The Tempest Summary and Explanation
Jammu and Kashmir Board Class 9 English Chapter 5 The Tempest Summary, Explanation along with Difficult Word Meanings from English Tulip Book
The Tempest Summary – Are you looking for the summary, theme and Lesson explanation for Jammu and Kashmir Board of Secondary Education (JKBOSE) Class 9 English Chapter 5 – The Tempest from Tulip Book. Get Lesson summary, theme, explanation along with difficult word meanings.
PSEB Class 9 English Main Course Book Chapter 5 – The Tempest (Part I and II)
By William Shakespeare
The Tempest is William Shakespeare’s final play, set on a magical island where betrayal, power, and forgiveness unfold. It tells the story of Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, who uses magic to confront those who wronged him. Through love, repentance, and mercy, the play explores humanity, justice, and reconciliation.
Related:
The Tempest Summary
Part I
On a lonely island live Prospero, a wise old man and former Duke of Milan, his beautiful daughter Miranda (now a young woman), and their servants, the spirit Ariel and the fish-like Caliban. Twelve years earlier, Prospero entrusted Milan’s governance to his brother Antonio while he devoted himself to study. Antonio, growing greedy, conspired with the King of Naples to seize power. One night, Antonio’s soldiers took Prospero and baby Miranda from the palace, placed them in a damaged ship, and set them adrift to die. However, the loyal lord Gonzalo secretly provisioned the ship with necessities and Prospero’s precious books. Favorable winds brought them to the island.
One day, Prospero uses his magic to create a terrible tempest, shipwrecking a vessel. When Miranda sees the ship struggling and begs him to stop the storm, Prospero assures her no one will die and explains he created the tempest for her sake. He then reveals their history. The ship contains all Prospero’s enemies, Antonio, the King of Naples, and their party. Miranda falls asleep under Prospero’s magical influence.
Prospero summons Ariel, who reports completing his task: he attacked the ship with storm, fire, and thunder until everyone despaired. The King’s son Ferdinand leaped into the sea and now sits sadly on the island, believing his father drowned. The King and others search for Ferdinand, fearing him drowned. The ship is safely harbored. When Ariel asks for promised freedom, Prospero angrily reminds him how he freed him from Sycorax’s pine tree prison. Ariel apologizes and promises willing obedience. Prospero promises freedom in two days and sends Ariel to bring Ferdinand to where he and Miranda wait.
Part II
Invisible Ariel leads Ferdinand with beautiful singing to Prospero and Miranda. Miranda, never having seen a young man, thinks Ferdinand is a spirit because of his noble appearance. Ferdinand, seeing Miranda, thinks she is the island’s goddess. They speak, and both fall in love at first sight. Prospero, though happy, pretends to think Ferdinand is a spy to test his love. He imprisons Ferdinand by magic despite Miranda’s pleas. Ferdinand accepts imprisonment, thinking he can see Miranda daily from his prison window.
Prospero sets Ferdinand the task of piling heavy logs. Miranda secretly visits him, offering to do the work herself. Ferdinand refuses, and they confess their love. Prospero, watching from a distance, is satisfied and soon releases Ferdinand, explaining the trials were tests. He gives Miranda to Ferdinand as his reward and offers his blessing.
Meanwhile, the King, Antonio, Gonzalo, and others wander the island, tired and hungry. Ariel presents food that disappears when they try to eat. Appearing with thunder and lightning, Ariel accuses Antonio and the King of their crimes against Prospero, declaring their sufferings are God’s punishment. He warns that worse awaits unless they sincerely repent. They are left nearly mad with fear and guilt.
After they repent, Ariel leads them to Prospero. Amazed to see Prospero alive, the King agrees to restore the dukedom. Prospero forgives them. When the King laments losing Ferdinand in the wreck, Prospero says he also lost his daughter (meaning to Ferdinand in marriage). The King wishes they both lived to be king and queen of Naples. Prospero reveals Ferdinand and Miranda playing chess together. Miranda marvels at seeing so many people, exclaiming about beautiful mankind.
Gonzalo weeps joyfully at this reconciliation scene. Prospero breaks his magic wand and buries his books, having no further use for them. He frees Ariel as promised. Ariel sings a joyful song about his freedom. The party sails to Naples with Ariel’s help (his last service), leaving Caliban in possession of the island.
