Destruction and resurrection of the Ship in the Tempest can be seen as symbolic of the resurrection of human nature and forgiveness.

Important Quote

Northrop Frye - 'allergy of the spiritual salvation of humankind'

Essay Question

1. Consider Act 3 Scene 1 and explore the significance of this scene in the play.

What happens in Act 3, Scene 1?

• In this scene Miranda goes to find Ferdinand who has been carrying logs under Prospero's instruction.
• Ferdinand, unlike Caliban, enjoys his task as he see's it as serving the woman he loves.
• This is against her fathers demands and for the first time we see Miranda as her own person rather than a pawn of Prospero. This is especially shown when Miranda tells Ferdinand her name, which Prospero forbade her to.
• Ferdinand denys Miranda's request, which accentuates his characteristic as a suitable match for Miranda. 
• This scene expresses clearly the love between Ferdinand and Miranda.
• It also presents to the audience the idea that this relationship is set up as Prospero can be seen by the audience to watch over them. Alluding the idea that on the island he is all powerful and he controls and as initiated this relationship.
• Ferdinand flatters Miranda, stating that he is a prince and will be king. Yet Miranda's innocence characters pays little attention to this instead wishing to know is Ferdinand loves her.
• Ferdinand enthusiastic reply saying that he does, emboldens Miranda propose marriage.
• Prospero, who has been watching all of this, is subdued in happiness accentuating how he knew this would happen. He knows he has other business to attend to.

The Scene's importance...

• The scene is the beginning of the forgiveness and reconciliation of the Lords by Prospero, by uniting Miranda and Ferdinand he is also uniting the two states in Italy.
• It clearly shows to the audience the control that Prospero has over the characters and the island.
• For the first time the audience see's Miranda as an independent character and rebelling against her father, which makes the audience gain respect for her.
• This is the only scene of actual interaction between Miranda and Ferdinand and it helps to really create the characters.
• The final speech by Prospero we understand that he is in control of what Miranda says and does 'glad of this as they' yet the preceding lines present a more sorrowful tone. This insinuates that Prospero is not as in control as first believed and setting him up to be the father, who is sad and proud to see his daughter grow up.
• Prospero can be see to play the role of any ordinary father when their daughter finds a suitor and be protective.

Themes

• Servitude - The scene revolves around different images of servitude. 
• Ferdinand is being made to serve Prospero, but does so willingly for the sake of Miranda. 'The mistress which I serve... makes my labours pleasures.'
• Ferdinand speaks of the servitude of the love her feels for Miranda, which is unlike the love he has felt for other women. '
• The idea of the servitude being slavery is also repeated throughout Prospero's speech. Yet this slavery is done willingly unlike how Caliban treats his situation. 'My heart fly to your service, there resides to make a slave of it.'
• The end of the scene we see Miranda become the servant as she proposes marriage, which at the time would of made her property of Ferdinands. 'I am your wife, if you will marry me; if not, ill die your maid.' She accentuates her servitude by adding that she will 'die you maid' as shocking statement as it makes her beneath him.
• The audience understands that Miranda is a very innocent character and since she states 'my modest the jewel in my dower' the audience could easily believe that Ferdinand is taking advantage of her. By making him a servant, we see him as lower status to her, wherein he must be humble. 
• Since they both talk in a servitude fashion makes the union seem not only believable but also trusting.
• 
  

Presentation of Ariel

Who is Ariel?
Ariel is the spirit of the island that is under the command of Prospero.
When Prospero arrived on the island he found Ariel trapped in a tree by the old witch Sycrorax. He was trapped here because he would not do her bidding since she wanted black magic.
Ariel therefore in debt with Prospero who promises Ariels freedom when he has finished his work.
Prospero is seemingly only able to carry out his plans and ideas with Ariel, since Ariel is the executor.

Prospero and Ariel's relationship...

• There is a warm, affectionate relationship between the two characters majority of the time. Prospero often calls Ariel 'brave' and 'my quaint Ariel'.
• Ariel true nature is not to be servant to Prospero which we learn early on when Ariel demands 'Let me remember thee what thou hast promised, which has not yet performed me'. Therefore, Ariel is only willing to serve Prospero in the knowledge that he will gain his freedom in return.
• Prospero does threaten Ariel, 'If thou more murmur'st, I will rend an oak and peg thee in his knotty entrails' which makes Prospero seem less a less agreeable character and the relationship more one sided.
• Ariel seems to have little respect for Prospero, other than to be able to get his freedom. He does and tells Prospero exactly what he wants to hear giving no more and no less.
• Ariel could be seen to be respectful of Prospero addressing him as 'all hail, great master, grave sir, hail!' but this could be seen just to please Prospero with the hope of hurrying his release.
• Prosperous main speech to Ariel is fairly similar to his speech to Caliban, linking them both to being his servant. Prospero is very instructive 'Follow, and do me service' and only till Act 5 do we see a change. 
• In Act 5 we seen a switch of characterisations, Prospero become more consumed with power and Ariel become almost human. In his line Ariel states 'your affections would tender... mine would, sir, if I were human.'

Ariels Speech

Unlike Caliban, this language seems to be Ariel's native tongue and he speaks fluently and poetically throughout the play.

This adds to both his respect from the audience and his mysterious spirit like nature, contrasting him with the more human Caliban and Prospero at some points.

He speaks in mainly poetic verse, making the content of what he's saying - however simple - seem beautiful and enticing without sounding excessive.

Although...

We find Ariel did choose to not do the bidding of Sycorax since he did not agree with her magic which is why he was trapped in the tree. He will do the bidding of Prospero though which adds to Prospero's character as being a good magus, since this respectful spirit will do his bidding.

