The Tempest

POLI 240
Friday, 11/17/2023

Summary
"The Tempest" is a play by William Shakespeare that revolves around Prospero, a former
Duke of Milan, who has been exiled to a remote island with his daughter Miranda. Using his
magical powers, Prospero creates a storm, or tempest, to shipwreck his brother Antonio,
who usurped him, and other nobles on the island. The play explores themes of revenge,
forgiveness, and the transformative power of art and reconciliation. Throughout the story,
various characters, including the spirit Ariel and the monster Caliban, interact with the
humans stranded on the island. Ultimately, Prospero forgives his enemies, renounces his
magic, and returns to Milan, marking the play's resolution with themes of forgiveness and
redemption.

● The play explores themes of revenge, forgiveness, and political themes of

wisdom and power.

Characters:
Prospero: Exiled magician, rightful Duke of Milan
Miranda: Prospero’s daughter, 15, also exiled.
Caliban: Native inhabitant of the island, enslaved by Prospero. Caliban is resentful of
Prospero's rule and sees an opportunity to rebel against his master. He is enticed by the
prospect of freedom and the chance to serve someone else, namely Stephano, who brings
alcohol, a substance Caliban is unfamiliar with but quickly grows fond of.
Ariel: Magical spirit enslaved by Prospero, cooperative in hope of freedom.
Ferdinand: Prince of Naples, falls in love with Miranda
Alonso: The King of Naples, who aided Antonio in usurping Prospero’s dukedom
Antonio: Duke of Milan, Prospero’s brother, betrayed him to take over his dukedom
Sebastian: Alonso’s brother, part of the conspiracy against Prospero
Gonzalo: Old, honest lord who aided Prospero and Miranda in their exile
Stephano: The King's drunken butler, is easily swayed by the allure of power and the
possibility of becoming the ruler of the island. His ambition is fueled by Caliban's offer to
serve him as king in exchange for overthrowing Prospero.
Trinculo: The jester, is initially more skeptical and cautious, but he is also enticed by the
idea of gaining power. He is persuaded to join the conspiracy partly out of fear of
Prospero's wrath and partly due to the promise of a new order with Stephano as the
leader.

Subheading 1
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Subheading 2
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https://www.gutenberg.org/files/23042/23042-h/23042-h.htm
https://folger-main-site-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2022/11/the-tempest_PDF_FolgerSh
akespeare.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoSStmQuisM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Yd-QUAx4_k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ap3m3qswgus

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5b5RQvQi3UI