Summary of the Lesson The Tempest in Hindi
Part -1
एक अकेले द्वीप पर प्रोस्पेरो (मिलान के पूर्व ड्यूक), उनकी सुंदर बेटी मिरांडा, और उनके नौकर, आत्मा एरियल और मछली जैसा कैलिबन रहते हैं। बारह साल पहले, प्रोस्पेरो ने अपने भाई एंटोनियो को राज्य का प्रबंधन सौंपा और स्वयं अध्ययन में लीन हो गए। एंटोनियो शक्ति का लालची हो गया और नेपल्स के राजा के साथ षड्यंत्र किया। एक रात, एंटोनियो के सैनिकों ने प्रोस्पेरो और शिशु मिरांडा को महल से निकाला, एक क्षतिग्रस्त जहाज में डाला, और उन्हें समुद्र में मरने के लिए छोड़ दिया। लेकिन वफादार गोंजालो ने गुप्त रूप से जहाज में पानी, भोजन, कपड़े और प्रोस्पेरो की कीमती किताबें रख दीं। अनुकूल हवाओं ने उन्हें द्वीप पर पहुंचा दिया।
एक दिन, प्रोस्पेरो जादू से भयंकर तूफान उठाते हैं, एक जहाज को तोड़ देते हैं। जब मिरांडा संघर्षरत जहाज देखकर उन्हें तूफान रोकने के लिए कहती है, तो प्रोस्पेरो आश्वासन देते हैं कि कोई नहीं मरेगा और बताते हैं कि उन्होंने उसके लिए तूफान उठाया है। फिर वे अपना इतिहास बताते हैं। जहाज में प्रोस्पेरो के सभी दुश्मन हैं, एंटोनियो, नेपल्स का राजा और उनका दल। मिरांडा जादुई प्रभाव से सो जाती है।
प्रोस्पेरो एरियल को बुलाते हैं, जो अपना कार्य पूरा करने की रिपोर्ट देता है: उसने तूफान, आग और बिजली से जहाज पर हमला किया जब तक सभी निराश नहीं हो गए। राजा का बेटा फर्डिनेंड समुद्र में कूद गया और अब द्वीप पर उदास बैठा है, सोचता है कि उसके पिता डूब गए। राजा और अन्य फर्डिनेंड को खोज रहे हैं। जहाज सुरक्षित बंदरगाह में है। जब एरियल स्वतंत्रता मांगता है, तो प्रोस्पेरो गुस्से से उसे याद दिलाते हैं कि उन्होंने उसे सिकोरैक्स के पाइन के पेड़ की कैद से कैसे मुक्त किया। एरियल माफी मांगता है और इच्छुक आज्ञाकारिता का वादा करता है। प्रोस्पेरो दो दिनों में स्वतंत्रता का वादा करते हैं और एरियल को फर्डिनेंड को उनके और मिरांडा के पास लाने भेजते हैं।
Part – 2
अदृश्य एरियल सुंदर गीत गाकर फर्डिनेंड को प्रोस्पेरो और मिरांडा के पास ले जाता है। मिरांडा, जिसने कभी युवा पुरुष नहीं देखा, सोचती है कि फर्डिनेंड एक आत्मा है। फर्डिनेंड सोचता है कि मिरांडा द्वीप की देवी है। वे बात करते हैं और पहली नजर में प्यार हो जाता है। प्रोस्पेरो, हालांकि खुश हैं, फर्डिनेंड के प्यार का परीक्षण करने के लिए उसे जासूस समझने का नाटक करते हैं। वे मिरांडा की विनती के बावजूद फर्डिनेंड को जादू से कैद कर लेते हैं। फर्डिनेंड कैद स्वीकार करता है, सोचता है कि वह रोज मिरांडा को देख सकेगा।
प्रोस्पेरो फर्डिनेंड को भारी लकड़ियां ढेर करने का काम देते हैं। मिरांडा गुप्त रूप से उससे मिलने आती है और काम करने की पेशकश करती है। फर्डिनेंड मना करता है, और वे अपने प्यार का इकरार करते हैं। प्रोस्पेरो, दूर से देखते हुए, संतुष्ट होते हैं और जल्द ही फर्डिनेंड को मुक्त करते हैं, समझाते हैं कि परीक्षण परीक्षा थी। वे अपना आशीर्वाद देकर मिरांडा को फर्डिनेंड को इनाम के रूप में देते हैं।
इस बीच, राजा, एंटोनियो, गोंजालो और अन्य द्वीप पर भटक रहे हैं, थके और भूखे। एरियल भोजन प्रस्तुत करता है जो खाने की कोशिश करते ही गायब हो जाता है। गड़गड़ाहट और बिजली के साथ प्रकट होकर, एरियल एंटोनियो और राजा को प्रोस्पेरो के खिलाफ उनके अपराधों का आरोप लगाता है, घोषणा करता है कि उनकी पीड़ा ईश्वर की सजा है। वह चेतावनी देता है कि जब तक वे ईमानदारी से पश्चाताप नहीं करते, बदतर उनका इंतजार कर रहा है। वे डर और अपराधबोध से लगभग पागल हो जाते हैं।