Yet, there is really no other option for Ariel - if he does not do as Prospero states he will find himself back in the tree and if he does he will be rewarded with freedom.

This means that Ariel most likely has very little respect or time for Prospero, seeing him as the oppressor that Caliban see's him as too. Ariel is cleverer though and understands that to get what he wants he must follow Prospero since at this point Prospero has the most power.

The idea he has little respect for Prospero is especially shown by when Prospero sets Ariel free there is no line with Ariel to reply with, he simply just vanishes. Insinuating that Ariel could not wait to get a way and didn't want to stay any longer. 

This does contrast with the question by Ariel earlier on in the play though when he asks 'Do you love me master? No?' The added 'No' on the end insinuates that Ariels feelings are that Prospero has enslaved him.

Key Quotes 

'Do you love me master? No?'

What is Ariel questioning here and how should is be presented?

The line interjects the rhythm of the previous speech given it emotional weight yet it can be read and performed in a variety of different ways.

Ariel could be questioning the idea of love, shown by the actor emphasising the love, since this has come just previous of the matrimony of Ferdinand and Miranda. Ariel could be asking Prospero, as a master and teacher, to explain to him what has happened which is accentuated by the fact Ariel is not human.

If the actor were to emphasise the me then Ariel could be seen to be asking if he was loveable, since he is not human and if Prospero was able to love him. The no on the end would therefore insinuate that to Ariels knowledge he is not able to be loved and is indeed just Prospero's servant.

The No could be read in a hopeful fashion which would insinuate that Ariel knows that Prospero surely loves him, which is reiterated by how Prospero refers to Ariel with terms of endearment.

It could also be read, with a pause and sullen to present how Ariel understands that Prospero does not love him and never will. 

The line brings Ariel closer to a human character and more empathetic. Ariels speech before this has mainly been in poetic verse, complex, beautiful and long which contrast with Prospero's and the other human characters more direct speech. This is important for making it seem realistic that he can change Prospero's mind to find virtue rather than vengeance.

This line adds to his childish nature, since as a child character he does not understand the world and must ask an 'adult' about it.

'Mine would, sir, if I were human'

From this quote the audience understands that Ariel knows he is not human, therefore does not have the same emotions at Prospero and the other human characters.

Having the if I were human the second point in the line makes the audience question whether Ariel does actually have any emotion, making him seem crueler and less empathetic.

Yet this line also makes him more empathetic since it is the line which enables Prospero to change his mind from vengeance to virtue.

Ariel is still respectful of Prospero calling him sir but is this because, since we know he is not human therefore has no empathy, he is trying to please Prospero into gaining his freedom. Therefore an automatic response he has been taught - nurture rather than nature. His final vanishing at the end of the play adds to this, since he has no grievances in leaving someone who he has served for over 14 years.

'You fools: I and my fellows are ministers of fate.'

Ariel is addressing Antonio, Alonso and Sebastian and his language here has changed drastically from the poetic songs found previous to this. In the majority of productions his voice is changed to be booming and overbearing adding to the frightening scene.

The change in language comes when Ariel is closer to his freedom insinuating a change in attitude. Instead of Ariel being the servant, his language shows how he has taken control of the situations. I and my fellows alludes to the idea that Ariel has the power rather than Prospero.

Critics Quotes
'Prospero has to let Ariel go, and keep Caliban.' Lionel Warner

Ariel and Caliban can be seen symbolic of two sides of Prospero, the human and magus.
Ariel can be seen to be representative of all which is above human, angelic and spiritual. Prospero acts as god throughout most of the play, moving the rest of the characters like pawns around the island. He is only able to do this with the help of his tricksy spirit. Therefore letting Ariel go at the end of the play can be seen as symbolic of Prospero letting go of all things above-human, he is no longer able to play god.
Ariel can be seen to represent a higher human nature when he tells Prospero that if you now beheld them, you're affections would tender which is what causes Prospero to change from vengeful to virtuous.
This contrasts with Caliban who could be seen as symbolic of all natural human instincts. One of Prospero final reference to Caliban in the play is this thing of darkness, I acknowledge mine. Calling Caliban a thing rather than a pronoun adds to the idea that Caliban is representative of Prospero darker human nature, which he cannot get rid of, as he cannot rid Caliban, but instead my accept.

Key Quotes for Characters

Ariel

'Your charm so strongly works 'em that if you now beheld them, your affections would become tender... mine would, sir, were I human' Ariel (Act 5, Scene 1, line 17-20)

 Ariel is a spirit yet hear he shows more empathy to the characters of Alonso, Antonio and Sebastian than Prospero and these lines lead to Prospero's decision to forgive and reconcile rather than continue in his revenge.

Prospero

'Thus neglected worldly ends, all dedicated to closeness, and the bettering of my mine' Prospero (Act 1, Scene 2, line 90-91)

Here Prospero is explaining to Miranda how they came to be living on the island, it is not only beneficial to the characters but also to the audience as it gives them a before narrative to work upon without having take time and act it out. Prospero is meant to be a typical magus in which their aim was to better their mind in the hope of doing so they will become a better person. Yet, Prospero was usurped since he 'neglected' his Dukedom and wasn't a very good leader and then for the majority of play it could be said he seeks revenge rather than knowledge. Therefore only by the end of the play do we actually see him better his mind.

Caliban

'This island's mine by Sycorax my mother, which thou tak'st from me.' Caliban (Act 1, Scene 2, line 332-333)

This quote supports a colonist reading of the Tempest where its seen that Prospero came to the island and forcefully took it from Caliban, the original inhabitant, with the idea that he shall make it better. Caliban's lines are aggressive, punctuated and short which adds to the idea that he isn't from the same place that Prospero and Miranda are from and make him seem less civilised.

