The Tempest · Chapter
Scene III explained
Alonso, Sebastian, Antonio, Gonzalo, and others wander the island, exhausted and hopeless.
What happens
Alonso, Sebastian, Antonio, Gonzalo, and others wander the island, exhausted and hopeless. A magical banquet appears, presented by strange shapes, but vanishes when Ariel, disguised as a harpy, accuses Alonso, Sebastian, and Antonio of usurping Prospero and causing the shipwreck. Ariel declares that Alonso's son Ferdinand is lost as punishment. The three nobles are left distraught, with Alonso rushing off to drown himself, while Sebastian and Antonio prepare to fight. Gonzalo fears their guilt will drive them to madness.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Usurpation
Ariel's accusation directly references the usurpation of Prospero by Antonio and Alonso, and Sebastian and Antonio plot further usurpation.
Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Prospero's orchestration of the harpy scene is a step toward confronting the wrongdoers, setting the stage for eventual forgiveness.
Magic and Illusion
The magical banquet and Ariel's transformation into a harpy demonstrate Prospero's control over illusion and the supernatural.
Characters to notice
- Alonso
Exhausted and hopeless, he mourns Ferdinand and is accused by Ariel of his past sins.
- Sebastian
Plots with Antonio to seize power, but is shaken by Ariel's accusation.
- Antonio
Encourages Sebastian to act on their usurpation plan, then is confronted by Ariel.
- Gonzalo
Tries to comfort Alonso and later fears the nobles' despair will lead to harm.
- Ariel
Disguised as a harpy, delivers Prospero's accusation and causes the banquet to vanish.
- Prospero
Observes invisibly, praises Ariel's performance, and leaves to visit Ferdinand and Miranda.
Key passages
“By’r lakin, I can go no further, sir; My old bones ache: here’s a maze trod indeed Through forth-rights and meanders!”
By our Lady, I cannot go any further, sir; my old bones ache: we have truly wandered through a confusing maze of straight paths and winding turns!
Gonzalo expresses exhaustion and confusion as they traverse the island.
“I am right glad that he’s so out of hope. Do not, for one repulse, forego the purpose That you resolved to effect.”
I am very glad that he has lost hope. Do not abandon the plan you intended to carry out just because of one setback.
Antonio encourages Sebastian to persist in their plot to kill Alonso.
“You are three men of sin, whom Destiny, That hath to instrument this lower world And what is in’t, the never-surfeited sea Hath caused to belch up you; and on this island Where man doth not inhabit; you ’mongst men Being most unfit to live.”
You three sinful men, whom Destiny—using the world and everything in it as its tool—has caused the insatiable sea to vomit up onto this uninhabited island, are the most unfit to live among men.
Ariel, as a harpy, accuses Alonso, Sebastian, and Antonio of their sins.
“Thee of thy son, Alonso, They have bereft; and do pronounce by me Lingering perdition, worse than any death Can be at once, shall step by step attend You and your ways; whose wraths to guard you from— Which here, in this most desolate isle, else falls Upon your heads—is nothing but heart-sorrow And a clear life ensuing.”
They have taken your son from you, Alonso, and through me declare that a lingering doom, worse than any sudden death, will follow you step by step. To avoid their wrath—which otherwise will fall upon you on this desolate island—you must feel heartfelt sorrow and live a blameless life.
Ariel reveals that Alonso's loss of Ferdinand is punishment and calls for repentance.