पश्चाताप के बाद, एरियल उन्हें प्रोस्पेरो के पास ले जाता है। प्रोस्पेरो को जीवित देखकर चकित, राजा डची बहाल करने के लिए सहमत हो जाता है। प्रोस्पेरो उन्हें माफ कर देते हैं। जब राजा फर्डिनेंड खोने का विलाप करता है, तो प्रोस्पेरो कहते हैं कि उन्होंने भी अपनी बेटी खो दी (फर्डिनेंड से विवाह का अर्थ)। राजा की इच्छा है कि दोनों नेपल्स के राजा और रानी बनने के लिए जीवित होते। प्रोस्पेरो फर्डिनेंड और मिरांडा को शतरंज खेलते हुए दिखाते हैं। मिरांडा इतने लोगों को देखकर आश्चर्यचकित होती है, सुंदर मानवजाति के बारे में विस्मय व्यक्त करती है।
गोंजालो इस सुलह के दृश्य पर खुशी से रोता है। प्रोस्पेरो अपनी जादुई छड़ी तोड़ देते हैं और अपनी किताबें दफन कर देते हैं। वे एरियल को वादे के अनुसार मुक्त करते हैं। एरियल अपनी स्वतंत्रता के बारे में खुशी का गीत गाता है। दल एरियल की मदद (उसकी अंतिम सेवा) से नेपल्स रवाना होता है, कैलिबन को द्वीप का मालिक छोड़ते हुए।
Theme of the Lesson The Tempest
Betrayal and Revenge: The central theme revolves around Antonio’s betrayal of his brother Prospero. Antonio, driven by greed for power, conspired with the King of Naples to usurp Prospero’s dukedom. Prospero’s creation of the tempest appears to be an act of revenge, bringing his enemies to the island where he has absolute power over them.
Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Despite having the power to destroy his enemies, Prospero ultimately chooses forgiveness over revenge. When Antonio, the King, and others sincerely repent their evil deeds, Prospero pardons them and restores harmony. This demonstrates that mercy and reconciliation are more powerful than vengeance.
Power and Authority: The play explores different types of power, political power (Prospero’s lost dukedom), magical power (Prospero’s control over Ariel and the elements), and moral authority (Prospero’s ultimate decision to forgive). Shakespeare examines how power can be abused (Antonio’s betrayal) or used wisely (Prospero’s eventual mercy).
Freedom and Servitude: Ariel constantly seeks freedom from Prospero’s service, representing the universal human desire for liberty. Caliban represents unwilling servitude, while Ariel represents willing but temporary service. Prospero’s promise to free Ariel shows that true authority respects freedom.
Love and Testing: The pure, innocent love between Miranda and Ferdinand contrasts with the political scheming of the older generation. Prospero tests Ferdinand’s love through hard labor, demonstrating that true love must be proven through trials and perseverance.
Nature vs. Civilization: Caliban, the island’s original inhabitant, represents natural, uncivilized humanity, while Prospero represents learning and civilization. Miranda’s wonder at seeing “beautiful mankind” reflects the innocent perspective that sees goodness in humanity.
Repentance and Divine Justice: The play suggests that wrongdoing brings divine punishment, but sincere repentance can lead to forgiveness. Ariel tells the guilty men that their sufferings are “God’s punishment for your crimes,” emphasizing spiritual consequences of evil actions.
The Renunciation of Power: Prospero’s breaking of his magic wand and burying his books symbolizes maturity and wisdom, knowing when to give up power. This reflects Shakespeare’s own retirement from writing, making this play particularly poignant.
