The Tempest: An Abridged Text

Subject: English as an Additional Language
Level: Secondary
Age Group: 11-14 and 14-16
Order Number: 5260

The Tempest us a play written by William Shakespeare, who was one of England;s greatest playwrights. William Shakespeare lived between 1564 and 1616. The Tempest was probably written between 1610 and 1613, although it is difficult to know the exact date. The Tempest opens with a storm at sea, and the action quickly moves to an island. All the people on board the ship are washed up onto the island, although one of the characters, Prince Ferdinand is seperated from the others. A magician, named Prospero rules the island. Twelve years earlier, Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, had been set adrift to die at sea with hsi three year old daughter Miranda, after his brother Antonio siezed his dukedom with the help of King Alonso. Prospero caused the tempest. He wanted the storm to wash the King to his island because he had some unfinished business with him. Prospero has a half man, half beast servant, called Caliban. There is also a spirit named Ariel with him. Prospero's daughter Miranda is also on the island. After the shipwreck, Prospero send Ariel to lure Ferdinant to Miranda as he wants them to fall in love, which they later do. Antonio and Sebastian plot to kill the King of Naples whilst he is sleeping but fail. Caliban plots with Stephano and Trinculo to murder Propero but they fail too. Prospero used his magic to foil the plots and to cast the island dwellers under his spell. He then gives up his magic, takes control of his dukedom and prepares to return to Italy to become duke again and to see Ferdinand and Miranda marry. At the end of the play, only Caliban is left on the island.
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