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The Tempest is set on a remote island where the powerful Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, lives with his daughter, Miranda. Twelve years earlier Prospero was deposed by his brother and, with Miranda, put out to sea in a leaky boat. Arriving on the island, Prospero set about acquiring scientific knowledge and magical powers. He enslaved Caliban, a native of the island, and Ariel, an airy spirit.
Prospero conjures a storm at sea, or tempest, to lure his usurping brother Antonio, King Alonso and Alonso's son Ferdinand to the island, so that he can restore the natural order and his dukedom. Prompted by Ariel, Prospero decides to be merciful rather than vengeful in dealing with his former enemies. Miranda and Ferdinand fall in love and are married. Ariel is set free by Prospero and, having achieved his aim, he returns to society transformed by his experience. He appeals to the audience to liberate him from both the island and the stage.
Act 1:2 (edited) 305–74.
Act 5:1 Epilogue.
The Tempest Act 1 Scene 2
Act 1 Scene 2 In Conversation with John Bell
The Tempest Act 5 Scene 1
Act 5 Scene 1 In Conversation with John Bell
Credits
Made by Bell Shakespeare for ABC Education