The Tempest Lesson Explanation
Passage: On a lonely island in the sea there once lived three people, a wise old man named Prospero, his beautiful young daughter Miranda, and their servant Caliban. Father and daughter had come to the island twelve years before, when Miranda was a mere baby. She could hardly remember having seen any human face except her father’s. As for Caliban, he hardly looked human; he looked more like a fish than a man.
Word Meanings
lonely: isolated or deserted
wise: having great knowledge and good judgment
mere: only; nothing more than
hardly: almost not
servant: a person who works for and obeys another
hardly human: not appearing like a normal human being
Explanation: Introduces the setting and main characters of the story. A wise old man named Prospero lives on a lonely island with his daughter Miranda and their servant Caliban. Prospero and Miranda came to the island twelve years ago when Miranda was just a baby, so she remembers no one except her father. Caliban is described as strange and ugly, looking more like a fish than a man, which shows that he is very different from ordinary humans.
Passage: Prospero had another servant, a spirit named Ariel, whom he commanded by means of his magic. Before Prospero’s arrival there lived on the island a witch named Sycorax; the ugly Caliban was her son. She imprisoned Ariel in the heart of a pine tree and she died without releasing him. Prospero, on his arrival on the island, found him and released him; Ariel became Prospero’s faithful servant and carried out his master’s wishes. At Prospero’s command, he would raise storms in the sea or make thunder in the air.
Word Meanings
spirit: a supernatural being
commanded: ordered or controlled
magic: supernatural power
witch: a woman believed to have magical powers
imprisoned: locked up or trapped
faithful: loyal and devoted
thunder: loud crashing sound in the sky during a storm
Explanation: Prospero’s other servant, Ariel, who is a spirit controlled by Prospero through magic. Before Prospero came to the island, a witch named Sycorax lived there, and she had an ugly son called Caliban. She trapped Ariel inside a pine tree and died without freeing him. Prospero found Ariel and released him after coming to the island. Out of gratitude, Ariel became Prospero’s loyal servant and obeyed his orders. He used his powers to create storms and thunder whenever Prospero commanded him.
Passage: One day there arose a terrible storm in the sea. As Miranda looked out, she saw a fine ship struggling in the midst of the storm.
“O father,” she said, “if you have, by your power, raised this tempest, please put an end to it. What a fine ship is there, struggling in the cruel waves! The cries of the drowning sailors seem to knock against my very heart.”
“Do not be afraid,” replied Prospero. “Not a single person shall perish. As for the storm, I have raised it for your sake. I have done it for you, my beloved daughter, who do not know who you are.”
Word Meanings
arose: came into existence; began
terrible: very severe or frightening
struggling: trying hard to survive or move with difficulty
midst: the middle part
tempest: a violent storm
put an end to: stop completely
cruel: causing pain or suffering; harsh
cries: loud shouts expressing fear or pain
drowning: dying because of being unable to breathe in water
perish: die
for your sake: for your benefit or reason
beloved: dearly loved
Explanation: A violent storm at sea that Miranda watches with fear and concern. She feels pity for the sailors on the ship and begs her father, Prospero, to stop the storm if he has caused it using his magical powers. Her words show her gentle and compassionate nature. Prospero calms her by assuring her that no one will die in the storm. He reveals that he himself created the storm for Miranda’s benefit and hints that she does not yet know the truth about her identity and past. This scene highlights Prospero’s magical control and his deep love and protectiveness toward his daughter.
Passage: Now for the first time Prospero told Miranda the strange story of her life. “Twelve years ago,” he said, “I was Duke of Milan. Knowledge was my chief aim in life; wealth and worldly possessions hardly mattered to me. Leaving the management of state affairs to my brother Antonio, whose loyalty I never doubted, I devoted all my time to secret studies. Meanwhile he grew greedy for power and possessions; he bribed my ministers and plotted against me with my enemy, the King of Naples. One dark night their soldiers took me out of my palace, with you crying in my arms. They did not dare to kill us openly; so they put us into an old and damaged ship that could hardly float, and left us to perish at sea. But there was a kind old lord named Gonzalo; he was loyal to me at heart and was not in favour of Antonio’s plot. He secretly stored the ship with fresh water, food and clothes, and my precious books, which I valued more than my dukedom. Driven by favourable winds, we floated to this lonely island.”
