Characters & Relations
The rightful duke of Milan is the play's central magician and mastermind.
Who is Prospero?
Prospero’s magical power is largely channeled through this object.
What is his staff?
Prospero’s control over the island reflects this major theme about authority.
What is power?
The play begins with this chaotic scene aboard a ship.
What is a storm?
Miranda says she has never seen so many men before this moment.
What is when she sees the shipwrecked nobles?
She is Prospero's daughter and falls in love with Ferdinand.
Who is Miranda?
Prospero creates this violent event to bring his enemies to the island.
What is the tempest?
The play explores this theme through Prospero’s eventual forgiveness.
What is mercy or reconciliation?
Ferdinand is separated from his father and believes this has happened to him.
What is he drowned?
Miranda’s famous line “O brave new world” expresses this emotion.
What is wonder or optimism?
This airy spirit serves Prospero in exchange for promised freedom.
Who is Ariel?
Ariel appears as this mythological creature to frighten the conspirators.
What is a harpy?
Caliban’s relationship with Prospero is often interpreted through this colonial lens.
What is colonization?
Stephano and Trinculo plot to do this with Caliban’s help.
What is kill Prospero?
Caliban claims the island is rightfully his because Prospero did this to him.
What is took the island or enslaved him?
This "monster" is the son of the witch Sycorax.
Who is Caliban?
Caliban claims the island belongs to him because his mother was this.
Who is Sycorax?
The illusions Prospero creates highlight this theme about reality.
What is appearance vs. reality?
Prospero tests Ferdinand by making him perform this kind of labor.
What is carrying logs?
Prospero’s final speech asks the audience for this, breaking the fourth wall.
What is applause or release?
These two nobles plot to kill Alonso and seize Naples.
Who are Antonio & Sebastian?
Prospero famously vows to “drown” this symbol of his magical power.
What is his book?
The masque for Ferdinand and Miranda symbolizes this theme about harmony and order.
What is the restoration of social order?
At the end of the play, Prospero does this to reclaim his former life.
What is return to Milan?
Prospero’s final speech asks the audience for this symbolic gesture.
What is applause?