Alonso

'Whether thou beest he or no, or some enchanted trifle to abuse me... since I saw thee, Th'afflication of my mind amends'

It seems that Alonso cares little if Prospero is real or not, he is more received for the fact that their is someone else human and known on the island. Although he then goes on the resign his dukedom and asked 'thou pardon me my wrongs' it could be read this is more out of relief rather instant regret for the fact he send Prospero away on the island.

Gonzalo

'I'h'commonwealth I would by contraries execute all things.' Gonzalo (Act 2, Scene 1, line 144-145)

This is the introduction to Gonzalo's speech on how he imagines Utopia and it foregrounds how he believes the current way society runs is not perfect. This reflects the characters that have come from this society, Sebastian, Antonio and Alonso are all seen presented as corrupt. In the continuation of this speech we see that Gonzalo is being contradictory since although he asks for 'no magistrate' in laying out these rules Gonzalo himself must be the ruler.
It accentuates Gonzalo's differences with the other Lords in believing a place like uncorrupted and peaceful could exist, showing both his innocent and naivety and his goodly nature.

'There great guilt, like poison given to work a great time after, now 'gins to bite the spirits' Gonzalo (Act 3, Scene 3, line 105-107)

Gonzalo is commenting on the frenzied stated the three Lords are left in after they were visited by Ariel. He uses a simile, comparing their guilt to poison, to express how this guilt is afflicting and its adds to the performance on stage. Having Gonzalo comment on the mens actions make the drama more realistic and the audience understand exactly what has caused them to be like this.

Antonio

'Look how well my garments sit upon me, much feater than before.' Antonio (Act2, Scene 1, line 269-270)

Shakespeare uses clothes again later in the play, when Prospero uses it as a trap for Trinculo and Stephano. Clothes are a presentation of a characters wealth and status, Antonio uses them as a metaphor to present how much better off he is since he claimed Prospero's title. He states they fit more elegantly which insinuates that he is comfortable in the position and that its rightfully his, which as an audience we know isn't true.

Sebastian

 'You may thank yourself for this great loss' Sebastian (Act 2, Scene 1, line 118)

Directed at Alonso it shows how little sympathy Sebastian has for not only his brother but his king. Instead of being supportive, as Gonzalo is, Sebastian almost mocks Alonso and claims that he has made a mistake. This adds to his 'bad' character in the play, making him seem less likeable and foreshadows how he would murder his brother in order to selfishly gain power.
The statement questions Alonso's authority making him seem like a bad leader since he has got himself into this mess and for recognising this it make Sebastian seem like he would be the better leader.

'The devils speaks in him!' Sebastian (Act 5, Scene 1, line 129)

Sebastian is calling Prospero 'the devil' which is ironic since overall in the play Prospero is seen to be the good, righteous character putting order back into place, whilst Sebastian and Antonio are the evil characters creating more disorder.


Trinculo

'There would this monster make a man' Trinculo (Act 2, Scene 2, line 28)

The corruption of man is presented through this simple sentence, Trinculo is explaining how he would like to take Caliban and cruelly display him for money. In the Jacobean period this would not of been uncommon, often freaks were taken out and displayed for people to stare at and when the colonisation period began, natives from these countries were also taken back. To a modern audience it does present how discourteous society and with comparison to naive Miranda's belief of the 'brave new world' she is going to return to seem much less befitting.

Stephano

'Give me thy hand. I am sorry I beat thee. But while thou liv'st, keep a good tongue in thy head.' Stephano (Act 3, Scene 2, line 103-104) 

Theme of reconciliation and forgiveness are found in these quotes, since Stephano did get overcome by his power created by Caliban and beat Trinculo for something he didnt do. Here he is asking for Trinculo to forgive him and seemingly to become friends again. Although Stephano seemingly threatens Trinculo as well, telling him to keep him to not speak. Stephano has no real power, the only power he has is from his nomination to be leader from Caliban, who seems like a bad chooser for a good leader.

Ferdinand

'No, precious creature, I'd rather crack my sinews, break my back, than you should such dishonour undergo' Ferdinand (Act 3, Scene 1, line 26-28)

 Ferdinands answer to Miranda's offering to help him carry the logs uses a lot of imagery to accentuate to the audience the toil he would undergo to please her, or her father. It emphasised to the audience the idea that Ferdinand does actually love Miranda, which otherwise could be seen as skeptical since she is seemingly the only woman on the island.
The use of hard sounding words like 'crack' and 'break' make the line sounds quite masculine, especially in comparison to Miranda's softer lines before using 'bear' and 'pray. Although this contrasts his earlier portrayal as weak, mourning over the supposed loss of his father.

Miranda

'Oh wonder! How many goodly creatures are there here!... Oh brave new world that has such people in't!'

Miranda is overall a very naive and innocent character and these lines sum it up paticullary well. She is looking upon the characters of Antonio, Alonso and Sebastian who are all seemingly evil, corrupt men who revolted against he father and the reason she confined to the island. Miranda ironically calls them 'goodly' creatures, which presents her naivety to how men could be corrupt. It possibly is also an extension of Prospero forgiveness, being that Miranda as his daughter is an extension of him. As he states to Ferdinand 'here a third of mine own life.' Therefore presenting that the men are fully forgiven and possibly giving the audience hope that these men can change for the better and become goodly men.

First Performance of The Tempest - Summary

http://www.bl.uk/shakespeare/articles/the-first-night-of-the-tempest

It was first performed in 1610/1611 in Blackfriars Theatre.
Blackfriars was new reclaimed by the Kings men, it was an indoor theatre and they used it as their winter counterpart to the Globe, an outdoor theatre.

