The Tempest

The Tempest is a play by William Shakespeare, probably written in 1610–1611, and thought to be one of the last plays that he wrote alone. After the first scene, which takes place on a ship at sea during a tempest, the rest of the story is set on a remote island, where Prospero, a complex and contradictory character, lives with his daughter Miranda, and his two servants: Caliban, a savage monster figure, and Ariel, an airy spirit. The play contains music and songs that evoke the spirit of enchantment on the island. It explores many themes, including magic, betrayal, revenge, and family. In Act IV, a wedding masque serves as a play-within-a-play, and contributes spectacle, allegory, and elevated language. Although The Tempest is listed in the First Folio as the first of Shakespeare's comedies, it deals with both tragic and comic themes, and modern criticism has created a category of romance for this and others of Shakespeare's late plays. The Tempest has been put to varied interpretations, from those that see it as a fable of art and creation, with Prospero representing Shakespeare, and Prospero's renunciation of magic signaling Shakespeare's farewell to the stage, to interpretations that consider it an allegory of Europeans colonizing foreign lands. Prospero – the rightful Duke of Milan Miranda – daughter to Prospero Ariel – a spirit in service to Prospero Caliban – a servant of Prospero and a savage monster Alonso – King of Naples Sebastian – Alonso's brother Antonio – Prospero's brother, the usurping Duke of Milan Ferdinand – Alonso's son Gonzalo – an honest old councillor Adrian – a lord serving under Alonso Francisco – a lord serving under Alonso Trinculo – the King's jester Stephano – the King's drunken butler Juno – the Roman goddess of marriage Ceres – Roman goddess of agriculture Iris – Greek goddess of the sea and sky Master – master of the ship Mariners Boatswain – servant of the master Twelve years before the action of the play, Prospero, formerly Duke of Milan, had been usurped by his treacherous brother Antonio, aided by Alonso, King of Naples.