Word meaning
strange: unusual or surprising
Duke: a ruler of a province or state
chief aim: main purpose or goal
worldly possessions: material wealth and property
management: control and administration
loyalty: faithfulness and devotion
devoted: gave completely
secret studies: private learning, especially magic or special knowledge
greedy: having an excessive desire for more power or wealth
bribed: gave money or gifts dishonestly to gain support
plotted: planned secretly to harm someone
perish: die
openly: publicly, without hiding
stored: kept or supplied
dukedom: the territory or position of a duke
favourable: helpful or suitable
Explanation: For the first time, Prospero reveals to Miranda the truth about their past. He explains that he was once the Duke of Milan but cared more for knowledge than for ruling his state. Trusting his brother Antonio, he handed over the responsibilities of government to him. Antonio, however, betrayed him by becoming greedy for power and conspiring with the King of Naples to overthrow him. Prospero and the infant Miranda were set adrift at sea in a broken ship, meant to die quietly. They survived only because Gonzalo, a loyal nobleman, secretly helped them with supplies and Prospero’s beloved books. Guided by good winds, they eventually reached the lonely island where they now live. This passage shows Prospero’s betrayal, his love for knowledge, and the role of kindness and fate in saving him and Miranda.
Passage: “But what is your reason for raising this tempest?” asked Miranda, who was still thinking of the drowning sailors.
“Fortune has now begun to favour me,” replied Prospero. “The tempest has, in a strange manner, brought all my enemies to this island; they are in the ship you see. For the present it is enough for you to know that much.” Then Prospero touched Miranda gently with his magic wand, and she fell asleep.
Word Meanings
fortune: luck or fate
favour: support or help
strange manner: unusual way
enemies: people who oppose or hate someone
present: current time
magic wand: a magically charged stick used to perform magic
Explanation: Miranda asks Prospero why he created such a terrible storm because she is worried about the sailors who seem to be drowning. Prospero replies that his luck has finally changed and the storm has helped him by bringing all his enemies to the island in the same ship. He tells Miranda that she does not need to know more at the moment. After saying this Prospero uses his magic to gently put Miranda to sleep showing his control over events and his intention to manage the situation carefully.
Passage: “Come, my Ariel, come,” said Prospero, waving his magic wand. Ariel appeared.
“Here I am, master,” he said. “I am ready to go wherever you ask me to go, and to do whatever you want.”
“Have you performed the task I gave you?”
“Yes, master, I have done everything just as you commanded me. I attacked the ship with storm, fire and thunder, till the sailors gave up in despair. Not a single person in the ship kept his head. The King’s son, Ferdinand, leapt into the sea. Now he is sitting sadly in a corner of the island, thinking that his father is drowned. Meanwhile, in another part of the island, the King, your brother, and the others are looking for Ferdinand, who they fear is drowned. As for the ship, I have brought it safely to the harbour.”
Word Meanings
performed: completed or carried out
task: a piece of work assigned to someone
commanded: ordered with authority
attacked: acted violently against
despair: complete loss of hope
kept his head: remained calm
leapt: jumped suddenly
drowned: died in water
harbour: a safe place for ships
Explanation: Prospero calls Ariel using his magic wand. Ariel appears immediately and assures Prospero of his complete obedience. When Prospero asks whether his task has been completed, Ariel explains that he caused a fierce storm using fire and thunder which frightened the sailors so badly that they lost all control. Ferdinand, the King’s son, jumped into the sea and is now alone on the island believing his father has drowned. Meanwhile, the King, Prospero’s brother, and others are searching for Ferdinand, thinking he is dead. Ariel also informs Prospero that the ship itself has been safely brought to the harbour. This shows Ariel’s loyalty and magical power and reveals how Prospero’s plan is unfolding.
Passage: “You have performed your task perfectly,” said Prospero. “Now we have some very important work on our hands. The time between now and evening is precious for both of us.”
“More work? Sir, let me remind you of the promise you gave me, namely, to give me my freedom.”
“What?” said Prospero angrily? “How dare you ask for freedom before the time is out? Where would you be but for me? Have I to remind you how I released you from the pine tree?”
“I am sorry, master. I will obey you willingly,” said Ariel.
“Good,” said Prospero. “After two days I will set you free; meanwhile carry out your tasks with a good heart.”
