The Tempest · Chapter
Scene II explained
Prospero reveals to Miranda that he caused the shipwreck through his magic, but assures her no harm was done.
What happens
Prospero reveals to Miranda that he caused the shipwreck through his magic, but assures her no harm was done. He recounts their past: how his brother Antonio usurped his dukedom with the help of the King of Naples, and how they were set adrift but saved by Gonzalo. Prospero then summons Ariel, who reports on the shipwreck and is reminded of his rescue from Sycorax's imprisonment. Prospero also calls Caliban, who curses him and claims the island as his own by inheritance from Sycorax.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Usurpation
Prospero recounts how his brother Antonio usurped his dukedom, and Prospero now exercises absolute power over the island.
Colonization and Servitude
Caliban's claim to the island and his enslavement by Prospero highlight themes of colonization and subjugation.
Freedom and Imprisonment
Ariel was imprisoned in a pine by Sycorax and freed by Prospero, while Caliban is confined to a rock; both seek freedom.
Characters to notice
- Prospero
Reveals his past to Miranda, commands Ariel and Caliban, and asserts his authority through magic.
- Miranda
Shows compassion for the shipwreck victims and learns of her noble lineage and the usurpation.
- Ariel
Reports on the shipwreck and is reminded by Prospero of his rescue from Sycorax's imprisonment.
- Caliban
Curses Prospero and claims the island as his own, recounting how Prospero enslaved him after initially befriending him.
- Antonio
Mentioned as Prospero's perfidious brother who usurped the dukedom of Milan.
- Gonzalo
Mentioned as the noble Neapolitan who provided Prospero and Miranda with provisions and books.
- Sycorax
Mentioned as the witch who imprisoned Ariel in a cloven pine and as Caliban's mother.
Key passages
“If by your art, my dearest father, you have Put the wild waters in this roar, allay them.”
Miranda asks Prospero to calm the storm if he caused it with his magic.
Miranda's plea reveals her compassion and her awareness of Prospero's magical powers.
“Thy father was the Duke of Milan and A prince of power.”
Prospero tells Miranda that he was once the Duke of Milan.
This revelation begins Prospero's account of their past and the usurpation.
“This island's mine, by Sycorax my mother, Which thou takest from me.”
Caliban claims ownership of the island through his mother Sycorax and accuses Prospero of taking it.
Caliban's assertion challenges Prospero's authority and introduces colonial tensions.