The Tempest / The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [9 vols.]

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

23042

Title

The Tempest / The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [9 vols.]

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Shakespeare's final play, The Tempest, follows Prospero, a wronged duke exiled to an island with his daughter Miranda. Using his magical arts, he orchestrates a storm to shipwreck his usurping brother and the King of Naples. As the survivors struggle, Prospero tests the loyalty of his enemies and the love of his daughter's new suitor, Ferdinand, ultimately seeking forgiveness and reconciliation.

Summary up to 500 words

William Shakespeare's *The Tempest* opens with a violent storm at sea, where the Boatswain struggles to save the ship from drowning nobles, including King Alonso of Naples and his brother Sebastian. Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, and his daughter Miranda survive the wreck on a mysterious island, aided by the spirit Ariel and the kindly Gonzalo. Prospero reveals that his brother Antonio, now Duke of Milan, conspired with Alonso to usurp his dukedom and exile them. Antonio and Alonso plot to kill Prospero while he is distracted by the storm, but Ariel intervenes. Prospero then reveals his plan to the audience: he has summoned spirits to torment the nobles and present a banquet that vanishes when the Harpy Ariel appears, condemning the plotters. Meanwhile, Ferdinand, Alonso's son, is brought to Prospero, who tests his love for Miranda by making him perform heavy labor. Despite their attraction, Prospero forbids their union until he can ensure Ferdinand's worthiness. Caliban, the island's native inhabitant, plots with the drunken Stephano and the jester Trinculo to kill Prospero and take over the island. Ariel thwarts their plans, revealing Caliban's treachery. The nobles, consumed by guilt and grief over their presumed dead son, repent. Prospero prepares to forgive his enemies, staging a masque for Ferdinand and Miranda to celebrate their impending marriage. In the final scene, Prospero renounces his magic, forgives his brother and the King, and prepares to return to Milan, leaving the island to Caliban.

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Categories

• Classics
• Drama