3.1.2
Scene 1
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Summary of Act 1, Scene 1
In the opening scene of the play, we meet the passengers on the boat and the titular (relating to the title) tempest that wrecks their ship.
Class conflict introduced
- King Alonso of Naples is on board a ship that is being torn apart by a violent storm. It is here that the first hints of conflict are seen - class conflict.
- King Alonso asks for the captain. But the boatswain (one of the crew) gets irritated and orders the passengers below deck.
Power of nature vs the power of men
- Gonzalo (the King’s councillor) reminds the boatswain who he is speaking to (a King). But he gets 'What cares these roarers for the name of king?' in reply.
- The King’s authority is no challenge to nature. The passengers end up turning to prayer as the ship is torn to pieces.
- But when the audience realise it is in fact Prospero controlling the weather, they question who is really in charge and in control.
1Key Words
2Context & Overview
2.1Context & Overview
3Act 1
3.1Act 1 Analysis
4Act 2
4.1Act 2 Analysis
5Act 3
5.1Act 3 Analysis
6Act 4
6.1Act 4 Analysis
7Act 5
7.1Act 5 Analysis
8Key Characters
8.1Major Characters
8.2Minor Characters
9Themes
10Authorial Method
10.1Authorial Method
11Recap: Main Quotes
11.1Characters Quotes
Jump to other topics
1Key Words
2Context & Overview
2.1Context & Overview
3Act 1
3.1Act 1 Analysis
4Act 2
4.1Act 2 Analysis
5Act 3
5.1Act 3 Analysis
6Act 4
6.1Act 4 Analysis
7Act 5
7.1Act 5 Analysis
8Key Characters
8.1Major Characters
8.2Minor Characters
9Themes
10Authorial Method
10.1Authorial Method
11Recap: Main Quotes
11.1Characters Quotes
Practice questions on Scene 1
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