Then Prospero told him what he should do. And away went Ariel happily, to the place where Ferdinand sat weeping over his father’s death.
Word Meanings
precious: very valuable and important
namely: that is to say; specifically
freedom: the state of being free
angrily: in a state of anger
dare: to have the courage to do something bold
released: set free
obey: to follow orders
willingly: gladly and without resistance
meanwhile: during the same time
weeping: crying
Explanation: Prospero praises Ariel for completing his task perfectly but reminds him that more important work still needs to be done before evening. Ariel then asks Prospero to remember his promise of giving him freedom. Prospero becomes angry and reminds Ariel that he had rescued him from imprisonment in the pine tree and that the time for freedom has not yet come. Realizing his mistake Ariel apologizes and promises to obey willingly. Prospero then calms down and assures Ariel that he will be freed after two days if he continues to serve faithfully. Ariel happily goes away to carry out his new task and heads towards Ferdinand who is sitting alone and crying over his father’s supposed death.
Passage: Remaining invisible, Ariel sang a beautiful song and led Ferdinand to the place where Prospero and Miranda were.
“What is that, Father?” asked Miranda in wonder, when she saw Ferdinand at a distance. “Is it a spirit? It has a noble and beautiful appearance.” Miranda, as you know, had not known what a young man looked like and, moreover, Ferdinand was a handsome young man. Seeing Miranda, Ferdinand thought that she was the goddess of this island of wonders, where he had just heard Ariel’s strange-sounding song. He fell on his knees and began to speak to her as to a goddess. You can imagine his surprise when he heard her say sweetly in his own language, “Sir, I am no goddess, but a simple girl.”
Word Meanings
remaining: staying in the same state
invisible: unable to be seen
wonder: a feeling of amazement
distance: far away
spirit: a supernatural being
noble: having fine qualities; dignified
appearance: outward look
moreover: in addition
handsome: good-looking
goddess: a female divine being
island of wonders: a place full of magical and surprising things
fell on his knees: knelt down
sweetly: gently and kindly
Explanation: In this passage Ariel, while remaining invisible, sings a magical song and guides Ferdinand to Prospero and Miranda. When Miranda sees Ferdinand from a distance, she is filled with wonder because she has never seen a young man before. She mistakes him for a spirit due to his noble and attractive appearance. Ferdinand, on the other hand, is equally amazed by Miranda. Influenced by Ariel’s strange song and the magical surroundings, he believes Miranda to be the goddess of the island. He kneels before her and speaks respectfully. Miranda gently clears his misunderstanding by telling him that she is not a goddess but an ordinary girl. This scene highlights the innocence and mutual wonder felt by both Miranda and Ferdinand at their first meeting.
Passage: Prospero was very happy to find that the two young people had fallen in love with each other at first sight. But in order to test Ferdinand’s love, Prospero pretended to think that the young man was a spy.
“Come along, young man,” he said roughly. “You are a spy who has come to steal this island from me. You are now my prisoner.” Ferdinand tried to resist, and drew his sword; but waving his wand, Prospero fixed him to the spot by the power of his magic. Miranda hung upon her father and pleaded for Ferdinand.
Word Meanings
fallen in love: begun to love deeply
at first sight: immediately upon seeing someone
pretended: acted as if something were true when it was not
spy: a person who secretly gathers information
roughly: harshly or rudely
prisoner: a person kept in captivity
resist: to oppose or fight against
drew his sword: took out his sword to fight
wand: a magical stick
fixed to the spot: made unable to move
pleaded: begged earnestly
Explanation: Prospero realizes that Miranda and Ferdinand have fallen in love at first sight, which makes him happy. However, he decides to test the sincerity and strength of Ferdinand’s love. To do this, he pretends that Ferdinand is a spy who has come to steal the island. He speaks harshly and declares Ferdinand his prisoner. Ferdinand tries to defend himself by drawing his sword, but Prospero uses his magical power and immobilizes him with his wand. Seeing Ferdinand helpless, Miranda clings to her father and begs him to show mercy. This scene shows Prospero’s controlling nature as well as Miranda’s compassion and growing love for Ferdinand.
Passage: “Please do not treat him like that, Father. He cannot be a spy. He does not look like one.”
“Silence,” said Prospero. “Are you trying to teach me? Perhaps you think he is the most beautiful person on the earth, because you have seen only Caliban and me. Compared to Caliban he seems handsome enough, but compared to other men he is a Caliban !”
