The Nature of Discovery in ‘The Tempest’

Character/ Act/ Scene Nature of and discovery made
Prospero- rediscovers Uncovered a hidden truth- the
his brother’s betrayal betrayal of his brother Antonio
of his trust and his
own flaws as the Duke Acknowledges a flaw within himself-
of Milan (Act 1, scene That he neglected the practical duties
ii, lines 25-186) of his role as a duke and that shutting
himself away with his books
unwittingly stirred up evil desires in
his brother for power, wealth and
status
Impact/ transformation
Overcome with grief and
anger, desire for revenge is
born
Techniques used to convey New Insight/ perception
 Anger conveyed through  Results in Prospero’s
disjointed, highly emotive inability to trust others
language “I pray thee, mark  Desire to always be in
me (that a brother should be control and a position
so perfidious!) ( I, ii, 67-68) of power within
 Symbolism of the tempest- a relationships
physical manifestation of  Recognised that he is
Prospero’s anger and suffering flawed and was not the
 Stage direction of the first leader he was required
scene-“a tempestuous noise to be
of thunder and lightning”,
reoccurring storm imagery:
“roarers”, “the sea”, “sink”,
“drowning” and “the washing
of ten tides”.
 Use of a metaphor to admit
his preoccupation with
learning “Me poor man, my
library was dukedom large
enough.”
 Use of a metaphor to describe
his brother’s betrayal “The ivy
which has hid my princely
trunk, And sucked my venture
out on’t.”

Miranda – Prospero Discovery her personal history. Who Her heart is broken by the Use of alliteration. Perceptive insight Gains new insight into the
finally shares her she is and who her father was in recount of her uncle’s into humanity “Good wombs have nature of humanity, that the
personal history (Act another time and place betrayal of her father. borne bad sons.” (I, ii, 120) potential for good an evil lies
1, scene ii, lines 25- Emotive language and high modality within every man. Some of her
186) to convey the effect the discovery has innocence and naivety are
on her “Oh, my heart bleeds/To think tarnished by this discovery.
o' th' teen that I have turned you

Character/ Act/ Scene Nature of and discovery made
Ariel discovered what Ariel, like Caliban is a native of the
it meant to move from island who has discovered what it
one form of means to be a “colonized subject” of
entrapment to Prospero after Prospero frees him
another (Act 1, scene from the cloven pine where he was
2, lines 238-306) imprisoned by the damned witch
Sycorax.
Ariel is undoubtedly suppressed by
Prospero and becomes his ‘servant’
whose loyalty to Prospero hangs on
the promise that he will one day be
granted his freedom.
Caliban- discovered Intellectual and emotional
the gift of discovery- exposed to the
language and European culture and the
what it meant English language. Is enslaved
to be civilised. by Prospero and Miranda
All this was after he attempts to rape her.
taken from Discovers just how powerful
him when he Prospero’s magic is and that
attempted to he must submit to him
rape Miranda because he cannot overpower
Impact/ transformation
The submissive attitude of
Ariel in his relationship
with Prospero stems from
the debt that this
engenders in him towards
his master. When Ariel
becomes so bold as to ask
Prospero when he is to be
set free from his authority,
Prospero has only to
remind him of this debt
and Ariel’s submissive
attitude is restored.
Caliban develops an
intense hatred and
contempt for Prospero and
the ‘civilised” world.
Believes that what is
rightfully his (the island)
has been taken from him.
to,/Which is from my remembrance!
Please you, farther.” (I, ii, 63-67)
Techniques used to convey
Characterisation: The first appearance
of Ariel immediately establishes his
character as that of a submissive,
deferential subject. His language is
that of a slave who binds himself to
his master without question:
"All hail, great master! Grave sir, hail! I
come/To answer thy best pleasure”( I, ii,
189-93)
Each character’s different approach to
language is indicative of their
different attitudes and modes of
thinking. Ariel’s language is ordered
and stylistic.
Derogatory language used by
Prospero to address Caliban is
indicative of the relationship that
exists between them “Thou most lying
slave, Whom stripes may move, not
kindness! I have used thee, filth thou
art…”
Use of an aside to allow the audience
to understand why Caliban submits to
Prospero [aside]”I must obey; his art
New Insight/ perception
In the same way that Ariel is
dependent upon Prospero for
his freedom, Prospero is
dependent upon Ariel for the
fulfilment of his plans. Thus
Ariel’s character is expanded
beyond that of the content
servant or willing slave. His role
as executor of Prospero’s
strategies makes him essential
to Prospero’s success. This
entails a significant reversal in
roles. Ariel becomes the one in
control, for it is his power of
enchantment upon which
Prospero is dependent. Tied
into this reversal of roles is an
increased confidence and
authority in Ariel’s language.
Prospero uses his power over
Caliban in a malicious, vengeful
manner. He influences Caliban
by intimidating him with
threats of bodily discomforts
and annoyances. The audience
is therefore challenged to
reconsider society’s attitude to
and treatment of indigenous
people. Through this discovery
(Act 1, scene 2, lines the magician. When he is is of such power, It would control my the duality of Prospero’s
309-377) subjugated, Caliban thus dam’s god Setebos, And make a vassal identity both as a father and a
rejects everything that he has of him.” ruler are revealed.
inherited from Prospero, Caliban’s use of metaphors and
including language. Caliban sarcasm and insults to share his view By rejecting language, Caliban
essentially feels betrayed, and of the discoveries made about the is rejecting knowledge itself.
this is evident in the tone that “civilised” world and unwillingness With knowledge comes a
is used to address Prospero in and resentment that he is forced to realization of one’s inadequacy,
his first speech. His rebellious serve “You taught me language, and and Caliban prefers to remain
attitude is a reaction to his my profit on’t Is, I know how to in that more primitive state of
feeling that he is being curse.The red plague rid you For blissful ignorance.
unjustly used and subjugated. learning me your language!”

