the tempest, synopsis
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Prospero was the Duke of Milan until his villainous brother Antonio seized his title, and with the help of Alonso (King of Naples) banished Prospero from the land. Prospero’s loyal friends, and decent Gonzalo, helped him to escape alive in a boat which they cast off to sea. Fortunately Prospero landed on an island where he now lives with his young daughter Miranda, who was banished along with him. Prospero managed to escape with some of his books of magic and these are his ultimate source of power.

Also on the island lives Caliban and Ariel; the latter was imprisoned there in a tree by an evil witch. Prospero released Ariel from her imprisonment, and she now works for him. Prospero promises to free Ariel entirely when she has helped him succeed in his own plans. Caliban is the witch’s brutish son. He also serves Prospero.

Twelve years on there is a storm at sea. King Alonso and Antonio are on the boat amongst some other nobles. On the nearby island, Miranda watches the storm telling her father that she is afraid for their lives. Finally Prospero relays to her the story of their banishment and of his evil brother Antonio. He tells her that good luck has brought his enemies within his reach.

Prospero uses charms to make Miranda fall asleep. Secretly he calls Ariel to him, and in their conversation we realise that it was them two who caused the storm. Ariel informs Prospero that everyone has survived, but is dispersed all over the island. Prospero tells Ariel to become invisible so she can continue to assist him in his plan.

Miranda is awoken by her father, and not long after Ariel re-enters followed by Ferdinand, the King’s son. Immediately Miranda and Ferdinand fall in love. Despite his pleasure, Prospero decides it is not good for them to fall in love too quickly and so accuses Ferdinand of lying about being the Prince, and subsequently imprisons him.

On another part of the island King Alonso wanders where his son Ferdinand is. He fears that he may have died. Ariel enters making everyone but Antonio and Sebastian fall asleep. Antonio convinces Sebastian to kill his brother, King Alonso, saying that Sebastian will be heir to the throne. Before they can commit the act however, Ariel appears. She sings in Gonzalo’s ear about the conspiracy, awaking him and the rest of the company. Antonio and Sebastian make up a story as to why they have their swords drawn and everyone continues their search for Ferdinand.

Against her father’s instruction, Miranda speaks to Ferdinand. He assures her that he is indeed a prince. Miranda does not care about this but asks Ferdinand if he loves her. He claims that he does. Content, Miranda proposes and he accepts. Unbeknown to them Prospero has been watching.

Trinculo and Stefano who were also on the boat have been getting drunk on the island with the brutish Caliban. They plot to kill Prospero, for Caliban promises that Stefano can then become King of the island and take Prospero’s daughter Miranda for his queen. Caliban says if they steal Prospero’s magic books they will be able to kill him easily. Ariel has been listening to their conversation. She begins to play music which the men decide to follow before continuing their murderous plan.

Exhausted from their search for Ferdinand, Alonso, Antonio, Sebastian, Gonzalo and the others are suddenly presented with a banquet, which has been conjured up by Ariel and the other spirits. Just as the men are about to eat, the spirits take it away again. Ariel informs the men that all their current sorrows are happening because of their evil deed towards Prospero all those years ago.

Finally Prospero gives Miranda to Ferdinand but warns them to remain chaste until they are married. They celebrate by watching a show of fairy spirits. When Caliban and his accomplices turn up to kill Prospero he tricks them and finally sends the fairies after them in the form of hunting hounds.

Eventually Alonso and the other nobles are brought before Prospero. Prospero reveals his identify, confronts them with their treachery but then grants his forgiveness. He tells them that Ferdinand is safe and betrothed to Miranda. King Alonso restores Prospero’s Dukedom. Together with the ship’s crew, they make plans to sail back to Italy. Prospero frees Ariel and tells Caliban he can be king of the island. The group set sail for home and Prospero renounces his magic for good.

Nick Hobbes
© John Good