The Tempest: Act III

Act III is divided into 3 scenes, each detailing the theme of treachery and power. In the first, Ferdinand is compelled to move logs, a pointless task, but one he is willing to do. Miranda offers to take up his burden out of care for her father's new "slave." Compare the servants (those who serve) in this play with each other: Trinculo & Stefano (servants of the king), Ariel & Caliban (servants to Prospero), Gonzalo (counselor to the king), the spirits (servants of Prospero's magic), and the shipmen (servants to the king or crown, as well as to the safety of those aboard). Miranda represents compassion, as all good masters must show to their charges, and she's a chip off the ol' block. The first scene in Act III allows us to see the lovers fall more deeply in love than their first meeting. By the fifth act, the pair are inseparable, playing chess together, just as Prospero plays "chess" with his brother Antonio and the king.

Act III, Scene II deals with Caliban, Stefano, & Trinculo. Like in Act II, Scene I, Caliban convinces Stefano to do away with his master. Some silly stage business and "thumping" goes on as well.

Act III, Scene III deals with the treachery of the king and his court. In a scene reminiscent of the Aeneid, Prospero (using Ariel as his mouthpiece) confronts the king with his crimes. We can consider this act to be the starting turning point of the play. It is the darkest moment for some of our characters (Alonso, Sebastian, & Antonio) as they are confronted with their terrible guilt.

Please finish reading the Tempest on your own. There will be a brief quiz on it when we return Monday, January 30.