Character/ Act/ Scene Nature of and discovery made Impact/ transformation Techniques used to convey New Insight/ perception
Miranda discovers Emotional and intellectual discovery- Prospero’s decision to High modality and use of Miranda experiences love for
Ferdinand and falls in Miranda falls in love with Ferdinand enslave Ferdinand causes exclamations conveys her excitement the first time. Her experience
love-Act 1, scene ii, the moment she lays eyes on him. Miranda to begin to “I might call him divine, for nothing and understanding of
lines 410-508 Miranda’s discovery of mankind is on question her father’s natural I ever saw so noble.” Use of relationships with others is
Also discovers the of awe, admiration and fascination. authority and to find her metaphor to compare him to god. furthered.
duality of her father’s own defiant voice and to Use of questions to challenge the
nature become independent of authority of her father “Why speaks A shift has begun within the
him. my father so urgently? …Pity move my familial relationship between
father/ To be inclined my way.” Prospero and Miranda as
Use of an aside- the above statement Miranda questions her father’s
made by Miranda is delivered in an power and authority and begins
aside. Her thought are shared with to find her own ‘voice’.
the audience but she is not yet brave
enough to challenge her father’s
authority.
Members of the royal Alonso, Sebastian, Antonio, Gonzalo,
court discover the Adrian, Francisco and others from the
island on which they shipwreck have found each other after
are shipwrecked. washing up on the island. Theirs is a
Share their contrasting physical discovery as all of them have
perspectives of the had their lives have been spared, yet
same discovery - they respond very differently,
Adrian, Sebastian and emotionally and intellectually the
Gonzalo (famous island as they wander about.
utopia speech) Act 2,
scene I, lines 34-173)
Gonzalo embarks on an intellectual
discovery as the island and his view of
it prompt his view of a utopia or ideal
society.
Gonzalo discovers what he
believes are the short falls
of the Elizabethan world in
terms of power, social
structures, culture and the
nature of relationships. He
shares with those present
(and the audience) his ideal
kingdom.
Gonzalo’s use of a hyperbole to Shakespeare utilises this scene
emphasise how lucky them mean are to further our understanding of
to have perished in the storm “But for the different temperament and
a miracle- I mean our preservation- views of his characters.
few in millions can speak like us.”
Contrast Exposed to the same discovery
Adrian’s mixed response of the island but seeing it from differing
is convey through the use of perspectives and eyes the
assonance and ambiguous word audience is also invited to
choice “Though this island may consider/ discover what makes
appear desolate…Uninhabitable and for an ideal society and to
inaccessible…It must needs be of evaluate the political and social
subtle, tender, and delicate structures of the Elizabethan
temperance.” era.
Shakespeare’s use of a metaphor and
personification to convey Sebastian’s
pessimistic view “As if it had lungs,
and rotten ones.” (rotting)
Antonio view - simile “Or as ‘twere
perfumed by a fen.” (stinks)
Gonzalo view- alliteration “How lush
and lusty the grass looks! How green.”
And the colour imagery and contrast
that follows:
Antonio “The ground indeed is
tawny.”
Sebastian “With an eye of green in ‘t.”
Gonzalo’s Utopia speech mirrors the An alternative society is put
thought of Montaigne’s essay “Of before the audience for
Cannibals” (1580) Use of literary consideration.
allusion
Repetition of “no” to highlight the
features of society Gonzalo would
eliminate from his ideal world
 Use of accumulation to emphasis that
there is much that he would prefer to
do without

