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Act 1, Scene 1
The Tempest Translation Table of Contents
A power struggle leads Prospero, the former Duke of Milan and now a full-time practitioner of magic, into exile on an island with his daughter Miranda. Conjuring up a storm, Prospero causes the ship carrying his rival Antonio to crash upon the shore. What ensues is a reconciliation of past struggles; the blossoming love of Miranda and Ferdinand (the King of Naples’ heir) and an exploration of the nature of freedom and enslavement in the figures of Ariel and Caliban. The Shakescleare version of The Tempest includes a modern English translation, which will allow you to easily access Shakespeare’s complex language and decipher the play’s most important quotes, such as “We are such stuff / As dreams are made on” and “Hell is empty and all the devils are here.”
Act 1, Scene 1
The Italian courtiers are caught at sea in a storm. The crew tries to save the ship, but they are afraid it will sink.
Act 1, Scene 2
Prospero recalls how his throne was usurped. Ariel reports the shipwreck. Miranda sees Ferdinand and they fall in love.
Act 2, Scene 1
Antonio and Sebastian plot to kill Alonso and Gonzalo in order to usurp Alonso's kingdom. Ariel enters and thwarts them.
Act 2, Scene 2
Caliban meets Trinculo and Stephano. They drink, which Caliban is unused to, and Caliban pledges loyalty to Stephano.
Act 3, Scene 1
Prospero forces Ferdinand to perform manual labor. Ferdinand and Miranda confess their love for each other.
Act 3, Scene 2
Stephano has styled himself lord of the land. Stephano, Trinculo, and Caliban plot to kill Prospero. Ariel watches them.
Act 3, Scene 3
The Italian nobility are starving and exhausted. Spirits dance for them and bring them food. Ariel exposes their sins.
Act 4, Scene 1
Prospero holds a magical betrothal ceremony for Miranda and Ferdinand, then has Ariel foil Caliban's plan to kill him.
Act 5, Scene 1
Prospero forgives those who stole his kingdom, frees Ariel and Caliban, gives up his magic, and will return as duke.
Act 5, Epilogue
Prospero appears and begs the audience for applause.