Performance Space
Blackfriars and the stage space was half the size of the Globe although set out the same, with a thrust platform, galleries on the three see walls, doors at the rear and musicians gallery above.
One of the privileges for fashionable men - gallants - which made the stage space smaller was the fact they would pay a lot of be able to sit at the sides of stage to be able to show off their fashion/wealth to the rest of the audience.
Shakespeare responded to the smaller stage by writing fewer lines between the characters entering and being in earshot of other characters already on stage, since it would take an actor less time to move from the door to a position of front of stage.
Asides to the audience had to be made more obvious because of the smaller stage, often having the actors moving to the musicians gallery which dramatically altered the structural entity of the play.

Clothing
The audience could arrive and show off their finest clothes since they didn't need to dress practically for an outdoor theatre.
Candles were the primary light source for Blackfriars which meant that choices of clothes were made with this in mind. Francis Bacon in his essay 'Of Masques and Triumphs' informs his readership that 'The colours, that shew best by Candle-light are; White Carnation and a Kindle of Sea-Water-Greene; and Oes, or Sprangs' which shows how the audience would of made conscious decisions on what best to wear based on surroundings.
It can be read that Shakespeare mocks this vanity in Act 4 when Prospero puts out his trap of beautiful clothes for the fools Trinculo and Stephano. They are distracted by the 'glistering apparel' much as many of the audiences clothes would of glistered in the candle light.

Sounds
Obviously and indoor theatre would of sounded very different to a outdoor theatre.
Therefore there was more scope to use music which was more likely to be heard in the indoor theatre of Blackfriars rather than an outdoor theatre. This was also due to changes in light, the early candles were made of beeswax which needed trimming every half hour and a break was required to do so.
Therefore the five-act structure common to Jacobean plays became full established - with four intervals in which music could be played and candles trimmed.
In the indoor theatre an whisper would of been audible even in the galleries therefore their was more range for actors on vocal tone, rather than having to shout all the time.
There was difference in instruments used in an indoor theatre, since much softer and lighter sounding instruments could be used without fear they would be drowned out, like lutes. Louder sounding instruments like trumpets were not likely to be used as they would be too powerful for the acoustical intense space, instead they were replaced with hautboys and cornets.
The musicians were visible by the audience, being in the gallery above the stage, meant they became a integral part of the performance. This is shown in the Tempest for the fact the music doesn't just exclude itself to the intervals instead being intwined with the play. Ariel haunting song to Ferdinand, how Caliban describes the island strange sounds, the music in which many characters are controlled by.
The music is both harmonious and chaotic. The early sounds of thunder in the first scene made by rolling a cannonball down a lead pipe and the dogs and hunters that drive Stephano, Trinculo and Caliban off stage to the 'sweet airs' descried by Caliban and the magical music sung by Ariel.

Stage Trickery
A Blackfriars performance could of been made into a 'sheer spectacle'.
This is especially shown in the Tempest when the banquet vanishes in fromt of the Lords eyes to be replaced with Ariel as a harpy. The stage direction instructs the use of a 'quaint device' which could be imagined to be the 'sudden snuffing of candles and the tables rapid decent into the stage trap.'
The entrance of Juno in the wedding masque for Miranda and Ferdinand might of been a chair descending from the ceiling which would not of been possible in the Globe.

The Tempest is believed to be the first to capitalise on the possibilities of the new indoor theatre of Blackfriars, although it continues to leave space for staging to be explored for each new performance space.

Quotes for Reconciliation and Forgiveness

Reconciliation - The restoration of friendly relationships

Forgiveness - The act of forgiving, granting pardon

Who in the Tempest reconciles and forgives?

• Prospero forgives Alonso, Antonio and Sebastian of their rebellion against him and taking his Dukedom. Although it is ambiguous if Antonio, his brother, is actually forgiven or accepts Prospero's forgiveness.
• Caliban asking for forgiveness and reconciliation, from Prospero, for thinking he could and wanting to overthrow him.
• Does Ariel cause Prospero to be forgiving or, as we see through Miranda, is human nature naturally forgiving.
• Miranda represents the natural state of humans to be empathic and forgiving.
• Is Prospero initially out for reconciliation or revenge?
• Finally Prospero asks for reconciliation from the audience which will allow him to be free.

Quotes

'Yet, with my nobler reason, 'gainst my fury do I take part. The rarer action is in virtue, than in vengeance.' Prospero (Act5, Scene 1, line 26-28)

Here we see Prospero realise that his revenge can only bring him so much satisfaction and actually only in forgiveness and reconciliation will he actually feel resolved. This makes Prospero seem more human and less cruel, especially since it was initially Ariel, a spirit, that prompted this human response.

'How many goodly creatures are there here! How beauteous mankind is! O brave new world that has such people in it!' Miranda (Act 5, Scene 1, line 181-183)

This is Miranda's reaction to he first introduction to the rest of the Lords that have been present on the island. These are the only other men she has met now, other than Ferdinand and this line instantly shows her innocent. It also could represent how naturally forgiving human nature should be, Miranda has in Act 1 that the storm was to bring the men that usurped Prospero to the island to be punished. Therefore she should of worked out that these men are the same that led to her being exiled to this island. Yet she ironically calls them 'goodly creatures' and states how 'beauteous' they are, which accentuates Prospero's reconciliation.

We see Miranda's merciful nature early on in the play too she tells Prospero that 'tis' beating in my mind - your reason for raising the sea-storm?' Miranda (Act 1, Scene 2, line 176-177) even after he has just explained to her how they came upon this island because of the rebellious acts of his own brother. Does Miranda represent human innocent or natural human nature without corruption, since she has only lead an isolated life on the island away from corruption of society.

