Scene 3
English Lit: AQA GCSE The Tempest, topic 5.1.4
Summary of Act 3, Scene 3
Prospero taunts the men with an imaginary feast.
An imaginary banquet
- The climax of the play happens when the illusion of a banquet taunts the royal party because they are famished. It disappears just as they reach for it.
- In its place, Ariel appears as a mythical harpy (mythical creature). He terrifies all and enacts the punishment Prospero so desires on the 'three men of sin.'
Prospero takes revenge
- Prospero’s god-like status is seen again. He uses Ariel as a tool to punish those he believes have committed great 'sin' in going against him.
- It is also clear that the great revenge he seeks will not be as violent as audience members may have thought.
Test yourself on Scene 3
What does Ariel show the men in Act 3, Scene 3?
What happens to the banquet when the men reach for it?
Order the events of Act 3, Scene 3