The Tempest (1932/3)
The Tempest is a play by William Shakespeare, estimated to have been written in 1610�11. The play's protagonist, Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, has been usurped by his brother Antonio and Alonso, the King of Naples. Prospero and his daughter Miranda have been put into a tiny boat and sent away to a deserted island far from civilisation. When Prospero comes ashore, he finds two inhabitants there: Ariel, a spirit, and Caliban, presumed to be Ariel's brother. The witch Sycorax, who died years before Prospero's arrival, had imprisoned Ariel in a tree. Prospero frees Ariel, who becomes bound to serve him. For the next twelve years, Prospero practices his sorcery, ultimately raising a tempest that drives his usurpers ashore and the action of the play begins to unfold. The entire play takes place on the island, where the native inhabitants, Ariel and Caliban, aid or hinder his work. Full synopsis or Gallery.