Scene 2

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Summary of Act 1, Scene 2 - Part 1

In this part of the scene, we learn about Prospero, his daughter Miranda and Prospero's magic powers.

Source of the storm

We learn that Prospero, who has lived on the island for 12 years, had sent a sprite called Ariel to cause the storm.
Prospero’s ‘God-like’ exertion of power would immediately unnerve the Jacobean audience, who believed God organised the social hierarchy.
On the other hand, some members of the audience, particularly the groundlings, would be excited at the King being challenged in such a way.

Prospero's backstory - treason

Prospero reveals his backstory to his daughter Miranda (his only companion).
- We do not sympathise with the man who tried to commit regicide - there is no way the play would have reached any level of success if the King was harmed. Guy Fawkes was far too fresh in everyone’s memory!

Antonio's betrayal and Gonzalo's help

Prospero’s tale reveals his neglect of his Dukedom of Milan in favour of books and knowledge: 'My library was dukedom large enough'.
We learn that the men on the ship had been part of Prospero's fall from power. This explains why he sets the tempest on them.
While recalling the story of Antonio's betrayal, Prospero fondly recalls the help Gonzalo gave him. Gonzalo filled the boat with clothes, food and books before it sailed off to the banished island we find ourselves on.

Ariel describes the shipwreck

After telling his tale, Prospero uses white magic to send Miranda to sleep while he catches up with Ariel about the ship and it's inhabitants.
- Because Prospero is the hero of the play, it is important that he displays heroic traits and doesn't become vengeful (wanting revenge).
We learn from Ariel that everybody survived the shipwreck and all of them are now on the island.
Ariel also reminds Prospero 'I have done thee worthy service,' and deserves the freedom promised to him.

Summary of Act 1, Scene 2 - Part 2

In this scene, Miranda wakes up, the audience meets Caliban, and Miranda and Ferdinand fall in love.

Caliban enters

As Miranda awakens, Prospero calls forward Caliban, a native of the island.
The island belonged to his mother, Sycorax’s: 'For I am all the subjects that you have, / Which first was mine own king.'
The following angry cry from Caliban highlights the contextual conflicts concerning colonisation: 'You taught me language, and my profit on’t / Is I know how to curse.'

Caliban the 'savage'

Caliban does not appreciate the superior attitudes of Prospero and Miranda.
He is portrayed as a 'savage' because he uses the power of knowledge to 'curse' and tries to 'violate' Miranda.
This means the audience does not see Prospero as a villain or 'tyrant' when he uses his magic to punish and enslave Caliban.
Even though he has been in captivity (and so deserves our sympathy), Caliban's uncivilised mannerisms and behaviours encourage support for the growth of the British Empire.
- The Empire was expanding ever more rapidly during the Jacobean era.

Ferdinand and Miranda's love

Ferdinand (son of King Alonso and consequent heir to the throne) meets Miranda (who has been stranded on a deserted island with only her father and an uncivilised 'freckled monster' for the past twelve years).
- The pair immediately fall in love.
Shakespeare uses dramatic irony (when the audience knows something the characters don't) to excite the audience, who know of the feud (long-standing fight) between the two families and the fact that all are on this one island.

Contrast - innocence vs savagery

The innocence and goodness of Ferdinand and Miranda is a stark contrast to Caliban’s savagery. It reminds the audience that there is hope for redemption.
Prospero watches the scene.

1Key Words

1.1Key Words

1.1.1Key Words 1

1.1.2Key Words 2

1.1.3Key Words 3

1.1.4Key Words 4

2Context & Overview

2.1Context & Overview

2.1.1Overview

2.1.2Context

3Act 1

3.1Act 1 Analysis

3.1.1Overview

3.1.2Scene 1

3.1.3Scene 2

4Act 2

4.1Act 2 Analysis

4.1.1Overview

4.1.2Scene 1

4.1.3Scene 2

5Act 3

5.1Act 3 Analysis

5.1.1Overview

5.1.2Scene 1

5.1.3Scene 2

5.1.4Scene 3

6Act 4

6.1Act 4 Analysis

6.1.1Overview

6.1.2Scene 1

7Act 5

7.1Act 5 Analysis

7.1.1Overview

7.1.2Scene 1

7.1.3The Epilogue

8Key Characters

8.1Major Characters

8.1.1Prospero

8.1.2Miranda

8.1.3Caliban

8.1.4Ariel

8.1.5Ferdinand

8.1.6Alonso

8.2Minor Characters

8.2.1Antonio

8.2.2Stephano

8.2.3Sebastian

8.2.4Gonzalo

8.2.5Trinculo

9Themes

9.1Major Themes

9.1.1Power

9.1.2Magic

9.1.3Status, Race & Pronouns

9.1.4Comedy

9.1.5Freedom vs Servitude

9.1.6Revenge

10Authorial Method

10.1Authorial Method

10.1.1Genre & Time

10.1.2Music & Illusion

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