Character/ Act/ Scene Nature of and discovery made Impact/ transformation Techniques used to convey New Insight/ perception
Alonso- discovers the Emotional discovery- the realisation Beginning of the discovery Painful realisation of the mistake Alonso gains insight into his
mistake he that he has taken familial relationships process for Alonso. Events made in demanding that his daughter flaws as a father. He is aware
made in for granted and wronged his daughter that have unfolded on the marry an African, the king of Tunis that he has put what is in the
marrying his by going against her wishes and the island will force him to re- revealed through his use of hyperbole best interest of Naples ahead of
daughter advice of the royal court. evaluate his treatment of, “You cram these words into mine ears his daughter’s personal
Claribel to the and relationship with against the stomach of my senses.” happiness and taken his son for
king of Tunis. Depth of his sorrow as he comes to others. granted.
Importance of terms with the fact that his son is Tactless accusations and use of
familial most likely dead is revealed. imperative by Sebastian which force
relationships Alonso to consider the gravity of his
(Act 2, scene I, actions “You were kneeled to and
lines 89-138) importuned otherwise by all of us…
The fault’s your own.”

Gonzalo- weather metaphor to

describe the negative effect of
Alonso’s discovery on all those
present “It is foul weather in us all,
good sir, When you are cloudy.’

Audience discovers Emotional and intellectual discovery The audience discovers and Antonio- use of the cold/ slipper New insight into the darker side
the opportunistic for the audience. considers the lengths that metaphor to suggest that he is void of of humanity and how easily
nature of Antonio’s some men are prepared to a conscience and has no problem with some men are corrupted when
and Sebastian’s go in order to satisfy their killing Sebastian’s brother Alonso so an opportunity for personal
desires to be king (Act desires for power, wealth that Sebastian can become the king gain presents itself.
2, scene 1, lines 187- and prestige. “Ay, sir. Where lies that? If ‘twere a
285) kibe, “Twould put me to my slipper.
But I feel not This deity in my bosom.”
Character/ Act/ Scene
Trinculo and Stephano discover
Caliban and claim the island
and the monster as their own
Act 2, scene 2 and Act 3, scene
2 lines 1-37
Nature of and discovery made
-Physical discovery of the island
and Caliban
-Audience’s discovery of the
contextual ideas of colonialism
and the Great Chain of Being
Impact/ transformation
-Allows Stephano and Trinculo
to subvert the Great Chain of
Being and on the island, they
are the royalty whereas in
Elizabethan society, they are
lower class
-Also allowed the reader to
discover the cruelty of
contextual imperialism
Techniques used to convey New Insight/ perception
- The repetition of ‘monster’
(“Servant monster”, “brave Audience realises that
monster”, “man-monster”) discovery can empower or
highlights the treatment of disempower discoverers
indigenous peoples
-Caliban’s use of prose denotes
the effect of colonialism,
bringing things from the
‘civilised’ world to the natives,
such as alcohol

Prospero discovers a new sense
of joy when Miranda and
Ferdinand exchange vows of
love and agree to be married
Act 3, scene 1, lines 30-100.
-Emotional discovery of love
from Miranda
-Emotional/intellectual
discovery that power and magic
are not the only important
things in the world for Prospero
-Causes Miranda to discover
her true nature and voice for
the first time, almost defies
father
-Prospero discovers the beauty
of love and its effect on people
-Prospero’s aside is one step in
his process of discovery. He
steps aside and allows nature
to take its course, not
controlling the,
Emotional discoveries can
challenge our preconceived
ideas about what is important
in life.
Character/ Act/ Scene
Alonso, Sebastian, Antonio,
Gonzalo, Adrian and Francisco
are reminded at the banquet of
their crimes which Prospero
conjures and at which Ariel
appears in the form of harpy
Act 3, scene 3 , lines 1-111
Prospero’s gift of the wedding
masque to betrothed couple.
Prospero’s epiphany as he
shares his thought on the
impermanence of man’s
creations, the limitations of his
magic and his desire to move
on from a place of anger and
hatred. (Act 4, scene 1)
Nature of and discovery made
-Emotional/intellectual
rediscovery of their crimes
-Prospero’s emotional
discovery of the importance of
relationships
Impact/ transformation
-Discover consequences of their
deeds (i.e. Ferdinand’s ‘death’)
-All feel guilty
-Prospero begins to let go of his
power (process)
Techniques used to convey New Insight/ perception
-Intertextuality of the harpy as
bringers of death represents
Alonso’s death of hope and Discoveries can remind people
spirit, as well has Ferdinand’s of their past and conjure up
assumed death negative feelings of regret and
dismay
-Personification and nature
description of the sea (“the Discoveries of truth can
never-surfeited sea hath caused confront the discoverers.
to blech up you”) demonstrates
that their crimes aren’t natural
-Ariel’s role reversal, as she
subverts the Great Chain of
Being. She is in power of the
court, despite being a slave to
Prospero
-Juno’s pun, “that they may
prosperous be and honoured in Discovers can cause discoverers
their issue,” allows Prospero to to reassess what they
speak through the spirits previously though were
important in life
-Metaphor of “we are such
stuff as dreams are made on”
highlights the unimportance of
man-made things
Character/ Act/ Scene
Caliban discovers the
materialistic and shallow
nature of his new masters.
Trinculo and Stephano’s
colonial attitudes towards
possession, power and
ownership resurface for the
audience (Act 4, scene1)
Nature of and discovery made
-Trinculo and Caliban have
different responses to the same
discovery
-Physical discovery of the
clothing
-Caliban’s discovery of
materialism
Impact/ transformation
-It delays Caliban’s plot to take
down Prospero
-Caliban discovers the
unimportance of man-made
items and the simple-
mindedness of man
Techniques used to convey New Insight/ perception
- the repetition of ‘o’ reveals Different responses to the
how Stephano and Trinculo are same discovery and cause
only concerned about conflict and disillusionment.
appearances (verisimilitude)
-Contrast of Caliban’s prose
with Trinculo and Stephano’s
verse proves that Caliban is
more authentic than the other
two