“Then my desires are most humble,” replied Miranda. “I do not wish to see a handsomer person.”
“Come along, sir,” Prospero said to Ferdinand, leading him away. Ferdinand could hardly resist the power of Prospero’s magic, and he had to follow. He said to himself, “My misfortunes and this unkind treatment would all be nothing to me if, from my prison window, I could see this girl once a day.
Word Meanings
treat: behave towards someone
silence: command to stop speaking
compared to: judged in relation to
desires: wishes
humble: modest and simple
resist: oppose or struggle against
misfortunes: bad luck or troubles
unkind: cruel or harsh
prison: a place of confinement
Explanation: Miranda pleads with her father to show kindness to Ferdinand and insists that he cannot be a spy. Prospero angrily silences her and mocks her opinion, saying she finds Ferdinand handsome only because she has seen no other men except Caliban and himself. Miranda calmly replies that her wishes are simple and she does not desire anyone more handsome than Ferdinand. Prospero then leads Ferdinand away as a prisoner using his magical power, which Ferdinand cannot resist. Despite his suffering and harsh treatment, Ferdinand feels that all his troubles would be worthwhile if he could see Miranda even once a day, showing the depth of his love for her.
Passage: Prospero set him the task of piling up heavy logs. Miranda stole out of her room to see him at work, and her presence made his labour seem light to him.
“Alas, sir,” she said, “please sit down and rest a little. I will carry your logs in the meantime. I quite like it. Let me carry the logs; my father is at his studies, safely out of our way for the next three hours.” In fact, Prospero was all the time standing at a distance, watching his daughter with amusement and sympathy.
“No, my precious creature,” replied Ferdinand, “I cannot let you do that!”
Of course, this love-talk did not help the work of piling up logs, but Ferdinand managed to tell Miranda how he loved her better than anyone else he had ever seen. As for Miranda, she could not imagine a person whom she could love more.
Word Meanings
piling: placing things one over another
logs: heavy pieces of wood
stole out: went out quietly
presence: the state of being there
labour: hard physical work
alas: an expression of sorrow or concern
meantime: the time between events
amusement: gentle enjoyment
sympathy: understanding and kindness
Explanation: Prospero gives Ferdinand the hard task of carrying heavy logs to test his love and patience. Miranda secretly comes to see Ferdinand working and her presence makes his hard labour seem easy to him. Feeling sympathy for Ferdinand she asks him to rest and offers to carry the logs herself while her father is busy. Unknown to her Prospero is watching them from a distance with affection and approval. Ferdinand refuses her offer because he does not want her to suffer and calls her precious showing his deep love. Although their loving conversation delays the work both Ferdinand and Miranda express their strong feelings for each other and realize that they love no one more than one another.
Passage: Prospero decided not to try Ferdinand further, and soon released him from his hard task.
“The trials you have undergone were a test of your love,” said Prospero, to the great joy and surprise of Ferdinand. “As your reward I give you my daughter, who is my most precious possession. My blessings are with you both.”
Word Meanings
try: to test someone’s ability or patience
released: set free
trials: difficult experiences or tests
undergone: experienced or suffered
reward: something given in return for effort
blessings: good wishes and approval
Explanation: Prospero decides that Ferdinand has proved his love and loyalty and therefore he stops testing him. He frees Ferdinand from the hard work of carrying logs. Prospero explains that all the difficulties Ferdinand faced were meant to test the sincerity of his love for Miranda. Pleased with Ferdinand’s patience and devotion Prospero rewards him by giving him Miranda’s hand in marriage. He also gives his blessings to both of them showing his full approval and happiness at their union.
Passage: In the meantime the King of Naples, Antonio, Gonzalo (who was in the King’s party) and others were wandering about on the island. Tired out and hungry, they sat down to rest. Ariel put inviting food before them, but when they tried to eat it, it disappeared suddenly. Ariel appeared to them with thunder and lightening. While they stood amazed at the sight, he said to Antonio and the King, “You are two men guilty before God and man. Think of your evil deeds. Remember how cruelly you treated Prospero and his innocent child. It was a terrible crime. All that you have undergone is God’s punishment for your crimes. If you do not sincerely repent of your evil deeds, there is worse in store for you.” Then Ariel disappeared in thunder and lightening leaving them almost mad with fear and their sense of guilt.