'I'll be wise hereafter, and seek for grace. What a thrice-double ass was I to take this drunkard for a god' Caliban (Act 5, Scene 1, line 292-293)

Caliban by the end of the play reconciles with Prospero and asks for forgiveness for trying to overthrow him and murder him, understanding the stupidity of his actions. The speech of Caliban has changed here from previous in the play, instead of being abrupt and simplistic it seems slower and more thought out, which presents possibly a change of personality. Although it is ambiguous to whether Prospero is willing to pardon Caliban since he calls him 'sirrah' which is a term expressing contempt indicating how his view of their relationship has no changed and he will never forgive him for his actions throughout the play.

This response from Caliban does seem natural which presents the idea that Caliban is naturally forgiving much like Miranda and the reasoning for him being aggressive was actually because of the way he'd been treated by Prospero. This is also alluded to by the idea that Prospero and Miranda was the ones who taught Caliban how to speak and he states himself how this only meant he 'know how to curse.'

Yet as Amanda Millabard states 'For Caliban, Prospero has no mercy or forgiveness' since he punishes him for trying to reproduce with his daughter which to Caliban would of been natural action, as it is often for a child or animal. Therefore Caliban is presented to be uncivilised and because of this he must be punished or conform to it, for which he does not.

'or you, most wicked sir, whom to call brother would even infect my mouth, I do forgive thy rankest fault, -- all of them' Prospero to Antonio (Act 5, Scene 1, line 130-132)

Since he calls Antonio 'wicked sir' and that he would 'infect my mouth' it does make the audience question the authenticity of this reconciliation. It is ambiguous here wether Prospero is actually able to forgive and reconcile with his brother and depending on the way the director plays it, these lines could be read as both genuine or sarcastic. Antonio does reply either, which leads the audience wondering if Antonio is actually able to apologise to Prospero and accentuates the idea that Prospero is the better man, possibly making the audience feel its more acceptable that Prospero is literally taking back his Dukedom. 

Act 3 Quotes

Scene 1

'The bigger bulk it shows. Hence, bashful cunning, and prompt me, plain and holy innocence. I am your wife, if you will marry me; if not, I’ll die your maid.’ (Miranda Lines 83-86)

'Bigger bulk' could show the growth of Miranda's feeling for Ferdinand, yet it also alludes to pregnancy and since she has come an visit him against her fathers wishes, her growth as an independent person.

Shakespeare makes Miranda begin talking in almost riddles, using lots of adjectives to present her confusion in her own feelings and actions. Yet by the end she is very direct 'if you will marry me; if not, I'll die your maid' which tells Ferdinand exactly how she feels.

These lines can be read in a way which accentuates Miranda's innocent and how she has had a sheltered lifestyle, she seems to have no knowledge of courtship, instead given herself to Ferdinand as his wife or as 'his maid' which would of been quite a derogatory position.

They begin to present Miranda as a character becoming independent from her father but also innocently bowled over by the first man she meets and becoming under his power. Therefore you could make the audience both feel respect and pride for her new found independence but also empathy and foolishness for falling for another man so easily.

‘[Miranda] If you’ll sit down I’ll bear your logs the while. Pray give me that; I’ll carry it to the pile.
[Ferdinand] No, precious creature, I’d rather crack my sinews, break my back, than you should such dishonour undergo,’ (Lines 24-28)

Miranda offers to bear Ferdinands logs for him since she cannot bear to see him work, since she feels its partly her fault that he suffers. 'I'll bear your logs' has connotations of bearing his feelings and thoughts forgroudning how they will confess their love for each.

These lines  could be performed to give two impressions of Miranda character, as an innocent maid who feels sympathy for Ferdinand and that its partly her fault her suffers, or as a strong girl who is finding her independence and wanting to impress Ferdinand with her vice and strength.

Shakespeare use hard sounding words like 'crack' and 'break' to make Ferdinand line very masculine and to contrast with Miranda's line before which uses softer sounds like 'bear' and 'pray'.

The line begins very directly with 'no' which sounds very aggressive, which again accentuates Ferdinands masculinity.

There is a half rhyme in both lines of these character, Shakespeare rhymes 'while' and 'pile' on Mirandas line and 'crack' and 'back' in Ferdinands. The rhyme come much quicker in Ferdinands like than Mirandas, which with the hard sounding words creates an almost desperation to seem strong. Whilst Mirandas being further apart and longer sounding make the line more musical and poetic and adding to her beauty.

Shakespeare use stichomythia, where the characters finish each others lines. This suggests and begins to accentuate a unity between them and helps to solidify the idea that they are and should be in love with each other and married.

Act 3, Scene 2 - Caliban

Act 3, scene 2

Caliban

Be not afeard. The isle is full of noises,Sounds, and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not.Sometimes a thousand twangling instrumentsWill hum about mine ears, and sometime voicesThat, if I then had waked after long sleepWill make me sleep again; and then in dreamingThe clouds methought would open and show richesReady to drop upon me, that when I waked I cried to dream again (lines 127–135). 

The lines are written blank verse, which is measure and controlled. It is unusually that Shakespeare should have him speak like this since he is meant to be the uncivilised monster. 

