Scene 1
English Lit: AQA GCSE The Tempest, topic 3.1.2
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.
Test yourself on Scene 1
Who responds to King Alonso's request to speak to the captain in Act 1, Scene 1?