The Tempest Monologues & Audition Scenes

Act III, Scene 2. Caliban describes the mystical and enchanting atmosphere of the island to his companions, revealing a sensitive and poetic side to his otherwise rugged nature. He speaks of the comforting music and vivid dreams that offer him a temporary escape from his harsh reality.

Prospero interrogates Ariel about the success of the shipwreck before a tense confrontation regarding Ariel's freedom. Prospero uses psychological manipulation and the threat of further imprisonment to remind Ariel of their debt, ultimately promising liberty in exchange for two more days of service.

Prospero reveals his true identity to Alonso and the other shipwrecked lords. He offers forgiveness to his brother and shares the news of his own 'loss' of a daughter, leading to the final reconciliation of the play.

Ferdinand and Miranda confess their love for one another. Ferdinand, performing manual labor for Prospero, expresses his devotion while Miranda breaks her father's commands to speak with him.

Prospero finally reveals the truth of their past to his daughter, Miranda, explaining how they were usurped and exiled to the island. The scene balances Miranda's empathetic distress over a recent shipwreck with Prospero's intense need to justify his magical actions and reclaim his lost legacy.

Prospero explains to his daughter Miranda how his brother Antonio usurped his dukedom while Prospero was distracted by his secret studies.

Caliban confronts Prospero, asserting his rightful ownership of the island and recounting how he was initially deceived by kindness. He expresses deep resentment for being enslaved and stripped of his sovereignty, using the very language he was taught to curse his captor.

Prospero addresses the spirits of the island, recounting the immense supernatural feats he has achieved through his magic. He ultimately declares his intention to renounce his powers, break his staff, and drown his book of spells in favor of returning to the mortal world.

Prospero bids farewell to his magic and his spirit servant Ariel before addressing the audience directly in the play's famous epilogue, asking for their applause to set him free.

Ferdinand, Prince of Naples, performs the back-breaking labor of hauling logs for Prospero. He reflects on how his love for Miranda transforms this grueling task into a labor of joy.

Prospero recounts the story of his betrayal by his brother Antonio and his subsequent exile from Milan to his daughter, Miranda. He explains how they were cast adrift at sea in a decaying boat before arriving on the island.

Antonio attempts to persuade Sebastian to murder his brother, the King of Naples, while the rest of the party sleeps. He uses the recent shipwreck and the supposed death of the King's son to argue for Sebastian's path to the throne.

Caliban plots the murder of his master, Prospero, instructing Stephano and Trinculo on how to kill him in his sleep. He emphasizes the importance of destroying Prospero's magic books first and speaks of the beauty of Prospero's daughter, Miranda.

Stephano, a drunken butler who has survived a shipwreck, encounters Caliban, who is hiding under a cloak. Stephano mistakes Caliban for a four-legged monster and decides to 'tame' him with wine, while Caliban fears Stephano is a spirit sent by Prospero to torment him.

Ariel, appearing as a harpy, confronts Alonso, Sebastian, and Antonio, accusing them of their crimes against Prospero and pronouncing a curse of lingering perdition upon them.

Prospero questions Ariel about the magical shipwreck he orchestrated, seeking confirmation that his enemies have been safely but terrifyingly dispersed. The scene shifts from a celebratory report of magical prowess to a tense power struggle as Ariel demands the freedom Prospero promised. The emotional stakes involve the balance between master and servant and the beginning of Prospero's final plan for justice.

Act II, Scene 2. Trinculo, a jester, wanders a strange island seeking shelter from an approaching storm. He discovers the prostrate form of Caliban and, after debating whether the creature is a man or a fish, decides to hide under Caliban's cloak to escape the rain.

Antonio attempts to persuade Sebastian to murder his brother, the King of Naples, while he sleeps. He dismisses the concept of conscience and argues how easily they can seize power.