The language that Caliban uses is surprising especially after the aggressive language he has used before this when aggravated by Trinculo, he calls him a 'scurvy patch' and describes in detail how he will kill Prospero; 'Batter his skull, or pauch him with a sot.'
Whilst in this speech from him he uses words such as 'twangling' and 'sweet airs' which all have positive connotations and are soft sounds.
Caliban also uses more complex words and words he hasn't used before like 'delight' and 'riches' differ to how he states to Miranda that 'you taught me language, and my prof on't is, I know how to curse.'
Yet actually this short monologue from him shows he knows how to use language sophisticated fashion, which disagrees with his earlier portrayal and characteristics.
The word 'twangeling' does not exist in the modern dictionary, but Shakespeare did make up many words, it creates the image of string music and is also onomatopoeic. The word 'Hum' is onomatopoeic as well, its a resonating and calm sound, this accentuates how the island is safe.
The voices he mentions are most likely to be Ariel or the other spirits, even though these spirits are possibly the ones who taught him.
The voices are made to sound hypnotic, they make him fall asleep, where he dreams of the wealth falling from the sky - which is possibly a metaphor for his want for power.
Overall the speech is poetic and many critics write that it shows that Caliban is more than just the uncivilised monster he is viewed as by the other characters.

Shakespeare has littered this monologue with powerful imagery, which help to guide the audiences imagination of the setting since at the time, and in some performances now, there was very little visuals to go with. 'Sweet airs' alludes to the sound of wind through the trees, 'a thousand twangling instruments' add to this possibly picking up on the sounds of birds and insects singing but as if it were music and to 'give delight'. The noises 'hum' in Calibans ears too which give strong imagery of how these sounds are always all around. The description of the 'clouds methough would open, and show riches' could be Caliban describing the rain, which would show riches upon the earth as its necessary for life.

From this speech Caliban make the island seem wonderful and mystical, but also with an air of mystery and unsuitable for the men, who don't understand this beauty like Caliban does. The island does sound beautiful with its 'riches' from the sky above and 'sweet airs' that 'hum' about the island. The 'twangling instruments' and 'voices' add to the mystery of the island and make it almost believable that the clouds would open up to 'show riches ready to drop' and that these riches would appear on this island. Overall Caliban makes the island seem like a natural sanctuary and to be 'afeared' as it is only full of enchanting wonders.

When reading these line its interesting to look at the theme of nature and nurture. Is Caliban how he is because its in his nature or is it because of how he has been treated by Prospero?
Since the speech is poetic and seemingly calm, its seems that this is Caliban's true nature and his monstrous side is his reaction to the way he has been treated by Prospero.
Caliban was one of the only inhabitants of the island and has lived their all his life, in this monologue he speaks of it very positively, almost poetically. Picking up on its beautiful side and making the slightly frightening side, for instance the voices and mysterious music, seem appealing.
The island has nurtured Caliban and because of this he has a lot of respect for it, contrasting with his more aggressive side when speaking about Prospero or subservient side when addressing Stephano. It could be read that Caliban is this aggressive, primitive character only because that is how Prospero treated and treats him but originally he was happy just being with nature.

The fact that Caliban talks about dreams Shakespeare could be insinuating that all the beauty in the island can only be seen by him, since dreams are private and only seen by you. It also makes the beauty of the island seem less realistic and Caliban become a less reliable resource, therefore the island is to be afeared. And maybe it is to be afeared by Trinculo and Stephano since Prospero watches over all they do and knows what they are plotting and therefore punishes them for it.
Dreams are important to Caliban, its his escape from the world he lives in as Prospero's slave. Which is why he cries to 'dream again' and is so desperate to get back there.

These lines help the audience picture the island and what its looks like. This would of been very important to Shakespeare, especially at the time when there would of been little technology in stage design, having descriptive sections helps the audience to imagine. It also helps the audience remove this setting from the real making the supernatural and magical happenings more realistic as the audience remove themselves from reality.

Looking back at Act 2

What does it mean to be civilised?

Civilised (adj) having an advanced or humane culture, society, etc. To be polite; well-bred; refined.

The characters in scene 1 of act 2 are all meant to be civilised, modern men. They come from a place where there is law, order, art and culture to a place which is without all of this. They dress smartly, unlike Caliban who is mostly portrayed just in a cloth round his loin, they are polite to each other and call each other by their rightful title.
Yet, does Shakespeare make Antonio and Sebastian seem civilised? Antonio has already taken the rightful title of Duke from his brother Prospero and is proposing that Sebastian also does this to his brother by murdering him and the other lords. Is the how civilised men are suppose to act or is Shakespeare presenting the corruption of power.
Antonio and Sebastian are very disrespectful to both their fellow Lords and the King of Naples. Sebastian is not empathetic to his own brother about the loss of him son, instead blaming Alonso for all that has happened to him including the loss of both his son and daughter.

'Sir, you may thank yourself for this great loss, that would not bless our Europe with your daughter but rather lose her to an African' - Sebastian 118-119

In scene 2 Shakespeare can be seen to question how civilised a western society is. This is especially prominent if you read The Tempest as a colonist play.
When Trinculo first finds Caliban under the cloaks he believes him to be a monster and his first thought is how much money he could make taking this monster back to Europe and using it as entertainment. This was very common at the time and often bears and other foreign creatures would be paraded round the country for the entertainment of the wealthy and the poor.

'Were I in England now - as once I was - and had but this fish painted, not a holiday-fool there but would give a piece of silver. The would this monster make a man; any strange beast there makes a man. When they will not give a doit to relieve a lame beggar, they will lay out ten to see a dead Indian.'

An audience of the time would of recognised and possibly identified with Trinculo's speech. Does this present the idea that they are civilised though, if to be civilised means to be polite and refined does jeering at a strange beast or person from a who looks strange illustrate these ideas.

From the point of view of modern society, both then and now Caliban does seem to be uncivilised. Shakespeare explains how when Prospero and Miranda came to Island he talked in a gabble, not proper English. He tried to rape Miranda, which shows sexual freedom which not only contrasts Prospero's clear control over any contact between Ferdinand and Miranda let alone sexual, it also was also very much frowned upon at the time. He wears only a sack around his waist and is not refined in the way he speaks by cursing and shouting.
Yet he can be seen to be culture, he knows all about the island and finds beauty in it.

