoughts now. Trinculo sees Prospero’s clothes and tells King Stephano that the clothes are here for him. Caliban tells Stephano to leave it alone because it is trash. Trinculo disagrees and puts on the garment. Stephano demands Trinculo take off the garment because it is his garment. Trinculo agrees.

ES: Caliban tells Stephano to leave the clothes alone and do the murder first because if Prospero is awake, he will punish them for this. Stephano demands Caliban be quiet. Stephano asks if this garment is not his garment? After all, Stephano is already wearing it! Trinculo agrees that they’ll steal the garment if it pleases Stephano (called “your grace”). Stephano thanks Trinculo and gives Trinculo a garment as a reward. Caliban reminds them that they are losing time for the plan or they will be punished by Prospero’s magic. Instead, Stephano and Trinculo command Caliban to carry a bunch of garments back to where they dropped their wine in the pool. 

KS: A noise of hunters is heard and Spirits enter in the shape of dogs and hounds hunting. Prospero and Ariel urge the dogs to attack. The Spirits chase Caliban, Stephano and Trinculo offstage. Prospero commands Ariel to order his spirits to torment them. Prospero continues that he wants the hounds to severely hunt them because, right now, he has no mercy for his enemies. Shortly his labors will end and Ariel will be free; but for a little longer Ariel should continue his service.

ES: Prospero, in magic robes, enters with Ariel. Prospero’s plan is coming to a head and he anticipates that everything is in place for this plan to come to a successful conclusion. Prospero asks Ariel what time it is; and Ariel says that it is almost six o’clock, the time Prospero said our work should end. Prospero reminds Ariel that he did say this when he first raised the tempest.

KS: Prospero then asks Ariel how things are going for the king and his followers. Ariel confirms that they are confined exactly as Prospero ordered – they are in the grove of trees outside of Prospero’s shelter and they cannot budge until Prospero releases them. In particular, Ariel mentions that King Alonso, his brother Sebastian and Prospero's brother Antonio are all distracted and everyone else mourns over them, especially Lord Gonzalo. Ariel shares that Prospero’s charm is working so strongly that, if Prospero saw all of them, Ariel thinks Prospero’s attitude would turn tender. Prospero asks if that is so, and Ariel remarks that he would if he were human, to which Prospero states that, therefore, his affections must. The reason for this is that Ariel is just air and so, if Ariel is sensing the King and his follower’s hardships, Prospero, who is human and, thus, more in accord with humankind, must be more compassionately affected than Ariel. Prospero decides that, even though he has been wronged, his noble reason is leading him against vengeance and towards virtue. Since everyone feels remorseful, Prospero now decides he will not take his work any further and demands that Ariel release everyone and Prospero will break the charms and everyone will be themselves. Ariel exits to fetch them.

ES: Prospero traces a circle and recites an incantation. He calls on the creatures of this land that he called on for the storm and renounces his magic. Instead, Prospero demands heavenly music to work upon the senses of the king and his followers that were affected by Prospero’s charm and announces he will break his staff, bury it into the earth and drown his book. Solemn music begins. Ariel enters with Alonso attended by Gonzalo, Sebastian and Antonio attended by Adrian and Francisco. They all enter the circle and stand charmed. Prospero speaks to each: First, he calls for a cure to Alsonso’s brains and puts him under a spell. Next, Prospero, seeing Gonzalo’s tears, sheds his own tears in fellowship, dissolves the charm and promises to pay Gonzalo’s way home. Last, Prospero calls out his brother Sebastian for his role in Alonso’s act but forgives his brother in spite of that. As each becomes themselves again, Prospero demands Ariel fetch Prospero’s hat and rapier so that Prospero can look more like himself (a.k.a. Milan). Prospero hurries Ariel along with the promise the spirit shall soon be free.

KS: Ariel re-enters and sings a song about how he will now live merrily as he helps attire Prospero. Prospero compliments Ariel and then expresses that he will miss Ariel but Ariel shall have freedom. Prospero explains that the king’s ship is invisible but that is where they will find the mariners asleep below the deck. Prospero tells Ariel that when he awakens the master and the boatswain, they shall be brought to this place immediately. Ariel exits.

