Act V, Scene 1 Summary
Prospero vows to stop practicing magic forever, saying he will break and bury his staff in order to signify this promise. He then orders Ariel to fetch Alonso, Antonio, and the other men who were under Prospero's spell. During this conversation, Prospero confronts and forgives each of the men who has done him wrong. At first, Alonso and the others cannot decide if Prospero is even real, since they have been confronted with so many illusions during their time on the island. To ensure that they believe him, Prospero has Ariel fetch his royal uniform that he used to wear as the duke of Milan. He states that he forgives Antonio, despite how terrible his brother's betrayal was, and he asks for his dukedom to be restored. Antonio grants this to him.
During this scene, Prospero has Ariel communicate with the master and boatswain of Alonso's ship—who were put under a spell and stowed in the ship's cargo hold—to arrange for safe passage back to Italy. Ariel also retrieves Caliban, Stephano, and Trinculo, whom Prospero releases from their servitude—but not before forcing them to clean up Prospero's chamber as punishment for plotting to have Prospero overthrown on the island.
Believing that Ferdinand is dead, Alonso despairs after realizing he will return home without his son. Prospero explains that he himself lost his daughter in the recent storm, pulling back a curtain to reveal Ferdinand and Miranda playing chess. Ferdinand is overjoyed to see his father alive and tells him about his love for Miranda and Prospero. Miranda is equally happy because there are more people there than she has seen since she was a child.
Prospero and Alonso then agree that their children shall be married upon their return to Milan. Prospero asks Ariel to use his supernatural power to ensure the ship's safe passage, after which Ariel will be forever free.
The epilogue that appears at the end of the play is a monologue Prospero directly addresses to the audience. Just like his slaves, Prospero says that he will be trapped on the island by the audience unless they agree to free him with their applause. Prospero entreats the audience to clap in order to break the spell, thereby allowing him to return home with the others.
Many interpret this scene as revealing Prospero's function as an artist or a playwright; he has woven a story to entertain an audience for a purpose. Now that the purpose of his act has been achieved, he would like to know if the audience enjoyed the art enough to set him free from his creation.
Expert Q&A
Why does Prospero refer to his art as "rough magic" in The Tempest, Act 5 Scene 1?
Prospero refers to his magic as "rough" because he plans to renounce it, recognizing its limitations and its unsuitability for civilized life at court. While effective on the island, his magic cannot alter emotions or thoughts, such as those of Antonio or Sebastian. It is powerful but crude, inadequate for refining human nature or fitting within the political and social intricacies of court life, to which he is returning.
What does Prospero mean by "This thing of darkness I acknowledge mine" in Act 5, Scene 1 of The Tempest, and how does it relate to his relationship with Caliban?
"This thing of darkness I acknowledge mine" (act 5, scene 1).
In Act 5, Scene 1 of The Tempest, Prospero's phrase "This thing of darkness I acknowledge mine" refers to Caliban and his state of servitude. Prospero dehumanizes Caliban by calling him a "thing" and views him as property rather than a person. This reflects their complex relationship, where Caliban resents Prospero's control and sees himself as the rightful ruler of the island.
In The Tempest, Act 5, Scene 1, what does Alonso mean by "Irreparable is the loss, and patience Says it is past her cure"?
Alonso's quote expresses his deep grief over the presumed death of his son, Ferdinand, whom he believes drowned. By saying "irreparable is the loss," Alonso acknowledges that his son cannot be recovered. He personifies "patience," suggesting that even patience cannot heal the profound sorrow and loss he feels. This reflects his despair and acceptance that Ferdinand will not return.
How do Prospero and Ariel's language use differ in Act 5, Scene 1, lines 1-104 of The Tempest?
In Act 5, Scene 1 of The Tempest, Prospero and Ariel's language reflects their power dynamics. Prospero commands and reflects broadly on his past and power, addressing Ariel and the world. Ariel responds with hesitancy, focusing precisely on present tasks. This contrast highlights Prospero's authoritative and reflective nature versus Ariel's task-oriented and deferential communication.
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