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In The Tempest, how does the ship's perceived fate in Act 1's first scene differ from its actual fate?
Quick answer:
In Act 1, Scene 1 of "The Tempest," the ship carrying Alonso and his party seems doomed to destruction by a violent storm, leaving the passengers fearing for their lives. However, in Act 1, Scene 2, it is revealed that the storm was an illusion created by Ariel under Prospero's orders. The ship and its passengers are unharmed, with the party safely arriving on Prospero's island, separated but alive, as part of Prospero's plan.
In the first scene of the play, a violent tempest wreaks havoc aboard Alonso's ship, which is sailing back to Naples from Africa. During the tempest, lightning flashes around the boat as massive waves disrupt the ship. The royal party on the ship fears for their lives and the insolent Boatswain orders them to remain in their cabins. The opening scene of the play suggests that the ship will be destroyed and the royal party will lose their lives.
In act 1, scene 2, Ariel reports back to Prospero what actually happened during the tempest. The audience learns that Ariel used his magic to create the terrifying spectacle at sea to fulfill his orders from Prospero. Ariel then informs Prospero that no one in the royal party was hurt and mentions that they safely arrived on Prospero's island.
Ariel also tells Prospero that he split up the royal party and...
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Ferdinand is separated from his father. In addition to ensuring the royal party's safety, Ariel hid the ship in a deep cove and used a spell to make the sailors fall asleep below deck. The other ships are gathered together in the Mediterranean, sailing sadly home towards Naples.
When this amazing play opens we are presented with the unforgettable scene of a ship in the midst of a massive storm. The crew and passengers all fear the worst, and indeed are forced to leave the ship to try and escape destruction. However, in Act I scene ii we learn that this is a storm that has been created by Prospero for his own purposes of bringing his former enemies on to the island, and in spite of appearances, that even take in his daughter Miranda, none have perished. In response to her worry and distress at having witnessed the supposed death of the passengers, he consoles her:
Be collected.
No more amazement. Tell your piteous heart
There's no harm done.
Prospero has used his magical arts to separate the various passengers of the boat for his own purpose - to confront them with their past misdemeanours and of course to bring Ferdinand and his daughter Miranda together. So although the various individuals believe that others have perished, all are actually safe, protected by the magic of Prospero and brought securely on to the island.