'I showed the all the qualities o'h'isle, the fresh springs, brine pits, barren place and fertile.'

From Calibans point of view his island has been invaded by Prospero and Miranda and he has been forced to conform to their civilised ways. Yet when he could not conform, he was shunned from it and forced to become Prospero's slave. Does this make Prospero seem civilised by forcing a fellow human against his will in both the sense of making him civilised and then making him as slave.
Another definition of civilised is to be easily managed or controlled. Which is true of Caliban, although he does curse Prospero he still does what he says, although he does have to be threatened. Then when Trinculo and Stephano turn up, he quickly takes a subordinate position to them and again does what they tell him to do.
This differs from Antonio and Sebastian who do not do as they are told or which is morally right and are difficult to control. One example is when Gonzalo tells them they should be more optimistic about the situation, but they ignore him and continue to push Alonso and make him feel worse about himself.

Who does seem civilised?
Gonzalo is one of the characters in act 2 who does seem civilised. He is calm in the face of danger and stress, comforting the King for his loss and trying to be positive about the situation they are in. Unlike, Antonio and Sebastian he does not try and make any personal gains out of the situation they are in and in comparison to their snide almost childish comments about and to him, he does seem to be polite and well bred.
His description of a Utopian land though, does sound very much like the reports that came back from explorers on how the natives lived. With no clear heircahry and everyone equal. This is what Gonzalo see's as civilised nation, yet it is far from the civilisation he has come from. It is also mocked by Antonio and Sebastian which does two things, it adds to the notion that these two character are uncivilised but it also makes the audience doubt Gonzalo's Utopia. Although the audience is made to respect Gonzalo for being positive and empathetic, we are also made to slightly agree with Antonio and Sebastian that he has no idea what he is talking about. This is especially true if the audience see's themselves as civilised and the way they live and the society they in would most likely contrast Gonzalo's Utopia.

From a literal point of view, Caliban is made to seem savage and uncivilised.
Yet it can be argued that the other characters are just as uncivilised, they act for themselves and don't think of others, they are willing to murder and they are willing to take something or someone against their own will and force them to do something.

Looking back at Act 2

What happens in Act 2?
Scene 1-
We are with the characters, Alonso (King of Naples), Sebastian (Alonso's Brother), Antonio (Prospero's Brother), Gonzalo, Adrian and Francisco (all Lords).  They have all been washed up together on one of the beaches of the Island, thanks to Areil. Alonso is mourning the potential loss of his son, Ferdinand, and begins to regret marrying his daughter to an African prince in Tunis, as he fears he has lost her too.
Gonzalo trys to be optimistic about the situation but is thwarted by Sebastian and Antonio's mocking and jeering at him. Gonzalo and Adrian also discuss the positive aspects of the island and discuss how they would rule if they were King of the island (see Gonzalo Utopia).
Shakespeare presents Antonio and Sebastian as pessimistic and almost evil characters as they mock the other Lords, blame Alonso for the situation they are in - making him feel worse - and plot to kill the king and the other Lords for their own power gain whilst they sleep.
Fortunately, Ariel brings around Gonzalo before the two men can do anything. Antonio and Alonso quickly make up a lie that they heard beast in the forest which is why they have their swords drawn.

Scene 2-

The scene begins with Caliban carrying wood for Prospero, whilst cursing and moans about Prospero's torment of him using spirits and other magic. Whilst doing this he seen Trinculo, the court jester, on the horizon and believing this is another spirit sent by Prospero he tries to find somewhere to hide to avoid the torment. The only place being underneath the cloak he is carrying.

Another storm starts to brew and Trinculo, fearing for his life, wishes to find some cover. He spots the cloak and upon further inspection believes it to be a monster. Since this is the only cover around he takes a chance and hides from the storm underneath the cloak with Caliban.

The final character to appear in this scene is Stephano, who had been washed up ashore with all the liquor from the boat. He is drunk and happens upon the cloak with Caliban and Trinculo in it. He, like Trinculo, believes it to be a monster and since Caliban is crying out believing both men to be spirits, Stephano decides its a four legged monster with a fever and thinks he will give him some of the drink to help him.

Trinculo recogieses Stephano's voice and Stephano helps his get out from under the cloak. They celebrate before turning back to Caliban who now is begging for liquor believing Stephano to be a god. Caliban states to Stephano that he shall follow him and help him defeat Prospero so Stephano can be king of the island. The two men think their monster is a fool for being so easily won over but go along with the plan.

What is Prospero thinking?

Prospero has no time on stage in Act 2, yet he still has a presence. Not only through being briefly spoken about by Antonio and Caliban, but also through Ariel and from these we learn that he knows all that goes on the island.

As Ariel states 'My master through his art foresee's the danger' when he was up Alonso and Gonzalo who are about to be murdered. 

This statement accentuates to the audience Prospero's power and it also makes the audience begin to understand that Prospero is in control of everyone's actions on the island. Including Trinculo, Stephano and Caliban's who are plotting to murder him.

Shakespeare doesn't completely specify how Prospero is able to do this. We know he is a very powerful magus, yet Ariel seems to be the one who acts out all his magical wants. Therefore does he have many spies/spirits on the island who communicate everything back to him. 

Antonio and Sebastian - Act 2, Scene 1

Antonio is the current Duke of Milan and is the brother of Prospero.

Sebastian is the brother of Alonso, who is the King of Naples.

The scene begins with a speech from Gonzalo, optimistically pointing out how they have survived the storm and how the group should all bring comfort out of this.
Within Antonio and Sebastian's first lines in this scene we see their true pessimistic, obnoxious and  devious personalities.

