The Tempest (Grades 9–1) York Notes

Learning is a force for both good and evil in the play. Prospero’s studies lead him to neglect his kingdom; Caliban may have learned to be sinful or be a ‘born devil’.

Prospero has power, loses it and regains it. He uses it both for justice for himself and unfairly, to control Ariel and Caliban.

Alonso and Antonio rebel against Prospero but face retribution on the island. Sebastian and Antonio’s rebellion against Alonso fails, as does Caliban, Trinculo and Stephano’s against Prospero.

Prospero shows fatherly love for Miranda, as does Alonso for his missing son. Ferdinand and Miranda’s love is innocent and romantic, and brings the warring fathers together.

There are magical storms, a spirit (Ariel) and a nameless island with no fixed geography. Prospero uses magic, but ultimately rejects it for the ‘real’ world.