Scene 1

Summary Act 4, Scene 1 - Part 1

Prospero offers Miranda's hand in marriage. There is a grand celebration with brightly dressed goddesses. Prospero urges Ferdinand to control his lust.

Prospero organises the wedding

Prospero offers Miranda’s hand in marriage to Ferdinand (remember the patriarchal system of Jacobean England meant women were treated like possessions).
'Then, as my gift and thine own acquisition / Worthily purchased take my daughter.'

An extravagant celebration

A ceremony in the form of a masque (a form of entertainment, popular in the 16th and 17th century) follows. Ferdinand describes it as a 'most majestic vision'.
There are a range of goddesses dressed in bright and extravagant clothing. They drastically juxtapose with (contrast with for effect) the rather dull stage and costumes of the other characters.

A celebration of true love

Iris, goddess of the rainbow and messenger of the Gods, describes the celebration as 'a contract of true love to celebrate'.
This signifies both the transactional element of marriage in Jacobean England - in which the woman moves from being property of her father to property of her new husband - as well as the sincerity of the pair’s love.

Vengeance is replaced with love

At this point, Prospero’s burden for vengeance is replaced with his love for his daughter and the need to protect her.
He reminds Ferdinand to control his lust until the final stage of the marital ceremony.
Prospero warns Ferdinand that 'we are such stuff / As dreams are made on'. This is a reminder to characters and audience members alike that material possessions are only temporary and it is the sincerity of human relationships that are the core of humankind.

Summary of Act 4, Scene 1 - Part 2

Prospero mocks those who plotted against him and promises Ariel his freedom.

Prospero remembers the plot

In a dramatic and comical moment partway through the celebrations, Prospero remembers the conspirators who are plotting to kill him.
This puts a stop to the music and dancing:
- 'I had forgot that foul conspiracy / Of the beast Caliban and his confederates / Against my life. The minute of their plot/ Is almost come.'

Caliban, Stephano and Trinculo's plan fails

The drunken Caliban, Stephano and Trinculo reappear on stage. They are saddened because they have failed to carry out their plan so far.
Because of their lowly status and materialist love, Stephano and Trinculo become distracted by clothing left on a tree by Ariel and Prospero.

Prospero promises Ariel freedom

Prospero promises Ariel his freedom again and the two scare the drunken trio (Caliban , Stephano and Trinculo) off stage.
Once again, we are reminded of the power and control Prospero has overall on stage. We are also reminded of his humanity because he does not inflict any serious or violent harm on anybody.

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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