Sebastian: (apart to Antonio) [Alonso] receives comfort like cold porridge.
Antonio: (apart to Sebastian) The visitor will not give it him o'er so.

Shakespeare presents the characters discount of the correct hierarchy, Sebastian is privately mocking not only his brother but also his king. As the audience you already begin to understand the lack of respect these men have for anyone but themselves.

Antonio and Sebastian then continue to mock whatever Gonzalo says privately, whilst Gonzalo remains positive in his view of the island and trying to make the best out of the situation. Antonio and Sebastian laugh at him and see only the bad in their situation.

Their ridicule of Gonzalo makes the audience question, who is telling the truth?
We are made to believe that Gonzalo is a very knowledgeably man and, as we found out in Prospero's monologue to Miranda, we know he was kind enough to put himself out his way to make sure they had food and books for their exile.
Yet, Gonzalo is ridiculed by the two men, they call him an 'old cock' and mock his every opinion which inevitably makes the audience also doubt Gonzalo.
In line 65-67, Shakespeare uses Gonzalo to inadvertently explains to the audience how all these Dukes and the King came to be travelling rather then in Naples. They are all returning from the marriage of Alonso's daughter to the king of Tunis.
From this the audience is again made to doubt Gonzalo because of Antonio and Sebastian.
Gonzalo compares the new queen of Tunis to widow Dido, queen of Cathage and famous figure in Greek mythology, which shows that he know and has read his myths yet he is flawed.

• Widow Dido was queen of Carthage which is close to the city of Tunis, Gonzalo has got confused between the two cities.
• In one of the versions of this myth Dido kills herself after she is rejected(widowed) by her lover Aeneas. Therefore she is not a true widow and would actually of been seen as 'evil' for having an affair.

Antonio and Sebastian pick up on these things are argue and mock Gonzalo because of it. It does make you as an audience start to see Gonzalo as less knowledgable than he makes out and more like the 'old cock' that will witter on as Antonio and Sebastian make out he is.

Gonzalo's Utopia - Act 2, Scene 1

Gonzalo's Utopia - Beginning pg 53, line 140

I' th' commonwealth I would by contraries
Execute all things, for no kind of traffic
Would I admit; no name of magistrate;
Letters should not be known; riches, poverty,
And use of service, none; contract, succession,
Bourn, bound of land, tilth, vineyard, none;
No use of metal, corn, or wine, or oil;
No occupation; all men idle, all,
And women too, but innocent and pure;
No sovereignty—
[...]
All things in common nature should produce
Without sweat or endeavor: treason, felony,
Sword, pike, knife, gun, or need of any engine,
Would I not have; but nature should bring forth
Of its own kind, all foison, all abundance,
To feed my innocent people. (2.1.162-171; 175-180)

Gonzalo would be king of the island - 'and were the king on't, what would I do?'

• There would be no 'traffic' which means no trade or business.
• No 'name of magistrate', therefore no one in charge of administering the law, as their would be no law.
• 'Letters should not be known', 'Letters' being in reference to education, therefore there would be no education, learning or literature.
• Everyone would be the same, there would be no 'riches' and 'poverty' and no 'use of service' meaning slavery or servants.
• No one would inherit; 'contract' and 'succession... none'.
• No 'Bourn, bound of land, tilth' which means there would be no boundaries, fences or agriculture, which also alludes again to there being no law.
• 'No use of metal, corn, or wine, or oil'
• No one would be employed and everyone would be 'idle', possibly wanting everyone to be free.
• Women would also be 'idle' and 'innocent and pure'.
• Everyone would be allowed access to everything, 'all things in common nature'.
• He believes that this would lead to no 'Treason or felony' and no need of weapons or to fight.
• Everything would be made natural and there would be no 'need of any engine' since nature would be 'all foison', plenty, 'all abundance'.
• His subjects would be innocent.

Which peice of writing did Shakespeare draw these ideas from?
Shakespeare actually plagiarised this speech from 'Of Cannibals', an essay by Montaigne's, where Montaigne's describes how Brazilian indians live;

'no kind of traffic, no knowledge of letters, no intelligence of numbers, no name of magistrate or politic superiority, no use of service, of riches or of poverty, no contracts, no successions... no occupation but idle, no respect of kindred but common, no apparel but natural, no manuring of lands, no use of wine, corn, or metal.' (From John Florio's 1603 English Translation)

Montaigne does suggest that the way these people live is like some sort of Utopia and that the European invaders were the real barbarians. Does this add to the colonial reading of the Tempest, that Shakespeare gets Gonzalo to speak this since he is the 'good guy' who helped Prospero and Miranda survive their exile and is very optimistic throughout. This could allude to the idea that he agrees with Montaignes suggestion and therefore is against Europeans colonisation. Although this reading contradicts how Prospero, who would represent the European invaders, in a positive light and how Caliban is presented savage and barbaric unlike the Brazilian Indians describe by Montaigne.

Why is Gonzalo's Utopia flawed?
In his speech Gonzalo almost instantly contradicts himself, he asks 'were the king on't, what would I do?' before his speech yet in his speech he states how their will be 'no name of magistrate' which implies there will be no king and no leader. Therefore, how can Gonzalo be in control.
Shakespeare, presents the flaws of this Utopia through the other characters in the play, not only to Antionia and Sebastian mock Gonzalo's speech they also demonstrate how the 'modern man' could not live in such a society because of the corruption of modern society.
To Antonio and Sebastian the island is a free land where they can deny authority. Antonio and Sebastian plot to kill their king Alonso whilst they sleep because of their greed for power. Shakespeare reveals the true dishonest and conniving traits of these two men, presenting to the audience the man in 'modern society' that would undermines Gonzalos Utopia. This is reiterated by the way these two men mock Gonzalo through this scene.