The Tempest Act 1 Summary

What event begins Act 1 of The Tempest?

A terrible storm tosses a ship at sea carrying Alonso, the King of Naples, and his courtiers.

What does the Boatswain insist during the storm?

He insists that nature does not care about the ship's royal passengers and commands them to keep below deck.

How does Gonzalo respond to the Boatswain's orders?

He jokes that he is no longer afraid of drowning because the Boatswain is destined to die by hanging.

What do Antonio and Sebastian call the Boatswain?

They hurl insults at him, calling him a 'dog,' 'cur,' 'whoreson,' and an 'insolent noisemaker.'

What happens to the ship during the storm?

The ship cracks, and sailors pray for their lives as Antonio and Sebastian run to be with King Alonso.

SCENE 2 - Who are the two main characters watching the storm from the shore?

Miranda and Prospero.

What does Miranda express about the seafarers?

She pities them, saying, 'O, I have suffered with those that I saw suffer!'

What does Prospero reveal to Miranda about their past?

He reveals that he was once Duke of Milan and that Miranda was a princess.

Who helped Antonio overthrow Prospero?

Alonso, the King of Naples.

What promise did Antonio make to Alonso?

He promised to pay an annual tribute to Naples and accept Alonso as the ultimate ruler of Milan.

How did Prospero and Miranda end up on the island?

They were kidnapped by soldiers and cast adrift in a rickety boat, surviving due to Gonzalo's generosity.

What does Prospero do to Miranda after explaining their past?

He puts a spell on her so that she sleeps and asks no more questions.

Who is Ariel?

Ariel is Prospero's servant who created the illusion of the storm.

What does Ariel remind Prospero about their agreement?

Ariel reminds Prospero that he promised to reduce Ariel's time in servitude.

Who imprisoned Ariel before Prospero freed him?

Sycorax, the witch who ruled the island before Prospero's arrival.

What does Caliban claim about his rights to the island?

Caliban asserts his right to the island as Sycorax's son.

How did Prospero treat Caliban when he first arrived?

Prospero treated Caliban with 'human care' and taught him language.

What does Caliban say about the language Prospero taught him?

He says, 'You taught me language, and my profit on't is, I know how to curse.'

What does Prospero do to Ferdinand when he arrives on the island?

He takes Ferdinand into captivity as a servant to test his love for Miranda.

How does Miranda react to Ferdinand's captivity?

She begs her father not to treat Ferdinand too harshly.

What does Ferdinand say about his situation?

He expresses that the captivity and hard labor are worth it for Miranda.