ES: Gonzalo recalls all the torment, trouble, wonder and amazement on this island and asks a heavenly power to guide them out of this place. Prospero presents himself to the king as the wronged Duke of Milan, and then welcomes everyone to the island. Alonso questions whether or not Prospero is really Prospero or a ghostly apparition caused by magic – which makes sense considering the past few hours. Alonso notes that Prospero is flesh and blood and, upon seeing Prospero, the affliction in his mind has been cured. Alonso concludes that – if all of this is true, it is a strange story. Alonso resigns control over the dukedom of Milan and hopes that Prospero will pardon him for his wrongs. Finally, Alonso asks Prospero how he is alive and here on this island.

KS: First, Prospero acknowledges Gonzalo’s age and immense honor before telling Gonzalo that he (Gonzalo) has seen some things that his mind will not believe are certain. Next, Prospero turns to Sebastian and Antonio in an aside to them and accuses the pair of being traitors – and he can prove it! Sebastian claims the devil speaks for Prospero but Prospero denies this. However, in spite of Sebastian and Antonio’s treason, Prospero forgives Sebastian’s weaknesses. Prospero requires his dukedom to be restored which Antonio must restore.

ES: Alonso wants proof that this is Prospero and requests Prospero explain a couple things: one, how Prospero has survived and, second, how Prospero came to meet the shipwrecked crew three hours ago. Alonso also reminds us that this is where he lost his son Ferdinand. Prospero advises Alonso to seek the help of Patience during this loss much like Prospero did when he had a similar loss – the loss of a daughter. Alonso wishes that Ferdinand and Prospero’s children were still alive as king and queen of Naples and that he were buried in the ocean’s floor where his son lies. Alonso asks Prospero when he lost his daughter, to which Prospero replies it was during the last tempest. Prospero then points out that the lords listening to his story seem to be astonished by all of this, as if their eyes are deceiving them; but he is Prospero the displaced duke of Milan who landed on this shore to become the lord of it. However, Prospero decides to end his story here because the rest can be told over many days.

KS: Prospero explains his domain to the group: his cell is his court and he invites them to look into his dukedom in order to see a wonder that will please Alonso as much as Prospero's newly reinstated dukedom pleases him. Prospero then reveals Ferdinand and Miranda playing chess. Alonso hopes this isn’t another vision of the island and Sebastian calls this a miracle. 

ES: Ferdinand sees Alonso and the others and is grateful that they were not killed in the shipwreck as he previously thought. Ferdinand kneels. Alonso believes this to be a blessing and requests Alonso rise and explain how he came to be here. Miranda is also astonished by all the people who are now here on the island. Alonso asks who this maid (Miranda) is and guesses that she is a goddess that has brought all of them together. Ferdinand corrects his father – Miranda is a mortal and they are married. He explains that she’s also Prospero’s daughter, making Prospero his father-in-law. Alonso says that this means he is Miranda’s father-in-law. Alonso then tries to apologize to his son for participating in Prospero’s usurpation but Prospero interrupts it saying that there is no need to apologize now that this grief is gone.

KS: Gonzalo asks the gods to look down on this couple – Miranda and Ferdinand – and drop on them the combined crowns of Milan and Naples because he believes it is the gods that have marked out this path to bring everything together. Alonso agrees. Gonzalo goes on to wrap up that in one voyage Claribel, Ferdinand’s sister, found her husband in Tunis, Ferdinand found a wife, Prospero found his dukedom on this island and everyone else found themselves again. Alonso asks Ferdinand and Miranda for their hands and wishes for grief and sorrow to enter the heart of any person who doesn’t wish for the couple to have joy. 

ES: Ariel enters with the Master and Boatswain amazedly following. Gonzalo asks the Boatswain for an update and the Boatswain replies that the king and his company have been found and the ship is barely damaged and ship-worthy like when it was first put out to sea. Ariel tells Prospero that he had done all of this service since he went. Alonso points out that these events go from strange to stranger and asks how the Boatswain came here. The Boatswain shares that they were dead asleep under the deck when they were awakened by horrible noises. When they awoke, they were delighted to see the crew and ship were freshly dressed. Then instantly, as if in a dream, they left the crew and were brought here. Ariel asks Prospero if his work here was well done and Prospero agrees and Ariel shall be free.