Prospero discovers that it is
more important to be noble
and virtuous than to seek
vengeance on those who have
wronged him. Now that his
enemies have admitted their
crimes and are sorry he has no
desire for revenge. He has
forgiven them and discovers
that he no longer needs or
-Prospero’s emotional
discovery that forgiveness is
the only way to be happy
-Also discovers the value in
interpersonal relationships
-He frees Ariel and gives up his
power
-He forgives the court for their
wrongdoings
-Contrast of “in virtue than in
vengeance” highlights that his
achieved goal resulted in
compassion
-Stage direction of music,
which is symbolic of Prospero’s
power, the ‘solemn’ music
denotes that he is letting go of
his power
Discoveries offer a renewed
identity and perspective of
humanity.
Discovery of one’s power can
change our mindset and how
we interact with others.
desires his magic. (Act 5, scene
1)
Character/ Act/ Scene
Prospero rediscovers his
identity as a Duke of Milan but
has been transformed by his
experiences on the island and
chooses to rule differently
when he returns home (Act 5,
scene 1)
Alonso in a frantic state when
Prospero reveals his identity
and the two grieve their shared
loss of a child. He then
discovers that his son is alive
and that Ferdinand has fallen in
love with Miranda. (Act 5 ,
scene 1)
Nature of and discovery made
-Intellectual discovery of how
Prospero’s own faults helped in
his downfall
-Discovery that humanity is not
as evil as once thought
-Emotional rediscovery of the
pain and grief he felt when
Prospero tells him that he lost
his daughter
-Rediscovery of Alonso’s
mistake in marrying off his
daughter
Impact/ transformation
-Prospero’s mindset has
changed as his forgives the
court after discovering his own
faults
-Alonso has turned extremely
depressive and grief-stricken
but when he discovers that
Ferdinand is alive, he is much
more thankful and accepting of
his son
Techniques used to convey
- the personification of “whose
inward pinches therefore are
most strong” denotes that his
conscience is speaking to him,
urging him to forgive
-The dramatic
irony/foreshadowing of “the
king and queen there!”
illuminates that his change in
attitude and discovers that he
has taken his relationships with
family for granted
New Insight/ perception
Discoveries of one’s own faults
and misdeeds evokes a change
of perspective towards oneself
and others.
Rediscovering one’s mistakes
transforms the way one
interacts with other people.
Character/ Act/ Scene
Prospero grants Ariel the gift of
his freedom (Act 5, scene 1)
Prospero discovers what it
means to be without his magic,
to be without its power and the
ability to control his, and the
future of others. He discovers
what it is like to put his life at
the mercy of others. He asks for
forgiveness and that he will be
set free by the audience.
Nature of and discovery made
-Prospero discovers that power
and magic is not needed when
he has extremely important
emotional relationships – he
doesn’t need to control them
Impact/ transformation
-Prospero releases his spirits
and gives up his magic and
books, becoming powerless
Techniques used to convey New Insight/ perception
-the audience involvement of Discoveries can drastically
“let your indulgences set me change attitudes and send
free” allows the audience to discoverers on a journey to re-
make discoveries of their own examine their own beliefs.
by analysing their actions
-Rhyming couplets are used to
reinforce Prospero’s
transformation