The Tempest

Synopsis

The Tempest is one of Shakespeare's most popular plays, both in the classroom and in the theatre, and this revision brings the Arden 3 edition right up-to-date. A completely new section of the introduction discusses new thinking about Shakespeare's sources for the play and examines his treatment of colonial themes, as well as covering key productions since this edition was first published in 1999. Most importantly it looks at Julie Taymor's ground-breaking 2010 film starring Helen Mirren as "Prospera." Alden and Virginia Vaughan's edition of The Tempest is much valued for its authority and originality and their revision brings it up-to-date, making it even more relevant and useful to students and theatre practitioners.

Summary

Chapter 1

* Summary: The play opens with a violent tempest conjured by Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan. Sailors aboard a ship carrying the King of Naples, his son Ferdinand, and his courtiers become shipwrecked.
* Real Example: The storm rages with "thunder and lightning, winds roaring and howling" (Act I, Scene I).

Chapter 2

* Summary: Prospero's daughter, Miranda, observes the shipwreck from their island home. She learns from her father that the storm was orchestrated to bring his enemies, including his treacherous brother Antonio, to their island.
* Real Example: Miranda exclaims, "O, I have suffered with those that I saw suffer! A brave vessel, who had, no doubt, some noble creatures in her, dash'd all to pieces" (Act I, Scene II).

Chapter 3

* Summary: Ferdinand and Antonio, who survived the shipwreck, encounter on the island. Antonio plots to kill Ferdinand, but he is prevented by Ariel, Prospero's spirit servant.
* Real Example: Ariel warns Antonio, "If thou neglect'st or dost unwillingly what I command, I'll rack thee with old cramps, fill all thy bones with aches, make thee roar, that beasts shall tremble at thy din" (Act II, Scene I).

Chapter 4

* Summary: Prospero creates an illusion to entertain Ferdinand and Miranda. They fall in love at first sight. Meanwhile, Antonio and Sebastian conspire to kill Prospero.
* Real Example: Prospero conjures a "delicate Ariel" who sings a love song that enchants Ferdinand and Miranda (Act IV, Scene I).

Chapter 5

* Summary: Prospero confronts Antonio and Sebastian, revealing their plot to kill him. He pardons them but banishes them from the island. Ariel helps Prospero regain his rightful dukedom.
* Real Example: Prospero declares to Antonio, "Thou art a liar and a traitor and a thief!" (Act V, Scene I).

Chapter 6

* Summary: The shipwrecked courtiers are reunited with Ferdinand and Miranda. Prospero breaks the spell that held them captive on the island. They all return to Naples, where Prospero is restored to his throne.
* Real Example: Ferdinand says to Miranda, "Now, my dear'st love, thy father's loss is thy gain. Thou art the heir of both our kingdoms" (Act V, Scene I).