KS: Alonso finds this strange and outside of nature’s usual guidance, suggesting an oracle to set everything straight. Prospero advises Alonso to not trouble his mind too much with this. At a time that he chooses, Prospero will explain to Alonso these unforeseen events. Until that time, Prospero advises Alonso to be cheerful and think well on each thing. Prospero turns to Ariel and commands the spirit to set Caliban and his companions free and untie the spell. Ariel exits.

ES: Prospero then turns to Alonso to point out there are members of his company missing. Ariel enters driving Caliban, Stephano and Trinculo in their stolen clothes. Caliban, seeing Prospero in his ducal attire for the first time, comments to Setebos, his god, how finely dressed his master is. Caliban is also afraid Prospero will chastise him for his actions during the previous acts. Upon seeing the three, Sebastian and Antonio make fun of Caliban, Stephano and Trinculo. Prospero advises Alonso and Sebastian to check Stephano and Trinculo’s livery; but he identifies the ‘misshapen knave’ as the son of a powerful witch. Prospero accuses these three of robbing him and plotting to kill him. Prospero tells the two that Stephano and Trinculo are their men and he acknowledges that Caliban is his.

KS: Alonso identifies Stephano as Stephano, his drunken butler, who is currently drunk. Trinculo is also clearly drunk. Alonso and Sebastian wonder where the two found alcohol. They pun on the word ‘pickle’ meaning a liquor preserve but also a predicament – being drunk! Alonso again comments on the strangeness of what he is witnessing. 

ES: Prospero commands Caliban to go to Prospero’s cell and bring his companions – Stephano and Trinculo – with him. Since Caliban hopes to have Prospero’s pardon, Prospero tells Caliban to decorate the cell beautifully. Caliban agrees to the task and declares he will be wise after this and seek for grace from Prospero. Caliban calls himself an ass for believing the drunkard was a god and then worshipping the fool. Prospero sends Caliban away. Alonso commands Stephano and Trinculo return the stolen clothes to where they found it (or, rather, stole it). Caliban, Stephano and Trinculo exit.

KS: Prospero invites Alonso and his entourage to his cell to rest for the night, although part of the night he will pass the time by sharing the story of his life and the events that have happened on this island. Then, in the morning, Prospero will bring them to their ship and they will go to Naples for Miranda and Ferdinand’s wedding. Afterwards, Prospero will go to Milan where he will live out the rest of his life. Alonso looks forward to hearing the story of Prospero’s life. Prospero promises an expeditious voyage to catch up to Alonso’s royal fleet. Prospero charges Ariel to make this an easy voyage as his last charge and then Ariel will be free.

ES: Prospero then asks the others to draw near. The Arden Third edition notes that this line may either be delivered to Alonso’s court to draw them off-stage; or, if Prospero remains on-stage for the Epilogue, he may deliver this line to the audience. In the Epilogue, Prospero tells the audience that his charms are over and whatever strength he has left is his own. Now he may be either confined here by the audience or sent to Naples. With the play resolved, he asks the audience to release him from both this imaginary setting and the actor’s role with the help of both the audience’s applause and cheers. Without this, his aim to please will have failed. Prospero has no Spirits to enforce or enchant and his ending will be despair unless he is relieved by this prayer that frees all faults. Finally, Prospero asks the audience to set him free.

KS: And that’s The Tempest!

ES: Thank you for listening!

Quote of the Episode:

KS: From Richard II, Act 5, Scene 6, said by King Henry: “March sadly after, Grace my mournings here/ In weeping after this untimely bier.”

Shakespeare Anyone? is created and produced by Kourtney Smith and Elyse Sharp.

Special thanks to Nat Yonce for editing this episode.

Music is "Neverending Minute" by Sounds Like Sander.

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Works referenced:

 Shakespeare, William, et al. The Tempest. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2011.