Word Meanings
wandering: moving about without a fixed direction
tired out: completely exhausted
inviting: attractive and tempting
disappeared: suddenly vanished
lightening: bright flashes in the sky during a storm
amazed: filled with wonder or shock
guilty: responsible for a wrongdoing
evil deeds: bad or wicked actions
innocent: free from guilt or blame
undergone: experienced or suffered
in store: waiting in the future
sense of guilt: feeling of shame for wrongdoing
Explanation: The King of Naples Antonio Gonzalo and their companions are shown suffering on the island. They are tired hungry and confused. Ariel uses magic to place food before them and then makes it vanish to increase their fear. He appears with thunder and lightening and accuses the King and Antonio of their cruel betrayal of Prospero and his innocent child. Ariel declares that their present suffering is God’s punishment for their sins and warns them that even greater suffering will follow if they do not truly repent. His terrifying words and sudden disappearance leave them frightened shocked and filled with guilt showing that their conscience has been awakened.
Passage: “Now that they have sincerely repented, we need not punish them further,” said Prospero to Ariel. Ariel led them to the place where Prospero was. When they saw Prospero, they were so amazed that at first they could hardly believe their eyes. The King agreed to restore the dukedom to Prospero, and Prospero, on his part, forgave the king all that was past. The King told Prospero how they had been shipwrecked and how he had lost Ferdinand, his dear son, in the wreck.
“I am very sorry to hear of your loss,” said Prospero. “I lost my daughter too in the tempest.” In a sense Prospero was speaking the truth because he had lost his daughter to Ferdinand.
“How I wish they were both alive,” said the King, “to be king and queen of Naples!”
Prospero took the party into his cave and showed them Ferdinand and Miranda, who were happily playing chess.
Word Meanings
sincerely: honestly and genuinely
repented: felt deep regret for one’s sins
punish: to give pain or penalty for a fault
amazed: greatly surprised
restore: to give back what was taken away
dukedom: the territory ruled by a duke
forgave: stopped feeling anger or resentment
shipwrecked: destroyed at sea by a storm
in a sense: in a particular way
a groparty: up of people
Explanation: In this passage Prospero decides that since his enemies have truly repented, they should not be punished any further. Ariel brings them before Prospero and they are shocked to see him alive. The King of Naples promises to return Prospero’s dukedom and Prospero generously forgives him for past wrongs. The King then speaks sadly about losing his son Ferdinand in the shipwreck. Prospero replies that he too has lost his daughter meaning that Miranda now belongs to Ferdinand. When the King expresses his wish that Ferdinand and Miranda were alive to rule Naples Prospero happily reveals them playing chess together. This scene brings reconciliation joy and a happy ending to the story.
Passage: “O wonder!” said Miranda when she saw so many people together. “How many wonderful people there are here! How beautiful mankind is!” Gonzalo, the kind old man, who had helped Prospero, wept for joy to see this scene of reconciliation. Prospero broke his magic wand and buried his books of magic because he had no further use for them. He set Ariel free as he had promised.
Ariel sang:
Where the bee sucks there suck I;
In a cowslip’s bell I lie;
There I couch when owls do cry.
On the bat’s back I do fly
After summer merrily.
Merrily, merrily, shall I live now
Under the blossom that hangs on
the bough.
Prospero and party sailed to Naples leaving Caliban in possession of the island. Ariel helped them with favourable winds; that was his last service to his master.
Word Meanings
mankind: human beings collectively
reconciliation: the act of restoring friendly relations
wept: cried
buried: put away permanently
possession: control or ownership
Explanation: Miranda marvels at seeing so many people together and expresses her admiration for humanity. Gonzalo, who had helped Prospero, is moved to tears at the scene of reconciliation. Prospero decides he no longer needs his magical powers, so he breaks his magic wand and buries his books. True to his promise, he sets Ariel free. Ariel celebrates his freedom with a joyful song describing his life among nature. Finally, Prospero and the party return to Naples, leaving Caliban in charge of the island. Ariel gives them favourable winds, completing his final service to Prospero. This marks the conclusion of the story with peace, forgiveness, and freedom.
Conclusion
This post covers the lesson “The Tempest” from the JKBOSE Class 9 English Tulip book. Students can go through the summary, lesson explanation and word meanings to get a clear understanding of the lesson.