The Tempest
Drama
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William Shakespeare
The Tempest Theme
Themes
Power and Exploitation: The play shows how people misuse power to control others. From Antonio’s betrayal of Prospero to Prospero’s rule over Caliban and Ariel, every relationship involves dominance. Harmony is lost when power is abused. True peace comes only when Prospero gives up control.
Revenge and Forgiveness: Revenge drives the early actions of the play. Prospero wants to punish his...
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The Tempest Summary
Summary
The Storm and the Shipwreck: A terrible storm rages at sea. A ship sails from the coast of Africa toward Italy. On board are King Alonso of Naples, his son Ferdinand, his brother Sebastian, the Duke Antonio, and the wise old Gonzalo. They are returning home from the wedding of Alonso’s daughter Claribel, who has married the King of Tunis in North Africa.
The storm is violent and frightenin...
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The Tempest Quotations
Quotes
“Me, poor man, my library/Was dukedom large enough.” (Prospero, Act 1, Scene 2)
“You taught me language, and my profit on 't/Is I know how to curse./The red plague rid you/ For learning me your language!” (Caliban, Act 1, Scene 2)
“Sitting on a bank,/Weeping again the King my father’s wrack,/This music crept by me upon the waters,/Allaying both their fury and my passion/With its swe...
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The Tempest Characters
Major Characters
Prospero: ✪✪✪ (Protagonist) Prospero, the magician, is the former Duke of Milan who was overthrown by his brother, Antonio. He uses his magical abilities to control the events on the island and eventually seeks reconciliation.
Ariel: ✪✪✪ Ariel is a spirit who serves Prospero in exchange for being freed from imprisonment in a tree. He uses his supernatural powers to help Prosp...
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Notes
Explore 14 detailed notes related to The Tempest. Each note provides in-depth analysis, explanations, and critical insights.